Intel reveals a pair of Android-based tablet proposals-- 7- and 10-inch Atom-powered devices designed specifically for the education segment.

The two tablets join other Intel educational devices, but do not make part of the Classmate notebook and hybrid device family due to being reference designs, not actual products.

"Intel remains committed to helping teachers and students achieve better results through the development of complete solutions that span the hardware, software and digital content required for a 21st century learning experience," the company says. "The tablet we are introducing is one additional step in a 10 year journey."

Both devices share 2MP rear- and 0.3MP front-facing cameras, 802.11n wifi, USB ports and software such as Kno textbooks, the Intel Education Resources  suite, image and video organisation and editing tools and McAfee  Mobile Security, as well as shock-absorber equipped displays.

The 10-inch Educational Tablet carries a 1280x800 resolution LCD display, 1.6GHz Atom Z2460 processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM and a battery promising up to 6.5hours of power.

The OS of choice is Android 4.0, and the device also features a snap-on magnification lens for "inquiry-based learning with close-up views" and a plug-in thermal probe to "expand the type of experimentation and exploration possible."

Meanwhile the 7-inch device carries a 1024x600 LCD display, 1.2GHz Atom Z2420 processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM and an 8-hour battery, as well as GPS and electronic compass.

With tablets becoming more prevalent in education, it makes sense for Intel to step into the market. Now one needs to see whether system builders will up the designs.

Go Intel Introduces Android-Based Education Tablet Reference Design