Kano’s next computer kit is a $300 Windows convertible laptop for kids

Kano is a company best known for its build-it-yourself Linux computers, which are primarily targeted at education users. But today, its direction changed somewhat with the announcement of a new Windows-based machine, which will go on sale later this year.

The Kano PC is an 11.6-inch Intel Atom-based tablet/laptop hybrid that runs Windows 10. Squint a bit, and you’d see it bears a passing resemblance to the diminutive Surface Go. Obviously though, it’s still got a child-friendly design that betrays the fact that this is obviously a tool for the education sphere.

Before we dive into things, let’s talk about the device’s specs. Although the Kano PC isn’t exactly a speed demon, I wouldn’t describe it as underpowered. In addition to serving as a development test-bed, it should also be able to handle everyday computing tasks, like browsing and doing homework. It ships with the following:

• Intel Atom x5-Z8350 Quad core 1.44 GHz
• 4GB DDR3 RAM
• 64GB eMMC (extendible via MicroSD)
• 2 USB-A ports
• HDMI
• WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2

As is the case with previous Kano computers, the user has to manually build the machine. Following a…