What about the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet?

What about the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet?

Friday, August 27, 2021

This ChromeOS tablet comes with keyboard and trackpad. The Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet is also compatible with Linux apps. It is currently on promotion at a price of €249 including tax. Discover our test and our opinion.

Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet: ChromeOS computer and tablet

Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet: spec sheet

The Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet is a ChromeOS tablet with a French keyboard. It has the following characteristics:

10.1" Full HD touch screen

MediaTek P60T processor

4 GB RAM memory

64 GB storage

100 GB offered for 12 months (Google One)

USB-C connectivity

2 MP front and 8 MP rear camera

Autonomy of 10 hours

Wi-Fi 5 (ac) and Bluetooth

Dolby stereo speakers

USB-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter (headset)

Weight of 450 grams (920 grams with keyboard)

IdeaPad Duet everyday

In tablet use or connected to its keyboard, this hybrid tablet under ChromeOS greatly impressed us.

The perfect back-to-school tablet?

Getting started

The least we can say is that the grip of the tablet is impressive in this price range, thanks in particular to the aluminum finish and quality plastic. Despite its 10-inch screen, it remains relatively light to use (450 grams).

Once the keyboard is connected, ChromeOS is used like a conventional computer thanks to a well thought-out interface (applications, menus, settings). Typing on the IdeaPad Duet's keyboard is quite pleasant. The lack of space between the keys can be annoying, but it is a matter of habit once the tablet is used regularly. Ditto for the trackpad (touchpad, mouse).

The magnetic cover supplied with the tablet not only protects it, but also allows it to be used as a support for "computer" use or for watching videos.

Our only reservation? The screen tends to accentuate reflections. In outdoor use, visibility may not always be optimal. Indoors, no problems noted with the mirror effect.

Android, Linux, F-Droid

The ChromeOS interface is easy to learn, thanks to the dock and the presence of the Chrome browser.

To benefit from Android applications, the activation of the Google Play Store is done via the general settings, just like the Linux virtual machine which allows you to install Linux applications on your tablet.

If you wish, by activating the developer mode, you can also use F-Droid to benefit from open source Android applications via the web version in "sideload". Refer to our F-Droid guide to learn more about F-Droid.

We tested Lenovo's IdeaPad Duet for a week by activating the Play Store for Android applications and the Linux applications function to benefit from Gimp and LibreOffice. Everything is perfectly smooth.

What autonomy?

We tested the tablet in several configurations with results fairly consistent with the 10 hours of autonomy announced:

HD Video Playback: 8:00

Music streaming: 9:00 a.m.

Productivity (office and web): 9h45

Android video game: 8:30 a.m.

Conclusion

Let's summarize the strengths and weaknesses of this Lenovo hybrid tablet.

The strong points

We were generally positively surprised by the quality of the tablet, in particular the following points:

Build quality and sturdiness

Magnetic cover provided (cover)

Keyboard with trackpad provided, as well as a USB-C adapter for headphones

Availability of Android apps and Linux apps (simple activation)

Autonomy respected of 10h in production use

The weak spots

Let’s summarize the few disadvantages observed:

Average sound quality despite Dolby certification

A single USB-C port might require you to make a few concessions. You can invest in a USB-C hub like this to add other peripherals (USB, memory card, Ethernet).

No stylus, it is not supplied as standard. We tested the IdeaPad Duet with a universal stylus, which was immediately recognized. For example, we recommend this Zspeed model, which can also be used for other devices (USB-C compatible).

For who ?

A tablet to do everything: in tablet use, in computer mode, with a stylus. Nothing to say, at less than 250€, the IdeaPad Duet only has qualities for everyday use. We recommend it to students, nomadic professionals, families.

Where to buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet?

Currently, you can buy the IdeaPad Duet on sale, with a reduction of around €80 on the regular price.

You will find the Chromebook IdeaPad Duet at the best price with our partner:

With 64 GB of storage (on sale) at 249 €

With 128 GB of storage (on sale) at 269 €

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An Android 10 tablet with 4G for less than €160

Thanks to our partner for the loan of the tablet.

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