Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11" (2024) Unboxing

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While our time with the Duet 11" at Google's latest Chromebook event was pretty surface level, our unboxing gets to dive a bit deeper on this device to check out the performance, screen, speakers, camera, and more. A review is in the works, of course, but we wanted to do a proper unboxing in the meantime to show off a bit more about this impressive, compact Chromebook tablet.
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[@thomasculkin349]

I'm pleased that you highlighted the speaker volume. I returned the previous Duets (both sizes) because both had mediocre max volume and I, like many older users, have a hearing deficiency. Good work.

[@jj1234346]

Download the Master Volume add on - it made my duet 3 128gb and 8 ram amazing

[@npgunner]

@@jj1234346 Is it an app in the play store? I have the Duet 3 and the volume is disappointing.

[@NotTheSharpestKnife-mh]

I want a microSD slot to add more memory and swap memory out as bigger, faster, SD cards come out yearly. I have large collections of music and photos. A new SD card is a lot cheaper upgrade than a new Chromebook.

[@arijeanz]

you should be storing that in the cloud anyway, but i definitely agree with you. an sd card slot in a tablet is a must have

[@mattsanchez4893]

There's been a serious lack of new chromebooks as of late, thanks Lenovo!

[@MuddyDuck...]

Thanks for a great review on a nicely updated package, and look forward to hearing further feedback as you continue more detailed hands-on testing. As this Duet is not numbered, I would expect the equivalent Duet 5 update to be called the 'Duet Plus' - _IF_ hopefully that device's ARM chip (MediaTek MT8189 ?) is FINALLY given ChromebookPlus certification...🤞

[@RikKastle]

Just got my Duet 11 today, got the 8/128 version. My go to for serious work is a Lenovo Enterprise i5/16GB RAM The duet is more for casual surfing, watching videos etc So far I am favourably impressed considering the specs and price.

[@arijeanz]

i haven't used chrome OS seriously in more than 7-8 years. what is the app market like? is the tablet/handheld only experience any good? are you shoehorned into google services and apps or can you install more things?

[@Stamatos]

Getting this in a 13" size would be a no brainer. This is just a bit small for my purposes.

[@seanh1988]

Agreed, doesn't look like they're going to release a 13' tho

[@linhjsy]

Would like to see a comparison with the Duet 3 11" to see if it is still worth it to buy the older model.

[@justinmitchell1445]

Definitely interested in seeing the full review! Might have to add it to my collection.

[@Maxible]

I already ordered mine! Can't wait!!!

[@RobotPorter]

I have the OG Duet. And still use it on a regular basis. It was a great introduction to the Chromebook ecosystem. And this looks like it features all the improvements I've wanted, which I can't say of the other models. I believe the original Duet is the best selling Chromebook of all time. This one could give it a run for its money.

[@cerebrix]

As soon as Chromebooks have a GOOD easy way to do basic video editing on them, I'm in. 100%. But not before.

[@stayathomefather]

Lumafusion

[@farishanafiah8461]

​@@stayathomefatherTotally second you. Even Juan Bagnell (aka SomeGadgetGuy) recommends it.

[@RobotPorter]

Chrome Unboxed should do a video about using Chromebooks for video editing. It's promoted in Chromebook Plus material. But I haven't seen a dedicated video about it.

[@sebastianzhong]

Can Chromebooks run Capcut?

[@FangsRoyale]

That defeats the purpose of Chromebooks. Chromebooks are cheap devices for browsing and maybe photo editing if you get the more highend models. Because Chrome OS is so lightweight it runs great with cheaper components

[@thebauserx]

Can't wait to watch that review! Thank you.

[@peejae082004]

The pricing is awesome, I just hope they start with 6/8GB RAM by default and include a microsd card slot.

[@curbsidetech]

Interesting looking forward to the comparison with duet 3 and 5.

[@Lancers262]

Good timing. I need to upgrade. I own the first generation duet. It’s so slow now

[@merrymonarch]

Only four years old, ah well

[@vitusmaximus2260]

Just curious if you've tried a powerwash. I have the Duet 5 and it was slowing down a bit and having issues with external monitors. Powerwashed and the thing is as good as new. I have 8gb of ram - highly recommend for future-proofing.

[@RobotPorter]

Pro tip: Make sure to update your Android apps regularly. I find that even when you have the Play Store app set to only manually update, it still keeps checking. And this slows down the Duet. But if you regularly update them all, this boosts performance considerably.

[@nicholaswilson9724]

I turn mine off at night so it boots fresh, especially if I use any Android apps. It's a big help.

[@Unan1mouz]

@@nicholaswilson9724 How does Chrome OS work? Does it go on standby/sleep mode just like on Android?

[@oliversmith7354]

With its affordable price tag, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 offers great value, especially with that reliable Mediatek processor onboard.

[@tsunamirider9895]

We still regularly use our OG Duet and Duet 3. Still love them. Great devices. They'd be perfect if they had SD card slots.

[@lakshayagarwal8344]

Can’t wait to try the Lenovo Chromebook Duet - that Mediatek chipset sounds powerful for tasks.

[@benjaminlee3669]

The AI-enabled NPU in the Mediatek Kompanio 838 enhances creativity on the Duet EDU G2, making it perfect for students!

[@ajwalker4416]

Thanks for this review. Very interested in pen input, that's the only thing that keeps me with Samsung tablets because of the included S Pen. I'll be watching to see a review on using the pen with this device beyond a few scribbles on the screen. 😉😉

[@isaharebava4249]

Your T perfectly matches to the laptop😁😃

[@atharvshah2269]

The Lenovo Duet, powered by mediatek, offers impressive performance and versatility at an affordable price. Love the portability!

[@cesarvarela5438]

Yep my mind was also broken when I saw the stand geometry but after a while I understood it somewhat 😂

[@akshatkumar3461]

The battery life on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet looks solid, with Kompanio 838 chipset.

[@sdnalyam]

Google Must mandate 8 gb Ram as a minimum. Multi tasking does Not function properly with less.

[@Kyniel]

I'd love to know what the new kickstand is like when using on your lap compared to the Duet 3

[@DocFord772]

I LOVE my duet 5 but it's gotten quite slow relative to newer tablets so I'm excited about this one for sure, I just hope the 8Gb versions are in Best Buy stores unlike the duet 3s. I also don't know why they didn't give it a steeper jump in power or make it a Chromebook plus. But it's such a niche market if I'm wanting a Chromebook tablet it's the best out there so I'll probably be getting one for sure.

[@RobotPorter]

Not that niche. I believe the original Duet is the best selling Chromebook of all time.

[@DocFord772]

@@RobotPorter i mean Niche as in the variations of Chrome OS tablets are fewer in number than android OS.

[@gaelguilloteau3179]

whens the bigger duet coming out

[@Rockmirth]

Looks great! Is there a case that protects the entire back and sides and still can dock the keyboard?

[@RobotPorter]

I wonder if that new kickstand improves "lapability"? That, in my opinion, is the biggest downside of two piece devices like this one. They are tricky to use on your lap or in bed. But I wonder if that kickstand shifts the center of gravity enough to limit some of the issues of using it on your lap?

[@matteventu]

Quite the opposite actually, due to being diagonal, it requires more room in the back to stand compared to the "normal" kickstand of Duet 3.

[@Joecuts]

Is there any link where you can buy this in Europe?

[@RobertHighwind]

Will there be a review for this? Curious about the chip's power.

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

What is your daily driver for Chromebooks? I want to get one for real estate school. Mainly for online school.

[@EllisBooker]

Quick question for previous Duet owners like me. Would an upgrade to this model be worth it? I love portability of this form-factor.

[@hkdamo]

Please ask Lenovo and include release dates in other regions, and in particular Australia, when you do the full review.

[@johnwashingtoncountyor4954]

Watching this on my Lenovo Chromebook mfg: 2021/05/21.

[@nicholaswilson9724]

2021/04/03 for mine ;) Not sure about my wife's, but I bought it for her in summer of '20, and she's still using it :)

[@NovusSky]

We need a 13.3-inch, 16:10 screen size of ultra-thin Chromebook

[@chrisoutram3118]

Thanks for the good video. I have read that this chromebook comes with new AI features, eg gemini, help me read, live translate, AI powered recorder app - can you do a video on those?

[@TravisHalfman]

How well does the Kompanio handle LumaFusion?

[@fhwolthuis]

You should try a 65w charger. When I use that, my Duet 5 charges with 45w, really fast

[@matteventu]

Duet 3 charges at 30W max even on a 100W PPS charger, so I guess they'll have kept this the same.

[@fhwolthuis]

@@matteventu I saw it accidentally because my Duet came from US so I can't use the standard charger here in Europe. And I have a cable with display. Couldn't find the supplied charger to check its wattage though 😅

[@matteventu]

@@fhwolthuis actually! I've just checked the specs sheet for the new Duet 11" Gen9, and indeed it seems to support both 30W as well as 45W charging!

[@Foquro]

I wish this came out a year earlier....

[@Newgen2023-ppp]

Nice. I might get one!!

[@andrewc31394]

All I want is a high end Duet 5. Better screen and processor, that's it.

[@TheOutsider840]

Great to see. Hoping there may be some details on why this doesn't come as Chromebook Plus despite meeting the criteria in the next video.

[@MuddyDuck...]

Because it uses an ARM-based Kompanio chip. Sadly no ARM chips are currently ChromebookPLUS certified. However there are rumours, including snippets from Robbie, that there is a new Kompanio chip in the pipeline (MediaTek MT8189) - and am hoping that this may be the first CB+ certified. If so the Duet 5 replacement may be called the 'Duet Plus'... 😃

[@TheOutsider840]

@@MuddyDuck... good to know, thanks. Are there rumours of a Duet 5 replacement in the works?

[@matteventu]

Rob can you please check if they've resolved the minimum brightness issue? Duet 3 has extremely HIGH minimum brightness, which is a real annoyance when the tablet is used at night or in the bed. Is it the same here, or have they fixed it? The original Duet for instance didn't suffer from this.

[@CynicalLurker]

were the previous duets gorilla glass 3?

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

In depth "unboxing" thanks! I am increasingly annoyed with Google's Ads and so am a frequent user of Firefox. I have the Duet 3 and I use Linux Firefox ESR, loads of features including containers, the only drawback is the CPU load - performance. I'd be curious what performance is like of Linux and Firefox of this new Duet vs it's predecessor.

[@sevenhenson3926]

How does it compare to an android tablet? What's it advantages over the other?

[@mark200404]

I'm having trouble finding the magnetic pen for purchase. I recently bought the 2024 Duet 11 from Best Buy, and I'm wondering if there's a specific p/n for the pen that you could share with us.

[@ShellymanStudios]

Eh, Lenovo didn't move the needle with this one. The specs are so 2021 when Chrome-OS tablets were starting to become popular briefly.

[@trump2028-i6y]

Please check if Chrome OS can play HEVC with hardware decoding on this device

[@matteventu]

I'd also be interested to see if KZbin plays in AV1 since the SoC has hardware support for it.

[@alfredosalza6328]

Nice video!

[@jebaker2]

I haven’t use a ChromeOS tablet in a couple years. I love the idea but I feel like the software experience in tablet-mode has always been a bit janky. Has it improved?

[@DavidKral]

I was using Android tablets, iPad, now primarily Duet 5. For me the usability of tablet mode on Duet 5 is OK, but still it is not so easy to use like the iPad. Especially to control brightness or volume is a little bit tricky on ChromeOS in tablet mode - here I would like to see some enhancement in future versions of ChromeOS.

[@Unan1mouz]

@@DavidKral Between a Chrome tablet and an Android tablet, would you still choose Chrome over Android? Especially for using a lot of touchscreen

[@bjperez9076]

​​@@Unan1mouz I've had android tablets for personal use, iPads for work, and a Duet 3 for personal use. If you want to customize, Android wins hands down. You want every expensive app to work and people fawn over your device, iPad. You want a basic, but reliable long term solution, Chrome tablet. It depends your use case. I loved my Duet 3, I only got rid of it because my niece needed something for school. Replaced it with a Chromebook plus, and have no complaints other than the duet was far superior in portability. I liked that Chrome still looked and worked like chrome on it as opposed to the iPad. It really depends your use case. For me, Chromebook is best bang for my buck and I will probably buy this one because I travel for work, and want the portability in a standard chrome layout. Chrome on tablet mode reminds me of early iPad days, if that makes sense; basic but works.

[@DavidKral]

@@Unan1mouz for my use case definitely yes. I use it partly for content consumption and partly connected via USB-C hub with external screen and keyboard for remote access to my office Windows PC remote desktop. And instead of paper I have all the score of our church choir scanned. I even use it with pen for handwritten remarks in the score.

[@matteventu]

​@@Unan1mouzI've always had Android tablets which I always hated, as they're basically just large Android phones and very very few apps are optimised for large displays. I now have the original Duet and the Duet 3 and I use the mostly 99% in tablet mode for browsing, and having full Chrome on a light tablet I just found peace. It's a game changer for me. Plus, when you need a laptop, they turn into proper laptops by connecting a mouse/keyboard or external monitor, unlike Android tablets which do get a desktop UI (some of them) but are still extremely crippled.

[@lawrencegt2229]

No SD card port to expand memory? Hmmm

[@zalimiron3393]

Do you know which stylus is compatible?!

[@-Jka-]

Lets hope that this one doesn't start to experience the crazy random mouse clicks that the duet 3 appeared to have. I'm still not sure if it's a screen hardware issue or software issue on the duet 3 that occasionally started to 'close' apps or 'resize' apps or 'click' a thousand times a second. It certainly didn't do it when I first had the duet 3 but 6 months later and amazon reviews of the Duet 3 started to talk about this issue ... mine seemed ok .. and then it started, sometimes I dreaded opening up amazon just if it started to do random BUY NOWs . Posting this from my Google PixelBook Go 8GB , still my trusty chromebook to date. I'll wait for the 8GB model Duet if the tablet screen proves better than the duet 3

[@matteventu]

Yeah it's a touch issue that virtually all Duet 3 units seem to be affected by :(

[@-Jka-]

@@matteventu most days the duet 3 is fine. I'm replying using it now. Has the issue been acknowledged by Lenovo or is your comment unverified?

[@matteventu]

@@-Jka- I've gone through 3 different units, and sooner or later all of them started showing ghost touches. I found that a temporary workaround (which may last 5 minutes, 3 hours, 2 days, or a week) is to just lock and and unlock the display. Hence, I believe the issue is related to a build-up of static electricity (which gets "reset" when the screen is switched off even if just for a second, without having to reboot the machine). Then, depending on a number of factors (including external and environmental ones), the problem appears again after a while. Lenovo is never going to admit it, or they'd have to recall all sold units. I know that there are some units of Duet 3 which have a different display panel (all mines were by BOE, there are some around which have an Innolux panel but I believe them to be the minority -maybe used in the 4GB variant? - and I don't know whether they are affected or not - however, it needs to be noted how the official spare part that Lenovo use for display issues/replacements is another BOE panel, still affected by the same issue).

[@BeyondTheLineProductions]

This vs the Lenovo 5 duet?

[@mhans311]

Goodnotes will be nice, but I already gave up on Chromebook for handwritten notes a long time ago. That ship has sailed for me and I moved to an iPad for that.

[@Muchacho2DMax]

Chrome OS for Pixel Fold would be amazing

[@IrpanIrpan-sq7ek]

i love the idea....

[@VIM731]

Is this a Chromebook plus device?

[@michael_c2]

It's disappointing. they're still making a 4 GB sku.

[@gregholmberg2]

Still no back-light for the keyboard?

[@malcontent_1]

Robby/Joe -- How do you feel about the key spacing? As an 11" device which is 16x10, seems it must be a bit "scrunched." If so, easy enough to adapt?

[@paulhung3559]

What is the weight on this? Did I missed.

[@ericyoung3183]

Impressive features! The AI enhancements and portability make the Lenovo Chromebook Duet G2 perfect for students and educators!

[@wernerhoefer2220]

Is it a chrome book plus edition???

[@joaoguilherme8083]

No

[@wernerhoefer2220]

@@joaoguilherme8083 thanks

[@BornAStar]

Would you advise this as an upgrade from the Google Pixelbook Go? (I got the 8GB version)

[@supasage8131]

Is this better than the Pixel Tablet?

[@westcoasto]

Nice watch

[@buttonsangel3074]

Have there been any changes/improvements to the durability of the flexible hinge? The keyboard on my original Duet 10.1 stopped functioning after about 18 months.

[@Daudran]

Will it be released in Europe? Can’t find it anywhere!

[@thomasraukamp]

Yes, it will ship worldwide.

[@ZeroGravitas]

No OLED? Sad.

[@dannysvinylrainbow4852]

Ever since you showed us Chromebook plus and I purchased one Lenovo, I like this one but does it have the same specs as a Chromebook plus? I feel I'm getting cheated if it doesn't have that logo on it I'm almost thinking nothing else will do it's been so hyped up everywhere, would this one hold up to that sir?

[@thomasraukamp]

No, you won't get the whole Chromebook Plus experience with this Duet.

[@princehassansaleh5159]

My lenovo laptop computer is not turn on what I should do

[@sslaia]

I'm very happy with Duet 3, so I'd be willing to pay £200 more if Lenovo had put a flagship SoC and OLED screen on this iteration.

[@bradavon]

I hope the 8GB version won't be sold later again!

[@jgsalon]

Just curious. Are you an Android user?

[@zapdosmtr4961]

Thinking about about this or Alldocube iplay 60 mini Turbo

[@MrSevillista]

giveaway winner, please?

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

How is linux performce these days on something like this? It was abysmal on my original Duet.

[@jonnyboy8000]

They could make that box half the size

[@jasonhindle4054]

Looks great. But… I’m starting to feel like the lone nutter who thinks a small, Snapdragon based Chromebook with 32GB RAM would be great for software development. Bring it! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been delighted with my wonderfully unfussy CX34, but found it potentially a great development platform with Linux (Crostini) enabled.

[@-Jka-]

Nope - I'm with you on this ... give me a 16GB + Chromebook any day. I still do dev stuff on my Chromebooks but have remote hefty linux VMs behind vscode running on my chromebook. It just starts to chug a bit when you want to run remmina , vscode and drive 3 screens (two hdmis + the internal screen) etc etc all at the same time.

[@LOVER_LINK]

me watching this on my duet 3 lmao

[@olivern4784]

I am still looking for a fingerprint reader.

[@dogaydogan]

I wish it would be Oled screen

[@Ankcientgamer]

If it had a fingerprint sensor and the plus features with the AI I would definitely snag one. That being said without the fingerprint sensor I'll pass

[@amanParihar-tz7po]

Sir my chrombook play store is removed how to get it back please help

[@davidc2594]

I have various Bluetooth speakers eg Wonderboom2 and various Chromebooks eg a Duet Ideapad. When I play eg a KZbin video through one of the speakers, there's often a latency problem with the video from the Chromebook and the sound from the speaker. I can't for the life of me work out how to sort this. Any pointers, pretty please?

[@jdkgcp]

You can't say the speakers sound "very tinny" and immediately follow it up with "they just sound good". Integrity.

[@ianhayward441]

Why does Lenovo not include fingerprint scanners on their Chromebook devices? Almost perfect

[@Fidgetasmr99]

Is this not Chromebook plus?

[@farishanafiah8461]

I just realized this 11" tablet has six-row keyboard layout. Why Samsung isn't doing it on the 11" Tab S9/S8/S7? Samsung should have been doing it since day one.

[@Marcel-dd9ch]

Looks ok. I want an Apple iPad mini 6 8 inich Chromebook alternative. This one is too big, thick and too heavy

[@earthling_parth]

I would gladly pay premium for a 16 GB ram version in this tablet with keyboard from factor. If only they made it an option

[@totoabicyclette7100]

I bought the two versions of the original Chromebook Duet (the big and the small one). I was never impressed by their performance: the web page loading times are sluggish, for some _very suspicious reason_ Firefox, Opera or Brave load WAAAYYY slower than Chrome, fully equipped with the keyboard and the stand they are not that light (the large one is even heavy according to my standards), the trackpad is a bit meh, the screens are not that sharp, etc. OK, battery life is decent, and having two USB ports is a good thing. But I wouldn't recommend any of those two, even for someone who is looking for a cheap alternative to a sub-notebook.

[@bradavon]

So much better than Samsung Dex

[@jgsalon]

Looks like it’s competing with an iPad mini 6 which I own.

[@scottgordon6740]

Why can't we get a small light-weight 10-11" Chromebook with a clamshell form factor? The Duet model with a type cover just doesn't work away from a table. With that angled kick-stand it will be even worse. Not everyone looking for an 11" device wants a tablet.

[@futureitshere]

Am I the only 1 that wants to see the new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

[@colettem.7064]

❤ to see that myself.