SHOPPING SPREE: Microsoft will spend $1 billion to make devices less expensive for K-12 public schools to purchase. According to the release, the company's manufacturer partners will offer tablets and laptops starting under $300. (All devices will be "Common Core testing compliant"and run Windows 8.1) Microsoft is making the commitment as part of the ConnectED, the initiative announced by President Obama to "connect 99 percent of America's students to the digital age"by 2017. Schools can get started here.