This week Microsoft revealed Windows 11 SE. It is designed to be an education-focused version of its latest operating system, with the company planning to manufacture a suite of devices to empower an ecosystem akin to Google with Chrome OS and Chromebooks.

While we are yet to see as many devices as the Chromebook ecosystem enter the market, Microsoft has revealed a notebook of its own in the form of the Surface Laptop SE. It is currently available Stateside for $249, but no word on whether such a device will be landing in SA.

That said, some of Microsoft’s OEMs are working on devices that run Windows 11 SE and deliver the OS’ experience for younger users and educators.

“The devices include the new Surface Laptop SE, custom built for students and starting at $249, as well as devices coming from Acer, ASUS, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JP-IK, Lenovo and Positivo, powered by Intel and AMD,” noted Microsoft in a blog post.

“Now with Windows 11, we offer more performance, choice and flexibility for students and teachers than ever before. Windows 11 SE complements our current Windows 11 devices for learning and was built with feedback from teachers—who need a simple, distraction-free environment for their students—and feedback from school IT admins, who need devices that are secure, easy to deploy and manage, and perform well all day across the changing conditions of a school year,” adds the company.

In terms of the specifications of the Surface Laptop SE, it features an 11.6″ TFT display, up to 8GB DDR4 RAM and an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, with 128GB storage and up to 16 hours of battery life all encased in a plastic body.

The Surface Laptop SE is expected to be available in other regions in 2022, where educators and institutions are urged to speak to Microsoft channel partners about the new hardware.