Lenovo has refreshed its popular Chromebook Duet line with the new Duet 11, aiming to build on the success of its best-selling Chromebook series. This 11-inch 2-in-1 device combines tablet portability with laptop functionality, all powered by Google's ChromeOS.
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| Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 showcasing gaming capabilities |
Key Features and Specs
- 10.95-inch 2K display
- MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor
- 4GB/64GB or 8GB/128GB configurations
- Included folio keyboard and USI Pen 2 stylus
- Dual USB-C ports and 3.5mm headphone jack
- 5MP front camera with physical shutter
- Up to 12 hours of battery life (advertised)
Design and Usability
The Duet 11 maintains the series' signature detachable design, allowing it to function as both a standalone tablet and a laptop with the magnetic keyboard attached. At 2.09 pounds with all accessories, it remains highly portable.
Lenovo has made some thoughtful improvements, such as adding a physical webcam switch and refining the USI Pen design. The tablet itself feels premium, with attention to detail in the build quality.
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| Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 in a versatile, detachable design |
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 chip, the Duet 11 offers a noticeable performance boost over its predecessor. This processor includes an AI-enabled NPU, which should help with ChromeOS's expanding AI features.
However, some users may still encounter performance hiccups, especially with the base 4GB RAM model. Multitasking with numerous tabs and apps open can lead to slowdowns or freezes in some cases.
Software and Features
ChromeOS continues to evolve, with new features like Quick Insert and Welcome Recap enhancing productivity. The Duet 11 also excels as a note-taking device, with improved palm rejection for stylus input.
Price and Value
Starting at $339 for the 4GB/64GB model and $399 for the 8GB/128GB version, the Duet 11 offers strong value, especially considering the included keyboard and stylus.
Drawbacks
- No expandable storage option
- Lack of biometric security features
- Potential performance limitations with base model
- Some users report cursor stuttering issues
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| USB-C port and headphone jack on Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, highlighting connectivity options |
Verdict
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 builds upon its predecessors' strengths, offering a versatile and capable 2-in-1 device at an attractive price point. While it may not be the most powerful Chromebook available, its portability and included accessories make it an appealing option for students, casual users, and those seeking a secondary device.
For the best experience, we recommend opting for the 8GB RAM model to ensure smoother performance, especially as ChromeOS continues to evolve with more features and capabilities.