Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Review

Are you planning to buy Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Review? Wondering isn’t the same 10.1-inch tablet with a keyboard and kickstand that was lauded in May 2020? The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (starts at $429.99; $499 as tested) is a different beast from that adorable detachable Chromebook; it’s a giant 2-in-1 tablet with a 13.3-inch OLED touch screen that offers stunning colour and contrast. You can buy cheaper and speedier traditional Chromebooks. Still, if you’re looking for a tablet that can also function as a laptop, the new Duet is superior to the previously reviewed HP Chromebook x2. Being a high-quality Chrome OS convertible, it has been chosen as an Editors’ Choice.

Pros of Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

• Perfect battery life
• Detachable 2-in-1 design
• Bright, clear OLED screen. Includes keyboard and cover.

Cons of Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

• The pen is not included.
• High price.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Specifications

Costs and available customizations

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 1 CPU, integrated graphics, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of eMMC storage, and an OLED display are included in the $429 basic model of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (1920 x 1080 pixels). The $499 model I tested has the same screen as the $399 model but is otherwise more powerful, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage.

Batteries and Display

After years of using screens with brightness levels between 220 and 250 nits on Chromebooks, especially those in the 13 to 14-inch size range, the improvement brought by the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook’s display is difficult to overestimate.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is the only Chromebook that bucks that trend, costing nearly twice as much as the Duet 5. A 250-nit display is functional indoors but becomes unreadable as you go outside or throw open the drapes. The 400 nits are not too bulky to bring with you wherever. While I’ve sat here in the fresh, beautiful air of a Florida morning in December, I’ve spent many pleasant hours reading (or, more frequently, playing Microsoft Solitaire) on my Duet 5.

The quad stereo speakers produce loud and clear sound, and the 16:9 aspect ratio eliminates the black bars that plague video playback on the HP x2 11 and the Acer Spin 713. The Duet 5’s speakers are a vast improvement over last year’s original Duet’s wimpy ones, so you won’t have to mute your ears when listening to music or taking a conference call that could have been handled with an email. While you’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm converter or wireless headphones to listen to music privately, these speakers will allow you to rock out in your phone office alone.

Design

While the Alcantara-wrapped Surface devices from Microsoft helped popularise fabric-based designs, last year’s Lenovo Duet Duet and Asus Detachable CM3 introduced the style to a more affordable world. We gave both books glowing ratings, likening them to a notepad and a tweed diary. The stippled surface of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook fabric reminds me more of denim. Yet, it still has a pleasant touch and is a vast improvement over the icy smoothness of aluminium.

The 13.3-inch screen and 16:9 aspect ratio make it awkward to use in one hand, but the supplied cover makes it simple to find the ideal viewing angle and enjoy the stunning OLED display. Without the keyboard and body, the tablet measures 12 by 7.4 by 0.28 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds. With them, the total weight and thickness are closer to 0.48 by 2.24 by 0.96 inches. Either setup is portable and lightweight and should fit almost any laptop bag.

Ports

Two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports and the pogo pins that link the keyboard cover round out the connectivity options for the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook. The loss of a 3.5mm headphone/microphone connector is my only real gripe. It’s surprising for a gadget that’s made for watching videos. Yet, most of us have already given up and switched to wireless headphones, so this is not a dealbreaker. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook has two USB ports, so you can charge your phone or another device that isn’t USB-C without using a USB Type-C hub.

Audio

The Duet 5 has four 1W speakers—two on each side for authentic stereo sound. It won’t blow you away, but if you walk in with realistic expectations, you’ll have a good time despite the small size. Hearing “2011” by 5 Seconds of Summer in my medium-sized (12′ x 18′) testing room, there was no audible distortion. That being said, these speakers’ lack of bass response is noticeable. Lyrics and instrumentation are explicit. However, songs that rely more heavily on bass lose impact. It’s OK for casual video watching or listening to background music, but you should invest in a good pair of wireless headphones for more serious listening.

Should You Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook?

If you’re in the market for a versatile 2-in-1 Chromebook that excels in both tablet and laptop modes, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is an excellent choice. Its standout features include a bright, vibrant 13.3-inch OLED screen, exceptional battery life, and a lightweight, portable design. While it commands a higher price and lacks a pen and headphone jack, these shortcomings are outweighed by its overall performance and build quality. It’s a compelling option for users who prioritize display quality and portability, making it well-suited for students, professionals, and casual users.

Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook impresses with its stunning OLED display, solid battery life, and practical 2-in-1 design. Despite its higher price and absence of certain accessories, it delivers a premium experience that surpasses many traditional Chromebooks. It’s ideal for those needing a flexible device that seamlessly switches between entertainment and productivity tasks. Overall, it’s a top contender in the Chromebook market and a worthy Editors’ Choice.

FAQs

What is the battery life of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook boasts a long battery life, lasting up to 13 hours and 31 minutes under typical web usage conditions.

Are the cameras on the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook good?

The Chromebook features a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera. While neither is exceptional for high-quality photography, the front-facing camera performs well for video calls in well-lit conditions.

What ports are available on the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook?

The device includes two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports and pogo pins for the keyboard cover. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack.

Does the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook come with a pen?

No, the pen is not included with the Chromebook and must be purchased separately.

How does the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook perform regarding audio quality?

The Chromebook features four 1W speakers that provide clear, undistorted sound, but the bass response is limited. For better audio quality, especially for music, using wireless headphones is recommended.