Microsoft Unveils New $189 Windows 10 Laptops for Education

Google’s Chromebooks have been massively successful as a low-cost laptop option for students. It has chipped away at Microsoft and Apple’s market share in the education market as well. While Apple is not sweating with Google’s domination in this arena, Microsoft is and have taken steps to take back some of that for the past year. In fact, they have held several public talks with education at the center topic. Ultimately however, they would have to offer a better laptop price than Chromebooks in order to truly compete.

They have tried with Windows 10S laptops such as the ASUS Vivobook W202. However, at $300 USD, it is still more expensive than Chromebook counterparts. In fact, most Chromebooks are around $200 and under, with fancier options at just $500.

New $189 Windows 10 Laptop Options

During a recent even in London, Microsoft has unveiled their most affordable “Chromebook-killer” yet. It is a $189 Windows 10 S device from Lenovo called the 100e. It uses Intel’s previous generation Apollo Lake Celeron SoC which has an impressive battery life. Naturally, it is not the fanciest looking notebook around. In fact, it looks quite plain in black with liberal use of plastic parts. However, it is a compelling option for its low price.

This is just the first in a new generation of Windows 10 laptops however. Microsoft is also looking to fill and scale up the features in the under $300 and $500 price segment. HP will also soon launch a $199 Windows 10 S laptop with similar specs, plus a touch-screen 2-in-1 option for $100 more. Microsoft is also banking on software to carry their momentum forward. Even offering a custom education version of Minecraft. Moreover, they plan to offer discounts on augmented reality products to further set themselves apart from Google and Chrome OS in this market space.