Lenovo unveils ThinkPad Chromebook

Durable, low-cost laptop aims to woo education market

Lenovo has announced a new notebook powered by Google's Chrome OS, the ThinkPad X131e Chromebook targeted at the education market.

The ThinkPad X131e becomes the third Chromebook to be released in the last six months. Google has reported that the device will be available for $429 starting on 26 February.

"Classrooms have unique hardware and software needs and this new Chromebook combines the hassle-free experience of Chrome OS with the ThinkPad's rugged design for the classroom environment," wrote Google's director of product management Caesar Sengupta in a blog post.

Lenovo's Chromebook will sport an 11.6-inch display with a 1366x768 resolution, Intel Celeron processor, 16GB solid state hard drive, and a battery rated for up to 6.5 hours.

The device runs Google's Chrome OS, the system designed to offer more affordable computing options. The search giant has touted the Chromebook as a cheap, no-hassle, alternative to traditional PCs.

Lenovo's Chromebook looks to be specifically aimed at the education market. Google touted the notebooks rugged body and Chrome's management abilities as ideal for the classroom.

Potential buyers will be able to purchase a management suite for the device for an additional $30.

"Chromebooks can be managed and deployed centrally through the Chrome management console so schools can easily setup and manage users, apps, and policies across an entire school or district," continued Sengupta.

The Chromebook-brand has made a variety of headlines over the past few months. Last October, Samsung released their brand of Chromebook for $249. Not to be outdone, Acer than released its Chromebook variant for $199 the following month.

Google has also been rumoured to be developing a Chrome-tablet that could be released sometime early this year.