Microsoft: New Windows 10 school PCs from $189 have "none of the compromises" of Chromebooks

Microsoft has showcased a range of new Windows 10 PCs targeting the education sector - as well as taking on Google's increasingly affordable Chromebook devices.

All of the new PCs that it showed off today were built by its hardware partners, and priced from as little as $189. Many of the new devices include features which it says are "perfect for the classroom", such as touchscreens and Windows Ink pen support.

In its announcement today, Microsoft made it clear that it's not prepared to surrender the education market to the growing threat of Google's Chromebooks. In addition to highlighting key features of the new low-cost PCs, Microsoft said: "Now Windows 10 devices offer the power, performance and security schools need at the same price as Chromebooks, with none of the compromises."

It added: "We want to help all students – all over the world – have affordable access to the latest technology, with security they can trust, and the latest innovations that can help them learn and achieve more."

Below are the devices that are available from today (some of which we've seen before):

HP

We’ve seen great devices like the HP ProBook x360 11 Education Edition (starting at $289 with pen included) and the HP Stream 11 Pro G3 for Education (starting at $189) embraced by schools and this week at BETT we’ll showcase additional new devices, designed for education. These devices showcase the latest Windows 10 technology at prices competitive to Chromebooks, with the power, performance and security educators, students and families can count on from Windows.

Acer’s TravelMate Spin B118 Convertible Notebook is Made for the Classroom

The new 11.6-inch convertible notebook with a 360° hinge is sized for easy portability with a starting price of $299. It features four usage modes, Windows 10 Pro with a stylus to support Windows Ink, and a robust design made for the classroom that includes a pressure-resistant screen, shock-absorbent rubber bumper and spill-resistant keyboard. With up to 13 hours of battery life, students can easily power through a full day of school. Learn more about Acer’s announcements here.

Lenovo updates their Education Line of High-Value Windows 10 Devices

Computers in schools are put to heavy use, so Lenovo has improved the rugged, powerful and portable ThinkPad 11e series. Available in both clamshell or Yoga form-factors with Windows 10, ThinkPad 11e simplifies software and security management for educators and offers students notebooks that will last longer, even under the roughest handling. Engineered for education, ThinkPad 11e is focused on reliability and productivity, including military standard testing procedures and up to 11 hours’ battery life. The Yoga 11e comes with a pen and support for Windows Ink.

Lenovo N24 with pen support

Lenovo is pleased to announce a new Lenovo N24 featuring Windows 10 and newly added support for Windows Ink. We partnered with Lenovo to deliver this innovative device, designed for education. The N24 convertible notebook will offer an 11.6-inch IPS display with 360-degree screen rotation giving multimode capability, 10-point touch and an Active Pen with pen holder. The Lenovo N24 is expected to be available mid-2017.

The Lenovo N24 joins the currently available Lenovo N22 and N23 Yoga, powerful and durable notebooks built specifically for education at the affordable prices of $189 and $249, respectively. The Lenovo N23 is designed to meet the day-to-day needs of teachers and students with a ruggedized design and a 10-hour battery life. Learn more about Lenovo’s announcements here.

JP.IK Introduces new Windows 10 PC For Emerging Markets

JP.IK – one of the world’s largest distributors of devices for education – is announcing the TURN T201 PC for Windows 10. Designed for students between 12 and 18 years old, TURN T201 is a 360-degree convertible PC featuring an active stylus pen with pen holder enabling Windows Ink. It has preloaded Inspiring Knowledge Education Software, which enables teachers and students to work together, a Microlens that works as a microscope for science tasks and a Thermal Probe that detects temperature fluctuations. It also has a retractable handle, which makes it easier to carry around and less likely to be dropped. With Windows Hello, students and teachers will have quick and secure access. Learn more about JP.IK’s announcements here.