Dell World 2013: Affordable Dell Chromebook 11 Targets The Classroom

Dell has announced a new affordable Chromebook targeted at students and teachers, promising easy access to cloud-based content and applications.

The Dell Chromebook 11 will be available in two varieties, one with 4GB of DDR RAM and another one with 4GB of RAM, with prices starting from £159 when the device hits UK shelves early next year.

Both configurations have an 11.6-inch display and are powered by a fourth generation Intel Celeron processor and Intel HD graphics, along with 16GB of solid state storage. This gives it an advertised boot up time of less than 8.4 seconds and a battery life of up to ten hours.

Dell Chromebook 11

Naturally, the Chrome OS-powered device is closely integrated with Google applications, and the new Dell Wyse PocketCloud app will allow teachers and students to access documents across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and other laptops.

“Adding Dell’s first Chromebook to our stable of devices built for the classroom is a big milestone, and Dell has been a great partner in this effort,” claims Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management, Google. “The Dell Chromebook 11 with Google Apps for Education will bring exciting new possibilities for learning and collaboration inside and outside the classroom.”

Dell claims its technology is used in 400,000 classrooms around the world and says its latest Chromebook offers a range of security and management features, such as custom browsing and application settings, that make it easy for administrators to deploy them on a school or district network.

“Dell believes that when implemented successfully, teachers, students and technology work together to enrich the learning process,” says Neil Hand, vice president, Tablet and Performance PC Group, Dell. “The Dell Chromebook 11 will give schools and districts another tool to consider as they plan their digital content and curriculum strategies, and its competitive pricing will help open access to technology for more students around the country.”

Google has pitched Chromebooks as internet-connected devices that can be cheaper and faster than traditional laptops, but critics have often cited offline work as particularly difficult. However the idea appears to be gaining some traction and a number of manufacturers have released Chrome OS-based laptops.

HP recently announced its own 11-inch Chromebook, but was forced to halt sales of the device following reports of overheating.

Know it all about Dell? Try our quiz!