Lenovo and Intel today announced the Lenovo Classmate+ PC, a purpose-built laptop designed to improve learning for students in grades K-8.

The Lenovo Classmate+ provides schools an affordable, child-friendly hardware and software solution. Based on the Intel Learning Series reference design, the PC will come pre-loaded with the Intel Learning Series software suite, specialized educational software and a variety of teaching resources. This spring, the Organization of Ibero-American States will deploy the first wave of 158,000 Lenovo Classmate+ laptops as part of its Conectar Igualdad 1:1 computing program, which will equip students throughout the country with PC technology.

Since its introduction, more than 3 million Intel-powered classmate PCs have shipped globally. The Lenovo Classmate+ laptop is designed for how children learn, based upon years of Intel?s ethnographic research in education and Lenovo?s heritage in this segment. The PC combines a modern design with ruggedness, full PC functionality and enhanced performance. The configurations pass testing with their drop-resistant exteriors and spill-resistant keyboards.

The Lenovo Classmate+ PC is equipped with an Intel Atom processor, Ethernet and WiFi Internet connectivity, Windows 7 operating system and high-capacity storage up to 250 GB or solid state drive options. It also comes with a 10.1 inch LED backlit screen, a 1.3 megapixel camera, multiple USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader to support viewing multimedia.

The Lenovo Classmate+ PC is available immediately worldwide to qualified education and government customers through Lenovo sales representatives and channel partners. The companies did not disclose pricing information, but siad that the price of the Classmate+ PC will vary in each market based on regional taxes, tariffs and configuration options.