Mobile Def

Lenovo has become the latest PC maker to team up with Google to pop out its first ever Chromebook, downsizing the much-loved, business-looking ThinkPad into a bite-sized Google OS powered laptop and aiming them straight at schools.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X131e is a rugged little notebook that carries all the no-nonsense charms and incredible keyboards of its bigger ThinkPad brothers, yet this small Chromebook is designed for kids who need a simple PC to get the job done at school.

At just 11.6-inches, the ThinkPad Chromebook still has lots of classic ThinkPad touches, such as the red pointing stick and what looks to be a rock solid QWERTY. It’s powered by an Intel processor to keep up with tasks along with an anti-glare screen, three USB ports for all sorts of gadgets, a webcam and a battery that should last all day. Since it’s just as tough as the rest of the ThinkPad range, it should have no problem being chucked about by kids of all ages.

Unfortunately, the Lenovo Chromebook will only be available to school buyers – it’s available in the US from 26 February for $429 (Just £269), but there’s no word on a UK date – but if it’s anything like the rest of the Chromebook range, we shouldn’t be waiting too long.