Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Review

Lenovo released the IdeaPad Duet 5i, another detachable tablet that competes with the recently released Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9. The catch? Dell and Microsoft are more expensive than this one. The IdeaPad Duet 5i has enough value, features, and performance to be worth looking at, especially if you like how it looks. For example, the new Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i has a keyboard that can be used separately via Bluetooth and has a 12th-generation Intel CPU inside.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i Specifications

PROS

• Good construction
• Light and thin
• Wonderful show
• Good folio keyboard
• Performing well enough

Cons

• The keyboard is on its side.
• Low-end CPUs slow down performance.
• The colours are wrong.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Design

• The gadget is small and has a beautiful stone-blue finish.
• There is a built-in kickstand.
• It works with a pen, but it doesn’t come with one.
• There aren’t many ports to choose from, and there’s no LTE option.

The design of a Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i is pretty simple, which isn’t a bad thing. Considering how much it costs, the tablet feels and looks well-made. The blue colour is excellent, and the frame feels strong. It’s a step up from cheaper devices and not too far from the style of the Surface Pro and XPS 13 2-in-1, starting at $999. The Duet 5i isn’t quite as slim, but at 0.35 by 11.22 by 7.36 inches (HWD) and 2.53 pounds, it’s still minimal and easy to carry.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Price and availability

• Lenovo’s website doesn’t list the IdeaPadDuet 5i.
• You can buy it from Best Buy for $789.

Lenovo said there was a Core i7 model with 16GB RAM, but we can’t find it. Usually, we tell readers to go straight to the manufacturer’s website, but the IdeaPad Duet 5i isn’t available on Lenovo’s website right now.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: The keyboard

• The keyboard that comes with it feels big.
• It has an excellent finish on the fabric.
• It works when it’s not connected.

The keyboard is the best thing about the IdeaPad Duet 5i. Microsoft’s Type Covers are great because they turn a tablet into a laptop and have a tremendous essential travel and typing experience. However, the keyboard that comes with the IdeaPad Duet 5i is much better because it works via Bluetooth.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: The Power

The way Lenovo Duet 5i looks, it passes our test with flying colours, but what about the parts? Our test model, sold by Best Buy and is the only configuration on Lenovo’s website, has a 12th Generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor (two Performance cores, four Efficient cores, eight threads). The “U” at the end of the name means it uses only 15 watts of power, which is better for batteries. The Core i3 CPU helps Lenovo undercut the prices of its competitors (the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 has a 12th Gen Core i5), but it is still fast enough for everyday tasks. No one will use a 12.3-inch tablet to run AutoCAD or Adobe Premiere.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: The screen

• I love that the ratio is 16:10.
• The screen gets way too bright.
• The colours on the screen are surprisingly accurate.

The Surface Go 3’s 10.5-inch screen is too small, which is one of its problems. It’s also possible to find this on less expensive Windows tablets. You can’t get work done and stack windows next to each other. However, the IdeaPad Duet 5i has a 12.4-inch screen, which is excellent for working with a keyboard.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Performance and Processor

• The IdeaPad Duet 5i’s 12th-generation Intel Core i3 processor is great for basic work tasks.
• Don’t use this tablet to play games or edit photos.

The Intel Core i3-1215U is the CPU in our IdeaPad Duet 5i review unit. It runs at 15 watts and features two performance and four efficiency cores. Even though this CPU isn’t perfect for gaming or editing photos, you shouldn’t think it’s not good enough. The IdeaPad Duet 5i’s CPU and 8GB of RAM make it great for productivity tasks, but it won’t do well with anything else. Its only real problems are its small amount of storage and Core i3 processor. However, it has no obvious design flaws, runs well, and is priced well, so it gets our Editor’s Choice award in the budget category. If you use Windows and like a tablet with a keyboard but don’t need a lot of power, the IdeaPad Duet 5i is a great deal.

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Storage

At $790, which includes the folio keyboard, the IdeaPad Duet 5i is a good deal. It’s a lot cheaper than the Surface Pro 9 and XPS 13 2-in-1 because of this. The downside is that the low price comes with cheap parts, like a slower Core i3 CPU, the slowest Intel UHD graphics, and only 128GB of storage. Dell’s basic configuration has four times as much storage, and you can’t upgrade even if you want to. We also don’t know how much the IdeaPad would cost if it had more expensive parts.

Should You Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i?

Reasons to Buy:

1. Affordable Price: At $789, the IdeaPad Duet 5i offers a more budget-friendly option compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9, which start at $999.
2. Portable and Lightweight: Weighing just 2.53 pounds (including the keyboard), it’s easy to carry around, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
3. Good Construction and Design: The tablet boasts a solid build with a stylish stone-blue finish, a built-in kickstand, and a durable frame.
4. Versatile Keyboard: The included Bluetooth keyboard enhances usability, offering a good typing experience even when detached from the tablet.
5. Decent Performance for Basic Tasks: Equipped with a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday productivity tasks well.
6. Bright and Functional Screen: The 12.35-inch touch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio is bright and suitable for work, offering more screen real estate than smaller competitors.

Reasons to Skip:

1. Limited Storage: With only 128GB of storage and no option for upgrade, it may not suffice for users with extensive storage needs.
2. Low-End CPU: The Intel Core i3-1215U is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications like gaming or intensive photo/video editing.
3. No Thunderbolt Ports: Lacks Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, which may be a drawback for users needing faster data transfer or connecting to multiple high-resolution displays.
4. Color Accuracy: The display’s color accuracy is not on par with higher-end devices, which might be a concern for users needing precise color representation.
5. Limited Port Selection: Few ports available and no LTE option, which might limit connectivity options for some users.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a versatile Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard. It is particularly suited for students, casual users, and professionals who need a lightweight device for basic tasks and productivity on the go. However, if you require more storage, higher performance, or additional connectivity options, you might need to consider more expensive alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or the Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

Verdict

If you want to save money on a Windows tablet, it’s hard not to recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i. You can buy the Surface Go three and add a Type Cover keyboard for $729, but the IdeaPad Duet 5i costs $789 and has newer CPUs and more ways to use it thanks to its Bluetooth keyboard. This Windows tablet is great for people who don’t want to spend more than $900 on a PC.

FAQS

Can you type on the Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i?

For example, the new Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i has a keyboard that can be used separately via Bluetooth and has a 12th-generation Intel CPU inside. This new 2-in-1 tablet from Lenovo beats out Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 as the best affordable mid-range Windows device.

Is Thunderbolt 3 or 4 on the Lenovo Duet 5i?

Unsurprisingly, a laptop that costs less than $1,000 has no Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports. Both are on the left side of the IdeaPad, while the right has a power button, a volume rocker, and a headphone jack.

What is the duet 5i’s weight?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i is 0.37 inches tall, 11.4 inches wide, and 7.6 inches deep. It weighs 1.78 pounds. (The keyboard weighs 0.79 pounds more.) That’s portable for a full-fledged Windows computer. It fits the idea of a tablet/laptop hybrid and is ready to go in your bag, on an aeroplane tray, or at a coffee shop.