Lenovo adds ThinkPad X131e Chromebook to education line

Lenovo has updated its ThinkPad line with a notebook running Chrome OS aimed at students and educational staff. The <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/277490==http://www.lenovo.com/education/us/en/edu-series.html" rel='nofollow'>ThinkPad X131e Chromebook</a> is effectively the same as the <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/277491==http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/04/18/upcoming.lenovo.notebooks.leaked.in.partner.doc/" rel='nofollow'>Windows-based</a> version, except that the option for an AMD E-series processor is no longer available, instead replaced by an Intel-based counterpart.<br />
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The 11.6-inch notebook has been ruggedized and constructed to be as hardwearing as possible, according <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/277489==http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/lenovo-intros-thinkpad-x131e-chromebook/" rel='nofollow' target="_self" title="">to</a> <em>Engadget</em>. A rubber bumper surrounds the top cover, corners have been strengthened, and the hinges are said to last more than 50,000 open and close cycles. The display will have a native resolution of 1366x768, while four USB ports, a low-light webcam, HDMI, and VGA ports surround the device. Wi-Fi connectivity is also offered on the four-pound notebook, along with a battery life claimed to last an entire school day and various other school-specific customization options.

Launching on February 26th, the ThinkPad X131e Chromebook will be made available only to organizations purchasing in volume, such as schools. A consumer version could still be released in the future.