Microsoft launches the program called "Intune for Education" with the aim to replace Chromebooks in schools by making it easier for educators to install and manage low-cost laptops.
Intune For Education
According to PCWorld, Apple Macs have dominated the classroom for years, then Chromebooks took over. Chromebook apps aren't much more than a bare-bones OS and a web browser built on top of it. Because they are easier to manage, the relative simplicity of the Chromebook platform can be an advantage. But now, Microsoft is trying once again to push for introducing in schools of new, cheap Windows 10 PCs.
According to Engadget, Microsoft has announced on its company blog the program Intune for Education, in an effort to impersonate the academic migration to cheaper and simpler laptops. The program can help educators set up and manage student Windows 10 PCs and apps, being based on Microsoft corporate Intune service.
Details About Microsoft's Program
The software giant revealed as part of the initiative some cheap new laptops with prices starting at $189. They are coming from top laptop manufacturer brands such as Lenovo, HP, Acer. For emerging markets, the cheap new laptops included in Microsoft's Intune for Education program come from a company called JP.IK.
Microsoft has well chosen the timing of the announcement, as Google for Education has also just unveiled two Chromebooks from Acer and Asus. Microsoft is promoting its program, saying that educators can get access to the security, performance, and power of Windows with none of the Chromebooks' compromises, but at the same price as them.
Companies can install devices in classrooms with the program and not touch them again for the rest of the school year, according to Microsoft. The program includes an express setup feature that allows administrators apply over 150 settings to apps, hardware, antivirus programs, browsers and more. The program also includes School Data Sync that allows educators to set up groups based on schools, departments or classes.
Laptops Participant In Microsoft's Program
Among the laptops participants in the program is included the 11.6-inch Acer Travelmate Spin B118 convertible. The device is equipped with a touchscreen and a stylus, for $299. From Lenovo, the ThinkPad 11e coming in a regular or Yoga form factor is also included in Microsoft's program for schools. The laptop provides an impressive 11 hours of battery life and comes with a stylus. A similar Lenovo laptop model, the N24, comes with 360-degree screen rotation.
The company is primarily an educational distributor, JP.IK provides the Turn T201. The device is a 360-degree convertible PC comes with a retractable handle so students are less likely to drop. The laptop also features an active stylus pen.
The Turn T201 is aimed at ages 12-18 and it also comes with a thermal probe and a basic microscope for science experiments. Being described as an "emerging market" product by Microsoft, it is expected that the laptop should be relatively cheap.
The service Intune for Education from Microsoft costs $30 per device. This is exactly the same with what Google charges for its own cloud-based educational services. But schools will have to consider other factors than cost, like what apps are available for students to learn.
