Last fall, Microsoft announced Windows 11 SE, a streamlined version of Windows 11 for the education market. At the time, the company also launched the $250 Surface Laptop SE (for now only in North America), its first device with Windows 11 SE. On January 18, a number of PC manufacturers also showed off their own Windows 11 SE devices. Pricing starts at $219.
Among the new Windows 11 SE devices announced are:
- The Acer TravelMate Spin B3 laptop: an 11.6-inch device, aimed at K-12 graders, that includes durability features like shock-absorbing bumpers and waterproof keys. This laptop comes with a choice of Pentium Silver or Celeron, Intel Wi-Fi 6, and a 10-hour battery life. There is also an Acer TravelMate B3 based on Windows 11 SE.
- Asus BR100F: this laptop aimed at “students of all ages” is designed to withstand drops, knocks and spills. It includes a touchscreen and stylus, 360 degree hinge, Wi-Fi 6, plus optional 4G.
- Dell Latitude 3120 and 3120 2-in-1 for Education: these PCs feature an 11-inch screen, Intel Celeron Quad-Core and Pentium Quad-Core processors, fast charging, Wi-Fi 6, and scratch-resistant glass (on the 2-in -1). A stylus is also available as an option.
- Dynabook E10-S (formerly Toshiba PC): this 11.6-inch model is “backpack-safe” with a reinforced chassis and bumpers, 18-degree hinges, and a spill-proof keyboard. It has a number of ports, including USB-C. Dynabook also offers a Satellite Pro E105 equipped with Windows 11 SE.
- HP ProBook Fortis 14 inch G9 Notebook: this device features a 14-inch screen, Wi-Fi 6, and an initial weight of 3.7 pounds, a textured surface for easier grip, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a molded rubber trim to absorb shocks, as well as reinforced hinges. HP also offers the Pro x360 Fortis 11-inch G9 laptop with Windows 11 SE.
- JP.IK Leap T304: Starting at $219, this device is sturdy, includes an anti-glare screen, and is made from recyclable plastic. There’s also the JP.IK Turn T303, starting at $269, which runs Windows 11 SE.
- Lenovo: 100w, 300w, 500w and 14w laptops run Windows 11 SE.
Microsoft says other Windows 11 SE devices will be available later this year, including models from Fujitsu and Positivo.
Windows 11 SE is a simplified version of Windows 11, but very padlocked
Windows 11 SE is a simplified version of Windows 11, customized for the education market. It’s designed to help Microsoft and its partners try to better compete with Chromebooks.
Windows 11 SE is not the same as Windows 10 S Mode.
However, the types of apps Windows 11 SE users can install and run natively will be limited to six categories: content filtering apps, test-taking apps, accessibility apps, classroom communication, diagnostic/management/connectivity apps, and supportability apps and browsers. By design, Windows 11 SE does not allow students to download things like games, YouTube, etc. It is a platform intended to run a set of applications selected by the IT managers of a school.
Source: ZDNet.com