Lenovo and Google join hands to release the ThinkPad X131e Chromebook for schools

Google’s Chrome operating system (OS) has received a significant boost, as Lenovo has chosen the platform for its ThinkPad X131e Chromebook. The device is aimed at schools, but it is a step forward for Google, as it looks at a long-term goal of challenging Microsoft and Apple in the OS battle.

Lenovo is one of the world’s largest PC manufacturers and if they chose to use a particular piece of software or hardware on their devices from external vendors, then it is setting these vendors up for widespread popularity. This is a well-known fact which Google looks to capitalize on with its Chrome OS.

Google is looking to compete with Microsoft in the education sector. Microsoft’s variety of operating systems populate learning institutions around the world and their Office products are almost a standard fixture in the education sector. The browser-based Chrome OS will offer Google Apps for free, but only for education related customers, a service that normally costs USD 50 per user per year.

The ThinkPad X131e Chromebook will run on the Linux-based Chrome OS, but will not facilitate non-browser related apps such as Adobe Photoshop or Skype. Web-based applications are an alternative. Thus Lenovo and Google look to form an alliance as they take on the rest of the competition, by taking their first steps in the education sector.