Microsoft debuts new hardware for education, including Surface Go Classroom Pen

Microsoft is kicking off its appearance at the Bett educator conference by announcing a refreshed lineup of devices for educators. Along with showing off seven new affordable Windows 10 PCs from partners like Acer, Dell, and Lenovo\, Microsoft is also using this opportunity to debut its new Classroom Pen, a digital inking pen "optimized" for use with the Surface Go.

Here's a look at the seven new devices, all of which are being shown off at Bett as affordable options for the upcoming school year:

  • Lenovo 100e
  • Lenovo 300e (2-in-1)
  • Lenovo 14w
  • Acer TravelMate B1(B118-M)
  • AcerTravelMate Spin B1(B118-R/RN)
  • Acer TravelMate B1-141
  • Dell Latitude 3300 for Education

The new laptops will start at $189, with 2-in-1 devices from Acer and Lenovo starting at under $300. Speaking of Lenovo's offering, the 2-in-1 Lenovo 300e sets itself apart by not only including a garaged stylus, but also allowing students to write on the screen with a regular No. 2 graphite pencil.

New Surface Go Pen for education.

New Surface Go Pen for education.

Today also marks the launch of the Microsoft Classroom Pen a new digital inking pen that's build for K-8 students and optimized to be used with Surface Go. The Classroom Pen is built with a hardened pen tip that should stand up to heavy use, but it also comes with an additional pen tip in the box. A slot at the end can keep the pen tethered to students' devices so it doesn't become lost.

The Microsoft Classroom Pen will launch as an exclusive accessory for education customers, with prices running $40 per pen. It will be sold in packs of 20 at a price of $800. The Microsoft Classroom Pen is expected to launch in February.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl