Kano partners with Microsoft on DIY Windows 10 S Kano PC

Better known for its Rasberry Pi kit PCs, Kano has partnered with Microsoft on its first fully-fledged DIY PC. Thanks to this collaboration, the Kano PC has ended up looking like a chunky Surface Go. It is targeted at schools to give students a hands-on understanding of the components that comprise a PC while then learning more about software and coding. It even ships with a special education edition of Microsoft's Minecraft and other bundled apps including Paint 3D.

The Kano PC is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8350 clocked at 1.44 GHz based on the Cherry Trail architecture first introduced in 2016. This is mated to 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage that can be expanded via microSD. In addition to wireless technologies including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi it is also fitted with an HDMI port, a headphone jack, microphone, and 2 USB-A ports. An 11.6-inch touchscreen allows students to interact with the device in a variety of creative ways.

While we aren't particular fans of Windows 10 S, which limits installable apps to what is available through the official Windows Store and the Edge browser, it is sufficiently light weight that its Atom chip shouldn't be overwhelmed. In addition to a step-by-step storybook outlining how to build the Kano PC, it is also preinstalled with an app called "How Computers Work" to help kids to code and create emoji in binary code.

The Kano PC is available for pre-order through its online store for US$299. It will ship from October 21 to the US, Canada and the UK.