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Microsoft has tied up deals with multiple computer manufacturers as it targets the education market. At its event in New York, Microsoft announced deals with Acer, Asus, Dell, Futijsu, Toshiba, HP and Samsung to create a range of Windows 10 computers aimed at students. Starting from just $189, Microsoft pledged to make laptops accessible to the younger generations.
The main attraction at the event, was the unveiling of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop, after months of speculation. Retailing at $999, the Surface Laptop has a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with 3.4 million pixel high contrast screen. The main feature is its 14.5 hours of battery life, that Microsoft’s claims is a ‘game-changer’ for students, so they don’t have to worry about chargers.
Panos Panay, VP of Microsoft Surface said: “We know that many students use Surface Pro, and a lot use Book, but they’re asking for more. They want a product that’s going to empower them and remove limits. This product is so meticulously crafted. You won’t find a screw, just a perfect flow of energy. It’s meant to be silent to the eyes. It really is a product that draws you in.”
Just hours before the event, images of the Surface Laptop were leaked online via twitter. Weighing 2.76 pounds, the laptop will come in four colours; platinum, burgundy, cobalt blue and graphite gold. Running on a slimmed down version of Windows 10 – dubbed Windows 10 S – the same operating system will be rolled out across the range of laptops being manufactured by the likes of Dell and Toshiba. It is available now to pre-order, with delivery beginning on June 15th in the US. As of yet, a UK release date has not been announced.
Other announcements at the event, saw Microsoft unveil its ‘View Mixed Reality’ programme which will soon allow students to overlay digital images over the real world via Microsoft’s tablets. The feature will automatically be added to any PC running on Windows 10 S when it becomes available.
