Lenovo has been making Chromebooks since they released their first device the education oriented Thinkpad branded X131e, but they’ve never brought their Chromebook offerings to Australia…until now. Lenovo is set to introduce their ruggedised Thinkpad 11e Chromebooks to Australia, starting sales of the devices, which include their multi-position Yoga model, through their online store.
If you’re new to the Lenovo range, there are two models on offer, the Thinkpad 11e, which comes in a traditional Laptop clamshell formfactor. Or, for the more adventurous amongst you, there’s the Thinkpad Yoga 11e, which comes with a 360° Yoga hinge that allows the device to be placed into four different positions: Laptop, Tablet, Tent and Stand.
As devices aimed at being used by children, both models feature rugged construction. The Chromebook 11e series is designed to stand up to the rigours of life, with a MIL-SPEC rating which has been tested against high pressure, humidity, vibration, high temperature, temperature shock, low pressure (15,000 ft), low temperature, and dust.
The Chromebooks feature some pretty nice hardware and it really comes down to which form factor you’re after:
Specs :
| ThinkPad 11e Chromebook | ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 11.6″ HD (1366×768), anti-glare, 200 nits, 400:1 contrast ratio | 11.6″ HD (1366×768), glare, 270 nits, IPS, Touch, with Dragontrail Glass Protection |
| Processor | Intel® Celeron® Processor N2930 (2M Cache, up to 2.16 GHz) | |
| Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics in processor | |
| RAM | 2GB, soldered to systemboard, no socket; 4GB max | |
| Storage | 16GB eMMC4.51 onboard | |
| Ports | 1 x USB 3.0 1 x USB 2.0 (AlwaysOn) 1 x combo audio/microphone jack 4-in-1 card reader (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC) 1 x HDMI 1 x security keyhole |
|
| Connectivity | Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 (2×2, 802.11ac/a/b/g/n) with Bluetooth® 4.0 | |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 2W x 2 / monaural digital microphone, combo audio/mic jack | |
| Navigation | No TrackPoint®; buttonless touchpad, multitouch | |
| Case | Display cover: PolyCarbonate/Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic; Bottom: PolyCarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (PC/ABS) plastic | Display cover: PolyCarbonate/Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic; Bottom: PolyCarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (PC/ABS) plastic |
| Hinge | Normal hinge 180° | Yoga hinge 360° |
| Battery | 4-cell Li-Ion integrated battery (35Wh) | |
| Dimensions/Weight | 300 x 216 x 22.3 mm @ 1.4Kg | 300 x 216 x 22.9 mm @ 1.5Kg |
| Colour | Graphite black | |
| Price | $589 | $739 |
Lenovo offers free shipping from their on-line store and expects to ship both models on the 16th of July. They look fairly rugged, and we’re hoping to get some hands-on time with the Chromebooks soon.
