Kano is back with an updated version of its buildable Windows tablet for kids.
The second-generation Kano PC, available now for $299, lets children assemble a modular 11.6-inch tablet that runs full Windows 10, as well a custom educational programs focused on coding, science, and 3D modeling. In addition, the product comes with an attachable keyboard, making the device like a Microsoft Surface tablet, but for kids.
At less than $300, the Kano PC is a pretty good deal among kid-focused laptops. Last year’s model, however, was delayed and production capped to only 1,000 units, which were primarily used for market testing purposes. This year, the UK-based company is ready to mass produce a second-generation version of the Kano PC and sell it globally after receiving a $1 million investment from Microsoft.
To improve the new model, the company ditched the now 4-year-old Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor for a 2.5-year-old Intel Celeron N4000 chip, which has two cores, and a 2.6GHz boost clock speed. According to Kano, the change should offer a sizable performance increase.
(Credit: Kano)
The refreshed model runs for for 10 hours, Kano says, and charges via a USB-C port. There are two USB 3.0 slots instead of a single USB 3.0 port paired with another USB 2.0 port. It has a broader heatsink for better cooling, while Bluetooth has been upgraded from 4.2 to 5.0.
On the memory front, the Kano PC has 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage, although the drive can expanded with a Micro SD Card slot. (Full tech specs can be found here.)
(Credit: Kano)
Kano is hoping to sell the product not only to parents, but also to schools in need of more affordable IT equipment. The company is continually updating the educational programs onboard with new games and projects. And because the PC is modular, schools can upgrade the devices in the future with new parts.
The new Kano PC is on sale now from the company’s website, the Microsoft Store and Best Buy. The company also plans on selling peripherals, including a webcam, headphones, and mouse.
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