Lenovo is finally stepping into the AI foray with the latest generation of its Chromebook Duet 11 2-in-1 device. The brand is well known in the ChromeOS space; however, it didn’t introduce any new hardware in May when Google unveiled the overhaul of its Gemini Advanced-powered Chromebook Plus models. After a recent October update announcement, the Chromebook Duet 11 is the device of the Chromebook Plus line to release with AI features natively–now that Google has transitioned to offering Gemini across the Chromebook family.

Many Lenovo Chromebooks have been received well for being thin, light, powerful, and often inexpensive computing options. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 is another 2-in-1 with solid reviews among increasing competition. The Chromebook Duet 11 has a premium look and feel, with a metal frame and Corning Glass protective cover. Its MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor is slated as an AI SoC, with a dedicated NPU. The tablet ships with a keyboard, folio-stand, and a USI 2 stylus. This review will highlight several of the most important aspects of this device, which is available starting at $359.

About this review: Google supplied XDA with a review unit of its Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 and had no input on the content of this article.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11: Pricing and availability

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 is now available at Lenovo.com and Best Buy, starting at $359. To be sure you have the right model, look for the Chromebook Duet Gen 9 11″. There are varying hardware options depending on the retailer. Lenovo’s options begin at 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The higher-tier option features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage for $399. Best Buy’s version includes 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage option selling for $379.

Design

Compact and professional style

The design of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 is simple but impressive. With all the accessories to make a full computing setup in place, it’s easy to forget the device is a tablet at the end of the day. On its own, the tablet has a comfortable weight in the hand for its size. Even when adding the accessories, there is a solidness to the material of the spill-proof case. The tablet comes in a Luna Gray colorway, which is slightly matte and textured, giving it an overall professional look. The included folio kickstand allows the device to stand in landscape, portrait, or laptop modes. There is a cut-out to house the stylus, which will remain attached to the back of the tablet even if the folio-case is removed.

The tablet has a comfortable weight in the hand for its size

Other input on the device includes two USB-C ports with 5Gbps charging speeds, and a 3.5mm headset jack. Rounding out the design features on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 are its cameras, which include an 8MP rear lens and a 5MP front lens with a manual privacy shutter. The device fits well in bags and carrying-cases of varying sizes. I even have an old windbreaker with deep internal pockets that I slipped the tablet in, cover-free, just for fun.

Keyboard and touchpad

Comfort may vary

The magnetic keyboard snaps the tablet in place easily, allowing it to connect automatically without any extra steps. Removing it from the keyboard is also a simple process. Keeping the components together is likely a good idea for protecting not only the display but the magnetic connection.

The keys are rounded and very reminiscent of typewriter keys. This might not be apparent if you’re sitting at a normal distance, but if you’re looking up close, you can really see the detail. The keyboard layout as a whole is truncated in accordance with the size of the system. An enthusiastic typist might have a learning curve to adapt to the smaller size. I found myself consistently missing the letter A and striking the S key instead.

Working with this keyboard on different surfaces can also be unpredictable. While you should have no problem with a more professional setup, such as a desk or table, more leisurely areas such as beds or couches can yield different results. I found the Chromebook Duet 11 leaned slightly to the left when in such setups.

There was a very slight lag in the trackpad movement, but the click selection is strong and gave me no problems. Moving between tabs, opening and closing apps, and clicking on small icons was seamless.

Display

Excellent streaming companion

I consider the Chromebook Duet 11 can really do well as a creativity-focused device. The Chrome aspects of the device made it easy for me to navigate as a primarily Android user. Features including Gmail, YouTube, and Google Workspace were easy to access and to use as a productivity device. However, I was piqued by my downtime experimenting with it for fun.

The 10.95-inch WUXGA 1920x1200 resolution display is comfortable for streaming–where a larger or smaller device might cause some ergonomic discomfort, the Chromebook Duet 11 comes with built-in support. Its Corning Glass, 400 nits peak brightness, and TÜV Blue Light also make for an ideal cinematic experience. I also tested the Amazon Kindle app on the tablet. This app isn’t optimized for the Chromebook Duet 11, but I was able to sort it out with the resizable option, which makes the window widescreen.

The display is comfortable for streaming

The Chromebook Duet 11 paired with the USI Pen 2, can be beneficial for many with artistic abilities. To stay in my lane, I experimented with jotting down positive notes in the Cursive App. There is even a drawing function in Google Keep, which is a little more tedious, but it is possible. You can also get a three-month free trial of the Goodnotes app, which is optimized for the Chromebook Duet 11 stylus.

As a note, my pen didn’t work right away, but I tinkered with the battery a few times and it began to function.

Performance

Many highlight features

When I first unboxed the device, it was about half-way charged. A few days later, it held approximately the same charge, give or take about 10 percent. Once I started using the device, then I experienced the highs and lows.

I primarily used the device for browsing, productivity tasks, reading, streaming YouTube and other video services, and other light app tinkering. Lenovo claims the Chromebook Duet 11 can sustain up to 10 hours of battery life. I got an average of 7 to 8 hours of battery life from tasks I performed, which seems somewhat solid in the context of what the brands promised.

Much older 2-in-1 Chromebooks such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 have shown even higher battery tests. My main power test was streaming a season of "American Horror Story," which pushed the device to approximately nine hours.

I found the Chromebook Duet 11 to have a solid camera for its tablet form factor. The 8MP rear camera gave slightly varied results but performed well in natural light. Some more shaded areas produced images where the subjects were soft around the edges. However, the camera was extremely good at capturing colors, including vibrant shades such as paint, natural tones such as plants, and light and dark contrast like furniture. The 5MP front camera had a similar blurred effect, even in a well-lit room; however, it didn't miss capturing the dark circles under my eyes in a selfie.

When testing the camera, in the camera apps and in Google Meet, I noted that the camera resolution improved in the viewfinder would sharpen significantly when the Chromebook Duet 11 was plugged in versus when it was on battery power. However, when in a live video chat, the camera view was especially sharp. Notably, the device includes AI features for maximizing the visual quality during video calls across several platforms. I tinkered with many of the features that blurred out blemishes and brightened my visual area. There are also several seasonal background updates.

Software

ChromeOS keeps getting more useful

The highlight features of the Chromebook Duet 11 are the AI aspects trickling down from the Chromebook Plus line. In particular, the device is shipping with a dedicated Chat with Gemini button on the taskbar, and access to a three-month free trial of Google One AI Premium based on the latest version of Gemini Advanced.

My favorite is the Focus feature, which is essentially a timed desktop version of do not disturb

While the Chromebook Plus models receive a 12-month free trial of Google One AI Premium, it is notable that these trials cannot be transferred to non-Chromebook devices. Once you subscribe, you can only use the web-based Gemini Advanced on other devices.

The device is also the first standard Chromebook to market with the latest ChromeOS features. My favorite is the Focus feature, which is essentially a timed desktop version of do not disturb. You can set calming music, light backgrounds, or other customizations to ensure you are calm and in the zone.

The Chromebook Duet 11 will also receive all of the AI features first introduced to the Chromebook Plus line in May.

Should you buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11?

The Chromebook Duet 11 is a dynamic little device that has brought AI capabilities to one of Lenovo’s most popular lines. If you’re creative and interested in experimenting with Gemini and other AI features, this could be the device for you. It is fairly priced, especially with AI devices potentially adding a premium for other brands. An alternative could be the Asus Chromebook CM30, which is currently less pricey at $249, as it will have the same software updated. However, it’s not as sophisticated looking.

You should buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 if:

• If you’re curious about AI.
• If you’re a heavy Google user.
• You have a use for the keyboard and stylus.

You shouldn't buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 if:

• You need a wider keyboard.
• You need more ports on your device.