Chromebooks have grown popular as affordable and simple alternatives to traditional laptops. They’re easy to use, focused on web-based tasks, and perfect for students or casual users. Lenovo, a well-known brand for delivering reliable devices, has entered the budget Chromebook space with the IdeaPad Duet 5.
This device stands out because it combines a larger display with flexibility—it works as both a laptop and a tablet. One of its key features is the vibrant 13-inch screen. It’s designed for users who want an everyday device that’s easy to carry but also delivers a bit more when it comes to media and productivity.
The Duet 5 promises to handle basic tasks well, but does it live up to that promise? Let’s see what it offers.
Pros
- OLED Display
- Long battery life
Cons
- Lack of ports
- Keyboard feels cramped for extended work sessions
Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
- Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 256GB eMMC
- Display: 13.3-inch OLED, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 400 nits brightness
- Operating System: ChromeOS
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Weight: 1.2 kg (with keyboard)
- Camera: 5MP front, 8MP rear
- Ports: 2x USB-C, headphone/microphone combo jack
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
- Price: Available for $677 from Officeworks.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 features a simple and sleek design. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around, weighing just 1.2 kg with the keyboard attached. The detachable keyboard is sturdy and functional, allowing users to switch between laptop and tablet modes quickly.
The 13.3-inch display gives it a more spacious feel, ideal for working or streaming on the go. While the body is mostly plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap, and the OLED screen adds a touch of high-end quality that’s rare at this price point. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, though it may feel a bit cramped for long writing sessions.
As a 2-in-1 device, the Duet 5 is versatile, but its design still feels aimed at casual users who prioritize portability and ease of use. It’s sturdy enough for everyday use, but the detachable form factor means you’ll need to be gentle when handling it in tablet mode.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, the Duet 5 performs well for day-to-day tasks. It’s ideal for browsing, watching videos, and handling documents. Apps load quickly and can handle multiple tabs without slowing down too much. However, this processor isn’t built for heavy multitasking or demanding software. It’s a good fit for users who stick to basic tasks like streaming, email, and cloud-based work.
ChromeOS keeps things running smoothly, with fast boot times and seamless updates in the background. For users who rely on Google’s ecosystem—Docs, Sheets, Gmail—it’s a great match. You won’t want to push this machine beyond its limits, but for its intended purpose, it delivers solid performance.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad shines when it comes to its display. It features a 13.3-inch OLED panel with 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is a standout feature in a budget Chromebook. The OLED technology offers deep blacks and vibrant colours, making streaming, browsing, and media consumption a much more enjoyable experience compared to standard LCD screens.
With 400 nits of brightness, the screen performs well even in brightly lit environments, though it’s not ideal for outdoor use in direct sunlight. For a device in this price range, the display is one of its strongest features and sets it apart from competitors.
Battery Life
The Duet 5 impresses with its battery life, boasting up to 15 hours on a single charge. This makes it perfect for all-day use, whether you’re working remotely, attending classes, or just streaming videos on the go.
The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor is designed for energy efficiency, meaning the Duet 5 can handle light productivity tasks without draining the battery quickly. While heavier use, like multitasking with several apps or streaming high-definition content for long periods, may reduce this time, it’s still well above average for a Chromebook in this price range.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Duet 5 comes with a detachable keyboard that is comfortable for typing short to medium-length tasks. While it’s not as spacious as a full-sized laptop keyboard, it gets the job done for casual work. The key travel is shallow, which might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
That said, the keyboard is still functional and responsive, making it adequate for most daily tasks. The trackpad is also small but responsive, offering good accuracy for navigating the ChromeOS interface. It supports multi-touch gestures, which is a nice addition for scrolling and switching between tasks. However, like the keyboard, it may feel a bit cramped if you’re used to larger devices.
Pros
- OLED display offers vibrant colours and deep blacks, a rare feature in budget Chromebooks.
- Long battery life of up to 15 hours, perfect for all-day use without frequent charging.
- Lightweight and portable design, making it ideal for users on the go.
- 2-in-1 functionality allows you to switch between laptop and tablet modes, adding versatility.
- Responsive keyboard and trackpad, suitable for casual use and light productivity tasks.
Cons
- Performance limitations due to the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, which struggles with heavy multitasking or demanding applications.
- The keyboard and trackpad feel cramped for extended work sessions.
- Lack of ports, with only two USB-C ports, requiring adapters for older devices or external displays.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is a solid choice for users who need an affordable, lightweight, and versatile device for casual use. The OLED display is its standout feature, offering a premium visual experience that sets it apart from other Chromebooks in the same price range.
The battery life is impressive, making it a great companion for long days on the move. However, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor limits its performance, meaning it’s best suited for web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks rather than heavy multitasking or professional work.
For those seeking a budget-friendly 2-in-1 device with a great display and long-lasting battery, the Duet 5 is an excellent choice, but users looking for higher performance may need to consider other options.
