Hardware Reviews

REVIEW: Lenovo Duet 11"

If you're looking for a productivity based tablet, or a entertainment friendly laptop - look no further than the Lenovo Duet 11" Chromebook!

4 min read
REVIEW: Lenovo Duet 11"

Recently when Google announced a new batch of features for Chromebooks, they also partnered with Lenovo for the launch of the latest version of one of the most beloved 2-in-1 devices, the Lenovo Duet. We recently discussed Chromebooks and I shared my thoughts on the Lenovo Duet 11" which you can see in the video below. Scroll on for a more detailed review!

Pros:

  • Fantastic build quality
  • Brilliant case design with a kickstand for propping up the display in both portrait and landscape modes
  • Truly 2-in-1, living up to the promise of a laptop that's also a tablet
  • Good price when considering what you get in return

Cons:

  • Can't use it as a laptop in your actual lap, you need a desk or flat surface to prop the device up on
  • A little heavy when the keyboard and back case are attached
  • ChromeOS has some limitations in app availability
  • Keyboard and trackpad are on the small side, so typing sometimes feels cramped

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Duet 11" features a sleek and compact design, with a detachable keyboard that allows it to transition seamlessly between laptop and tablet modes. The device has a premium-feeling metal chassis that exudes a sense of quality. At just 2.03 lbs (0.92 kg) for the tablet alone and 3.29 lbs (1.49 kg) with the keyboard attached, the Duet is highly portable and easy to carry around.

Display and Touchscreen

The Duet sports a 10.1-inch FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen display that delivers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides ample vertical space for productivity tasks and media consumption. The touch responsiveness is smooth and accurate, making it a joy to use in tablet mode.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage, the Duet offers respectable performance for everyday computing tasks, web browsing, and light multimedia use. The new processor makes the Duet more than capable of handling most Chrome OS workloads without issue and maintaining good performance.

The device's battery life is impressive, with up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. This makes the Duet well-suited for all-day productivity or entertainment on the go.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The included detachable keyboard is surprisingly comfortable to use, albeit on the cramped side. It definitely takes some getting used for key placement, but once you figure it out, you're good. The trackpad, while not the largest, is responsive and accurate. The keyboard also features a built-in kickstand, allowing for various viewing angles, which is almost the Duet's secret weapon making this a flexible use device on a flat surface. And you'll need a flat surface because this device in laptop mode won't keep the display vertical on it's own, like a "real" laptop, so you'll need a desk or surface to put the device on to use it.

ChromeOS and Software

As a Chromebook, the Duet runs the Chrome OS operating system, which is designed for simplicity and cloud-based computing. The device supports Android app compatibility, allowing users to access a wide range of mobile apps and games, pending compatibility. It also features support for the Lenovo USI Pen 2 making the use of this device open to stylus lovers as well as anyone looking to handwrite notes or use the device for drawing and other pen-based activities.

Pricing and Value

The Lenovo Duet 11" Chromebook is priced very competitively given it's unique position in the marketplace as a 2-in-1, making it an excellent value proposition. Pricing breakdown:

  • 4GB RAM with 64 GB storage with Keyboard & USI Pen 2.0: $339.99
  • 8GB RAM with 128 GB storage with Keyboard & USI Pen 2.0: $389.99

Conclusion

The Lenovo Duet 11" Chromebook is a well-designed and affordable 2-in-1 device that packs a compelling punch with it's combination of portability, versatility, and performance. Its detachable keyboard, long-lasting battery, and responsive touchscreen make it a great choice for users who need a lightweight, versatile computing solution for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light productivity.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is where power meets portability. Amazingly durable, the 2-in-1 convertible is your perfect companion for life on-the-go.

$319.99 At Amazon

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