By
Delia
/ Last
update
January 19, 2022
Microsoft today announced the launch of several new education-focused devices running Windows 11 SE and Windows 11 Pro EDU. In addition to the recently announced Surface Laptop SE now available for customers in the education market, Microsoft partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JP-IK, Lenovo and Positivo today all announced Windows 11 and Windows 11 Pro EDU devices for the education market.
Back in November 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11 SE, a special edition of Windows 11 optimized for the education experience. Windows 11 SE differs in many ways from existing versions of Windows 11, including Windows 11 Education. Microsoft says that while education has changed fundamentally in recent years, Microsoft remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the needs of students and educators.
Windows 11 offers a powerful and simplified, clean and fluid design designed to make communication and collaboration easier. Windows 11 SE, introduced last November, ushered in a new era of education. Designed and built during the epidemic to address the most fundamental challenges facing schools in the blended learning space, it brought performance enhancements and optimized resources on low-cost devices to deliver a more comprehensive learning experience that was easy to deploy and manage.
Microsoft partners are building a broad portfolio of Windows 11 SE devices today, which are now becoming available worldwide. Educators will find a number of form factor options to meet student needs at prices to fit any budget. These new devices support more engaged, collaborative and accessible learning.
Below I will introduce a few of the newly released Windows 11 SE and Windows 11 Pro EDU devices.
Acer TravelMate Spin B3 laptop
The Acer TravelMate Spin B3 laptop, an 11.6-inch device built for use in K-12 school classrooms and at home, features military-grade durability to withstand drops, shock-absorbing bumpers with fixed latches and drainage to protect internal components from moderate spills.
It comes with the latest Intel Pentium Silver and Celeron processors, a webcam, 10 hours of battery life and Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology to help with connectivity in multi-user environments. Another Acer laptop with Windows 11 SE is the TravelMate B3.
ASUS BR1100F
For students of all ages, the ASUS BR1100F with Windows 11 SE is a study companion with a tough, innovative design that's built to last. It's built to withstand knocks, bumps, drops and spills without damage, whether dropped from a classroom table or a dining room table. In addition to the versatile touch screen and stylus, there is an ultra-strong 360-degree hinge and world-facing camera.
Other protective features include an all-around rubber bumper and spill-resistant keyboard. the BR1100F also supports Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4G LTE for fast connectivity and has AI-powered noise reduction for high-quality distance learning and conferencing. The modular design makes it easy to service, and antimicrobial treatments on the cover, keyboard, touchpad and palm rest help keep it clean.
Dell Latitude 3120 and 3120 2-in-1 education devices
The Dell Latitude 3120 and 3120 2-in-1 education devices make learning endless with the Windows 11 SE operating system. With its new chassis design, 11-inch display, Intel Celeron quad-core and Pentium quad-core processors, extended battery life and ExpressCharge (which charges the device to 80 percent in about an hour), students can confidently complete every lesson without interruption.
The optional Wi-Fi 6 enhances faster speeds, increased capacity and better power efficiency. Laser etching on the front and back provides enhanced friction to help prevent drops and slips. On the 2-in-1, Dragontrail Pro glass provides scratch resistance and better protection if the system is dropped into a corner. Engage students with the optional world-facing camera, which offers dual camera support for flipped viewing and recording angles. Students who want to write, take notes or draw from any angle or mode - flat, tent, tablet or laptop - can add the optional Dell Active Stylus.
Dynabook E10-S laptop
Specifically designed for distance and blended learning, the Dynabook E10-S is a full-featured 11.6-inch Windows 11 SE laptop that can be the perfect tool for students and their careers. With the support of helping students get the most from their education, Dynabook (formerly Toshiba PC Corporation) has equipped this compact and lightweight device with backpack security, a reinforced chassis with bumpers, a 180-degree hinge and a spill-resistant keyboard with mechanically fixed keys to withstand daily classroom use.
With its efficient Intel processor, solid-state storage and a range of ports including USB-C, the Dynabook E10 makes it easy to keep up with classes. The laptop's long-lasting battery helps students complete their study day and tackle their homework. All this at an affordable price.
HP ProBook Fortis 14-inch G9 notebook
HP has introduced new laptops to help students stay productive in the classroom, at home or on the go, or in a mix of all three environments. At the forefront is the HP ProBook Fortis 14-inch G9 notebook with Windows 11 SE. Designed to meet the higher demands of today's students, this device features a 14-inch diagonal display that gives them more screen to stay productive.
Students can also see their work more clearly with a brighter, anti-glare display and seamlessly access assignments and applications via Wi-Fi 6. No matter where you study, technology that can withstand the rigors of the world is paramount.
With a starting weight of 3.70 pounds, the notebook's textured surface makes it easier for students of all ages to grip and handle lightweight devices. Reinforced power and USB-C ports limit damage from accidental cable pulls, while mechanically reinforced corners and co-formed rubber trim absorb shock, and reinforced hinges minimize stress on the hinges from repeated opening and closing.
Students can also wipe down the case, keyboard and display with common household sanitizing and cleaning wipes.
Lenovo 10w tablet
Lenovo announced new additions to its broad education portfolio designed to enhance learning in a new era of education. These new devices are specifically designed to meet the needs of modern on-site and distance learning. Featuring Windows 11, the new Lenovo 10w tablets also include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c computing platform, providing an always-on, always-connected computing experience with powerful features and performance to help modernize learning. Its rugged rubber bumpers and Corning Gorilla Glass provide better protection from everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for young students. The detachable keyboard converts the tablet into a 10.1-inch laptop, enabling students to enter documents, take online exams or participate in collaborations with classmates.
The optional garaged pen further enhances interactivity as learners can annotate directly on the screen or highlight relevant topics with computer-assisted training tools. the 16:10 aspect ratio FHD display provides a better form factor for reading, and the front-facing and world-facing cameras facilitate photography for distance learning and field trips. Students (and their parents) will also appreciate responsive performance, extended battery life, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and enterprise-grade security.
Microsoft says there are more Windows 11 SE devices this year, including Fujitsu and Positivo releases in addition to those already mentioned here.