Lenovo has announced a Chromebook based on their popular ThinkPad laptop, the new Lenovo ThinkPad X131e Chromebook.

The new mobile devices is aimed at classroom environments. Like all Chromebooks, the ThinkPad Chromebook delivers a simple computing experience with built-in security and automatic updates.

Caesar Sengupta, Google Director of Product Management said in a blog post in its Google Enterprise Blog "It’s a fast computer that’s easy to share among multiple students with Google Apps for Education, and it includes over a thousand web-based educational apps from the Chrome Web Store."

"Classrooms have unique hardware and software needs and this new Chromebook combines the hassle-free experience of Chrome OS with the ThinkPad’s rugged design for the classroom environment. With specialized features like a rubber bumper around the top cover, stronger corners, reinforced hinges and hinge brackets, and a high definition (HD) LED anti-glare screen, the Lenovo ThinkPad X131e Chromebook is ready for schools."

Chromebooks can be managed and deployed centrally through the Chrome management console so schools can easily setup and manage users, apps, and policies across an entire school or district.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad X131e Chromebook is powered on an Intel Celeron processor and comes with a 16 GB Solid State Drive. All other storage is provided in the cloud. It has a 11.6’’ (1366x768) display and weights 1.8 Kg (3.9 lbs).

With dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Ethernet, and HD Camera, two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0 and both an HDMI Port and a VGA Port the ThinkPad Chromebook promises to keep up with even the most active students and teachers thanks to a battery that lasts up to 6.5 hours.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad X131e Chromebook will be available for US$429 in the United States starting on February 26, 2013. Schools can add management and support from Google for a one-time cost of US$30 per device.