Lenovo Chromebooks are intuitive laptops that run on the Chrome operating system and are perfect for both productivity and entertainment. You get quick entrance to Google Docs, Photos and Drive, and get access to Google Play Store. Plus, you get all the goodies that Lenovo is best known for, including a sleek design, comfy keyboard, and powerful specs with a low-price tag.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet offers the same qualities and features with a lot more treats. This is a small convertible Chromebook and arguably one of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market right now. Lenovo has perfectly managed to bundle the MediaTek Helio processor in a 10-inch chassis with promising hardware.
Like other Lenovo Chromebooks, the Duet features eMMC storage with a modest RAM and decent camera setup. The fact that it weighs less than 1kg makes it even more prominent among other 2-in-1 laptops. Read our Lenovo Chromebook Duet review to find out why this lightweight laptop is ideal for professionals.
Key Specifications
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T / 2.0GHz
- Display Size: 10.1-inch IPS Touchscreen (1920 x 1200)
- Memory Size: 4GB
- Storage Capacity: 64GB eMMC
- Graphics: ARM G72 MP3
- Camera Setup: 2MP Front & 8MP Rear
- Battery Life: Around 10 Hours
- OS: Chrome
- Weight: About 2.03lbs (0.92kg)
If you look at its specs keeping in mind the price tag, you know you have got the right deal. Not often we see such promising hardware on a Chrome, let alone a 2-in-1 laptop.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Review: Design & Build
This is an elegantly designed Chromebook that seems to follow the footsteps of Microsoft Surface Pro. Like most 2-in-1 laptops it comprises of two parts, a detachable keyboard and display that can be turned into a tablet. For a small size Chromebook, the magnetic connection is strong between the two components.
We found the keyboard and kickstand cover attached firmly to the tab, which ensures a balanced connection. With dimensions (HWD) of 0.29 x 9.44 x 6.29 inches, it weighs around 2.03lbs (0.92kg). During our Chromebook Duet’s design review, we found it an ideal laptop for college students and professionals.
Display Performance
The display on the Chromebook Duet makes it one of the best 2-in-1 laptops with such a small size. Its 10-inch FHD panel is IPS-equipped and offers a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200p. This is a multi-touch screen which we found vibrantly bright and were able to navigate smoothly.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet has slightly visible half-inch bezels around the display, but they do not appear awkward. Thanks to a screen brightness of 400 nits, you can stream high-quality videos, play games, and work on assignments smoothly.
Keyboard & Touchpad Functionality
This is the downside of the Chromebook Duet, mainly because of its small chassis design. To work on a 10-inch laptop/keyboard is certainly not easy, and you are going to face the same issues with the Lenovo Duet. The small size takes a toll on its keyboard performance which leave you with a restricted keyboard.
The space between keys is short while the touchpad area is also smaller. We tested the keyboard to write a press release and find it hard to locate the keys. But that is the price that that one must pay if you are to get a small size Chromebook.
Ports Selection & Connectivity
Lenovo has kept the port selection minimal on this mini Chromebook as the Duet features only a few I/O connections. There are no ports on the left while the right side has only one. You will find a USB-C port sitting beside the power button and the physical volume rocker. Coming to the wireless connectivity, Lenovo has gone with the Bluetooth 4.2 and 802.11 AC (2 x 2) Wi-fi.
Camera Setup and Webcam
Lenovo Chromebook Duet has an above-average camera setup than other affordable 2-in-1 laptops. It packs a 2MP fixed-foxed lens which is present at the top of the display. The one on the rear side is an 8MP auto-focus lens which is not so great, but we find its performance satisfactory. You can capture images with it to use it in your presentation or blog.
For a 10-inch Chromebook, we were pleased with the webcam and video conferencing quality. The dual speakers in the top bezel do not offer sound quality like full-sized Chromebooks or 2-in-1 laptops. Still, we found their performance pleasingly satisfactory and were able to receive clear sound quality.
Hardware Selection & Performance
Lenovo has put together MediaTek Helio P60T with a 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage capacity. This is a high-speed mobile processor for smartphones but works well for a Chromebook. With a 2.0GHz clock speed and ARM G72 MP3 on-board graphics, it can deliver a smooth performance on day to day basis.
We evaluated the Lenovo Chromebook Duet by running Microsoft Office Suit while opening more than half a dozen Chrome tabs. The Duet did not show any signs of stress and we were able to work efficiently. We found its performance satisfactory considering the needs of a college student and professional on the go.
Final Thoughts
Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an ideal pick if you are after budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptops. It runs on the Chrome OS and offers all the perks that one might expect from high-end Lenovo Chromebooks. This is a lightweight 10-inch laptop with an all-day-long battery life that can take you through a busy day at work or university.
