Lenovo and Intel Launch Lenovo Classmate+ PC

PC maker Lenovo has extended digital learning experience by associating with Intel Corporation for the launch of the new Lenovo (News - Alert) Classmate+ PC, a purpose-built laptop designed to improve learning for students in grades K-8.

“Lenovo is the first multi-national company to offer the Intel (News - Alert) Learning Series classmate PC for the global education market,” Kapil Wadhera, general manager, Education Markets Platforms Group at Intel said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lenovo to the Intel Learning Series Alliance and to work with them to extend the platforms availability to benefit more students and teachers around the world,” Wadhera added.

As stated, the Lenovo Classmate+ provides schools an affordable, child-friendly complete hardware and software solution. Based on the Intel Learning Series reference design, the PC will come pre-loaded with the Intel Learning Series software suite, specialized educational software and a variety of teaching resources.

In a press release, a Lenovo official clarified that this spring, the Organization of Ibero-American States will deploy the first wave of 158,000 Lenovo Classmate+ laptops as part of its Conectar Igualdad 1:1 computing program, which will equip students throughout the country with PC technology.

“As the fastest-growing PC company in education, we are committed to creating education solutions that improve schools' efficiency, as well as leading initiatives to evaluate how technology can measurably improve learning outcomes,” Michael Schmedlen, director of Worldwide Education, Lenovo said in a statement.

“Our work with Intel to offer products like the Lenovo Classmate+ PC will create more opportunities for K-8 administrators, teachers and students to realize the benefits of technology-enriched 1:1 learning experiences,” Schmedlen added.

The Lenovo Classmate+ laptop is designed for how children learn, based upon years of Intel’s ethnographic research in education and Lenovo’s heritage in this segment. The PC combines a modern design with ruggedness, full PC functionality and enhanced performance. The configurations pass rigorous testing with their drop-resistant exteriors and spill-resistant keyboards.

The Lenovo Classmate+ PC offers a full computing experience, equipped with an Intel Atom processor, Ethernet and WiFi (News - Alert) Internet connectivity, Windows 7 operating system and high-capacity storage up to 250 GB or solid state drive options. It also comes with a 10.1-inch LED backlit screen, a 1.3 megapixel camera, multiple USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader to support viewing multimedia.

The new Classmate+ PC is a part of Lenovo’s new Learning Environment, a model for how technology in education works in a classroom and 1:1 environment. Company statement clarified that the new Lenovo Classmate+ PC is made available with immediate effect worldwide to qualified education and government customers through Lenovo sales representatives and channel partners.

Earlier in March, TMC (News - Alert) reported on Lenovo’s launch of the ThinkCentre M91p desktop. According to a release, the ThinkCentre M91p desktop will be available in tower, small form factor and eco small form factor versions. It includes SATA III, USB 3.0, Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 and support for four monitors as well as security and manageability with the latest Intel Core vPro processors.