The Lenovo Chromebook Duet series is reportedly the best-selling Chromebook ever, and the 2024 model reinforces its popularity. Offering a Surface-like design, touchscreen functionality, and an attractive price point, the Duet is an appealing option, especially for users who prefer touch over mouse navigation. This updated version improves upon its predecessors, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for those seeking flexibility beyond a standard laptop.
Refined Design and Versatile Kickstand
The latest “Gen 9” model retains the familiar tablet-first design, with a focus on web browsing through ChromeOS. While the included stylus is a nice addition, its value diminishes slightly if you opt for the recommended 8GB RAM upgrade. The 11-inch tablet, when detached from its accessories, resembles a standard iPad. However, its wider 16:10 LCD screen, side-mounted webcam with a physical shutter, and dual USB-C ports distinguish it. The updated magnetic kickstand is a clever design element, allowing for both horizontal and vertical orientations without obstructing the USB-C ports. While this dual-mode functionality limits the stand to a single angle, it’s a thoughtful feature that enhances usability.
duet vertical
Comfortable Keyboard and Responsive Touchpad
Despite its compact size, the Duet’s keyboard is surprisingly comfortable. The keys have increased travel distance and a full-sized alphanumeric layout, making extended typing sessions surprisingly natural. While not comparable to premium keyboards, it’s remarkably good given the form factor and price. The plastic touchpad is also more than adequate for navigating the tablet screen. The 1920×1200 IPS-LCD display offers good color accuracy and brightness, providing a pleasant viewing experience. Overall, the Duet’s hardware components deliver acceptable performance for a device in its price range.
duet keyboard
Mobile Hardware and Battery Life
The Duet’s MediaTek processor, combined with ChromeOS, delivers impressive battery life. Offering a full workday of runtime and extended standby, it outperforms many traditional Chromebooks in this area. This longevity comes at the expense of raw processing power, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off considering the target audience and typical usage scenarios. The base model offers 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the upgraded model boasts 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
duet in hand
Performance and Limitations
The Duet’s mobile hardware impacts its performance, particularly when multitasking with numerous tabs or running demanding applications. While generally capable, it can struggle with heavier workloads. The inclusion of a headphone jack, absent in previous models, is a welcome addition. The magnetic connection for the keyboard and the sturdy magnets securing the screen cover are also noteworthy improvements. Although a MicroSD card slot for expanding storage would be beneficial, it’s understandable its omission given the Duet’s budget-friendly pricing.
duet closed side
Tablet Functionality
As a tablet, the Duet’s performance is less impressive. Android apps can feel sluggish, even simple ones like Google Keep Notes. Gaming performance is acceptable for less demanding titles but struggles with more visually complex games. While the screen is adequate for video playback, the stereo speakers lack depth and bass. While ChromeOS’s touchscreen interface has improved, the Duet is not a primary choice for Android tablet enthusiasts.
duet with ipad
Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Winner
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet (2024) is a compelling budget-friendly option that excels as a Chromebook and offers decent tablet functionality. While it has limitations, the improvements over previous models, combined with its versatility and affordable price, make it a strong contender in the Chromebook market. The 8GB RAM upgrade is highly recommended, and managing tabs effectively can mitigate performance issues. Overall, the Duet provides excellent value for users seeking a portable and affordable device for everyday tasks.
