Dell unveils educational Ubuntu netbook

The hardware maker said the netbook was inspired by "close cooperation" with hundreds of students, teachers, parents and administrators.

The Latitude 2100 has bright primary colors and a more rugged, ‘rubberised' design that is easier for children to carry and use safely, Dell said.

It also offers wireless connectivity that can be monitored by the teacher with a Network Activity Light on the netbook lid.

There is also an optional touchscreen and administrators also get access to a "range of services" making the netbooks easier to deploy and manage.

Other options for the netbooks include solid-state drives, quick-connect handles and shoulder straps for carrying, and a webcam.

The system is also available with a personalised window on the back of the battery pack where the school logo or name can be displayed, allowing schools to personalise or easily identify systems.

Schools and students can also choose the operating system as either XP Home, Vista Home Basic or Linux Ubuntu, Dell said.