Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Laptops & Deals
Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3, priced under the "best gaming laptop under 400" category, offers a larger, brighter, and more powerful alternative to its predecessor. This versatile 2-in-1 device, which falls under the "best laptop for streaming" and "best 4k laptops" categories, is an excellent choice for those seeking a performant Chrome tablet with added versatility. While it comes at a slightly higher cost and offers a battery life that's not as enduring as some, it remains a compelling option. This Chromebook is well-suited for a range of tasks, including those related to "architecture," "music production," "graphic design," and more. Plus, with the convenience of a packed-in keyboard, it adds further value to the "best laptop deals" available on the market.
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Short specification
| Price | $359 |
|---|---|
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 |
| Display | 11 inches, 2,000 x 1,200 pixels |
| Memory | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB-128GB |
| Cameras | 5MP front camera, 8MP rear camera |
| Size | 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (tablet only), 2.1 lbs (tablet + cover) |
| Ports | (2) USB-C 3.2 Gen1 |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1 |
Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3: Pricing
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is set to make its debut in May 2022. You can purchase it directly from Lenovo's website or from select third-party retailers. In the United States, you can find the Duet 3 starting at just $359, which includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. For those seeking more storage, there's a $379 option with the same RAM but twice the storage capacity, offering 128GB.
Our review unit features a unique configuration with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, as it was provided to us early for review purposes. While this specific configuration isn't available for purchase with maximum RAM and minimum memory, it is otherwise identical to a standard release model. Lenovo has informed us that models with 8GB of RAM will be available for sale in select European regions (including Spain, Germany, and France) later this month. However, it's unclear when or if models with 8GB of RAM will be offered in the United States.
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Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3: Design
Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook: A Stylish and Sleek 2-in-1 Device for Modern Lifestyles
The Duet 3 Chromebook shares a striking resemblance to the original Duet Chromebook that Lenovo introduced in 2020. It is slightly larger, featuring an 11-inch 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels) display enclosed in a sleek black aluminum chassis. With dimensions of 10.16 x 6.48 x 0.31 inches and a starting weight of 1.14 pounds, the Duet 3 isn't as featherlight or slim as the base iPad 2021 (0.29 inches, 1.09 pounds), but it comes very close. When held, it exudes a sense of robustness while remaining lightweight enough for all-day portability around the house.
Lenovo has retained the two-part design of the Duet, consisting of a detachable keyboard and a cover, both featuring a pleasingly textured, thick-woven cloth surface. Similar to the Duet, the new Duet 3 requires you to attach the keyboard and back cover separately, with each component magnetized for easy alignment and connection.
Typing on the keyboard cover feels solid, and on our review unit, the magnets are sufficiently strong that bringing the keyboard cover's attachment point within an inch or so of the corresponding port on the tablet results in a swift and robust snap-together connection.
Additionally, the rear cover effortlessly snaps into place and offers an additional, somewhat hidden feature: the lower half can be unfolded to serve as a reasonably effective kickstand. However, extending the kickstand can be a bit cumbersome, as it may require some effort to access the flap and pull it outward.
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The Duet 3 Chromebook's Brilliant Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Better
The Duet 3 has a bigger, brighter screen than the original Duet, with a higher resolution. Lenovo claims it can achieve up to 400 nits of brightness, but our lab testing revealed our review unit actually gets even brighter.
Lenovo Duet 3 on desk showing home screen
(Image credit: Future)
When we pointed our Klein K10-A colorimeter at the Duet 3's display with the brightness cranked all the way up, we found it achieved an average brightness of 434.4 nits, getting as high as 466 nits in the center of the screen. That's better than the original Duet's average brightness of 372 nits, and brighter than the likes of Android tablets like the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 (390 nits), but it still can't match the brightness of the iPad 2021 (472 nits).
In terms of color accuracy, the Duet 3's display achieved 108.4% of the sRGB color gamut and 76.8% of the DCI-P3 color gamut (100% is most accurate). These numbers typically only matter to serious photo/video editors, but they're useful to evaluate the Duet 3's display because I can tell you that it's roughly in line with its predecessor the Duet (106% sRGB) and the 2021 iPad (105.3% sRGB).
Lenovo Duet 3 on desk
(Image credit: Future)
To my eyes, the Duet 3's display looks bright and colorful. It's not as dazzling or as vibrant as some of the best OLED displays on laptops and tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra ($1,099 to start), but it's plenty good enough for this ~$400 Chrome tablet. I enjoyed watching YouTube videos and playing games on the Duet 3, and even watching dark movies like Bubba Hotep was an enjoyable experience on the 2K display.
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Enhanced Port Selection and the Omission of a Headphone Jack on the Lenovo Duet 3
Lenovo has made significant improvements to the port options on the Duet 3. It now features a pair of USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one on each side of the tablet when held in landscape mode.
On the right side of the Lenovo Duet 3, you'll find one of these USB-C ports, providing better connectivity options than the original Duet, which had only a single USB-C port. With both ports supporting charging, you have the flexibility to choose which side of the tablet you want to plug in for power. Additionally, either port can be used to connect an external display, making it convenient for enhanced productivity when working at a desk.
However, it's worth noting that the Duet 3 still has limitations in accommodating various accessories without the need for adapters and cable swapping.
Unfortunately, the Duet 3 continues the trend of omitting a headphone jack, a feature that was absent in the original Duet as well. This absence is particularly disappointing, considering the popularity of the Duet series as budget-friendly Chromebooks for various purposes, including remote learning. To use headphones or participate in Zoom calls, you'll need to invest in wireless earbuds or wireless headphones.
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Performance Prowess: Lenovo Duet 3 Chromebook's Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Chip and 8GB RAM
Powering our prerelease Duet 3 review unit is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip, complemented by 8GB of RAM. Together, this hardware combination provides the Chromebook with ample performance for various tasks, including web browsing, productivity, and even some light gaming.
In my experience with the Duet 3, I found it to be impressively responsive for a Chromebook, exhibiting minimal slowdown when launching and switching between applications. I was able to effortlessly open 15 tabs in Chrome, simultaneously stream music, watch videos on the Amazon Prime Video app, and play games downloaded from the Google Play Store, all without experiencing significant performance dips.
During our benchmarking with the Geekbench 5.4 multi-core CPU test, the Duet 3 achieved a score of 1,732. While this score might appear low when compared to most laptops, it's important to remember that the Duet 3 is a Chromebook running on a Snapdragon SoC, not a high-end ultraportable laptop equipped with the latest Intel or AMD processors. When evaluated in the context of its predecessor and other similarly configured tablets, the Duet 3 delivers commendable performance.
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For instance, the original Lenovo Duet Chromebook from our 2020 review, if tested with Geekbench 5, would likely have been outperformed by the new Duet 3. Comparatively, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (featuring an Intel Core i3-10100Y chip and 8GB of RAM) achieved a slightly lower score of 1,571 in the same benchmark, as did its predecessor, the Surface Go 2 (with a Core m3-8100Y CPU and 8GB of RAM) at 1,617. However, more powerful and pricier tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (Intel i7-1185G7 and 16GB RAM) and Apple iPad Air 5 (M1 chip and 8GB RAM) outperformed the Duet 3 with scores of 5,347 and 7,151, respectively.
We also conducted benchmarking tests using the JetStream 2 suite to assess the Duet 3's performance with web apps. The Chromebook achieved a score of 63.7, which, while respectable, places it slightly behind more expensive tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (scoring 120.3) and the iPad Air 5 (scoring 207.2)
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Sound Quality on the Lenovo Duet 3: Surprisingly Loud, But a Bit Quieter at Low Volume
The Lenovo Duet 3 Boasts Respectable Volume with Its 1W Speakers, Though Lacks Deep Bass. However, It Can Be Surprisingly Quiet at Low Volume Levels, Requiring Higher Settings to Hear Clearly.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Enhancing Productivity on the Lenovo Duet 3
The Lenovo Duet 3 includes a detachable keyboard with surprisingly satisfying keys, despite their shallow travel. Although the keyboard may feel a bit cramped, it's suitable for tasks like typing emails, blog posts, and even term papers, making it a valuable productivity tool. However, note that the keyboard is relatively thin and not as sturdy, so it's best used on a stable surface like a desk. The inclusion of this quality keyboard at no extra cost enhances the overall value of the Duet 3.
Additionally, the keyboard features a functional touchpad, which comes in handy to prevent smudges on the screen when making adjustments, like adjusting the volume.
Camera Performance: A Disappointing Experience with the Lenovo Duet 3
The Duet 3's front-facing 5MP camera may not be your favorite. During video calls on platforms like Google Meet, I noticed that this camera tended to make me appear washed out and paler than usual.
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As for the rear-facing 8MP camera, it didn't fare much better. In my experience, the images it captured appeared blurry, lacking vibrancy in colors, and had fuzzy details.
Additionally, here's a test shot taken with the Duet 3's rear camera. Keep in mind that everything in this photo appears brighter and more colorful in reality, with better light and more details than what's visible in the shot.
Battery Performance and Charging of the Lenovo Duet 3
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Duet 3 Temperature: Staying Cool Even Under Load
The Duet 3 maintains a consistently cool temperature, even during extended usage for activities like movie watching or gaming. We conducted a test by playing an HD video for 15 minutes and then using a heat gun to measure the device's temperature. The results showed a range of 75-88 degrees Fahrenheit, with the warmest spot recorded in the upper left quadrant at 88.9 degrees.
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Lenovo Duet 3 vs. iPad: A Budget Tablet Showdown
The Duet 3 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the original Duet. Lenovo has upgraded the screen, enhancing its resolution for a better viewing experience. The addition of a second USB-C port is a notable enhancement, making the Duet 3 a more versatile productivity device. You can now simultaneously charge it while connecting various accessories like a keyboard and mouse, which sets it apart from many Android tablets.
However, it's important to note that there are better options available if you're willing to invest more money. Despite the Duet 3's strengths, the base iPad from Apple outperforms it in nearly every aspect. Additionally, with the Duet 3's price creeping past the $300 mark, it's no longer significantly cheaper than the base iPad, which starts at $329.
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While the iPad doesn't include a bundled keyboard like the Duet 3, it also doesn't support Apple's highly regarded Magic Keyboard. To achieve a similar level of functionality as the Duet 3, you'd need to spend an additional $159 on a Smart Keyboard. However, the Smart Keyboard doesn't offer a significantly better typing experience than the Duet's detachable keyboard, making it a less compelling choice at a higher price point.
If your budget allows for it, upgrading to the new iPad Air (2022) with a Magic Keyboard would provide a superior overall experience compared to the Duet 3, albeit at a higher cost. However, if you're in search of an excellent Chrome tablet for under $400 that can also serve as a Chromebook when needed, the Lenovo Duet 3 remains a solid choice that delivers dependable performance.