Microsoft announces new $189 Windows 10 Notebooks to take on Google’s Chromebook

Microsoft on Monday announces new Windows 10 and Windows 10 S laptops from Lenovo and JP at a starting price of $189, which roughly translates around Rs 12,000. These are basically school-focused laptops and are designed in a way to provide more options for schools who don’t want to compromise on Google Chromebooks.
These 4 new Windows 10 devices — Lenovo 300e, Lenovo 100e, Classmate Leap T303 and Trigono V401 2-in-1 come along with several cutting-edge tools like — touch, inking, 3D as well as free accessibility technology like Learning Tools. These tools help students improve their reading comprehension by almost 10 per cent.
The new Lenovo 100e is powered by an Intel Celeron Apollo Lake processor and is available at a price tag of $189. On the other hand, the new Lenovo 300e is a 2-in-1 convertible PC which comes along with a pen support and is available at a starting of $279 which roughly translates to Rs 17,790. Meanwhile, the Classmate Leap T303 laptop comes with Windows Hello at a starting price of $199, while the Trigono V401 2-in-1 laptop with pen and touch comes at $299.
All the 4 laptops are spill resistant and ruggedised, which will save the devices from accidental breakage. The devices also deliver a long battery life — which will help users avoid charging wires all over the classroom and have faster connectivity.
Alongside the laptops, Microsoft also unveils plans to offer free access to Office 365 Education to school teachers across 146 countries worldwide. Microsoft is also planning several developments for STEM — including new curricula for Computer Science with Minecraft, and also brings Mixed Reality headsets, and a new Chemistry update to improve the education system.
“We’re making STEM learning fun with a new Chemistry update to Minecraft — Education Edition and new mixed reality and video curricula from partners like BBC Worldwide Learning, LEGO Education, PBS, NASA, and Pearson,” notes the Redmond, Washington company.
The free Chemistry update will enable teachers to use the world of Minecraft and game-based learning to engage students of all ages in chemistry subject and provide information on everything starting from topics like building compounds to stable isotopes.
“With Microsoft 365 Education schools can get our complete software solution with free Office 365 Education and starting next month, with purchase of certain Microsoft 365 Education licenses, they can also get free Professional Development to help train teachers on how to get the most from their new technology,” notes Microsoft.