Previously, Chromebook shoppers have been restricted to either Samsung or Asus when purchasing their Chrome OS laptop. However, Lenovo today announced that it will soon launch a version of its ThinkPad X131e running Google's Chrome OS. The laptop is aimed at school goers and Lenovo has 'school-proofed' the machine with ruggedized edges. The hinge has been stress tested with 50,000 open and close cycles.
"The ThinkPad X131e has proven to be very successful in education environments," said Jerry Paradise, executive director of product marketing, ThinkPad Product Group. "With the rugged features we added to the X131e, we've seen reduced failure rates in the field. This is a huge benefit to schools and students. We're pleased to be able to offer this hardened ThinkPad Chromebook as a great computer for schools."
Lenovo says the ThinkPad X131e is an 11.6-inch device based on an Intel processor and packs three USB ports. Other than that little bit of information (and the fact that the screen is a 1366x768 HD LED anti-glare affair), the company provided little in the way of specs.
The ThinkPad X131e Chromebook will be available starting February 26. For now, it looks like Lenovo won't be selling this notebook to the average consumer. Instead, it will be available to purchase in bulk by educational institutions. Still, that may change. We'll keep you posted if it does.