Review the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook! I wanted a model like this in the middle with a tablet

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, which I bought via eBay three days before it was released in Japan, has finally arrived, so I'm going to review it while unpacking it.

Actually, I was thinking of waiting for the domestic model, but the biggest concern is that it has a Japanese layout keyboard, so I decided to buy it and it was released a few days later.

[Amazon.co.jp Limited] Google Chromebook Lenovo Laptop Ideapad Duet 10.1 Inch Japanese Keyboard WUXGA MediaTek Helio P60T 4GB Memory Limited Specs 64GB eMMC Model Lenovo Read Amazon Product Reviews and Reviews Amazon Rakuten Yahoo! In addition to official stores and consumer electronics retailers, you can also buy it on Amazon, so it was a real shock, but if you want a US keyboard, you'll have to rely on imports, so I'm glad this was the case.

In conclusion, the Chromebook tablet with a 10.1 inch detachable keyboard and a cover with a kickstand is limited at the moment, and for those who want to use it like a compact tablet, Chromebook (Chrome OS) Good, I recommend it to those who want to use it.

So, first, let's review the specs and review the actual machine.

1. Duet Chromebook Specs
   1. Specs
   2. Benchmark Score
2. Unpacking and Appearance Check
   1. Keyboard & cover
   2. Main unit (display)
   3. About weight
3. Real machine review
   1. Display is very good, but reflective
   2. Can be used as a tablet, but it depends on the resolution
   3. Android apps can be used normally, but...
   4. I'm not dissatisfied with the performance , I'm worried about doing this
   5. Using the "Duet Display" as a sub and duet
   6. Light as a Chromebook but heavy as a tablet
   7. Keyboard
4. Summary – Recommended to try Chromebook as a sub

Duet Chromebook Specifications

This time, I bought a model with 64GB storage on ebay.

The model sold officially and at home electronics mass retailers has 128GB storage, but the model sold on Amazon seems to have 64GB storage (which is why it is a little cheaper).

Either way, there is no problem for light everyday use.

Specs

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a 10.1-inch Microsoft Surface Go-like Chromebook tablet with a detachable keyboard and cover.

The only 10.1-inch Chromebook currently available is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C101PA.

Moreover, it's a Chromebook tablet that comes with a detachable keyboard cover with a kickstand.

However, since the CPU uses MediaTek's Helio P60T, the power as a pure Chromebook is one step inferior to models such as Celeron, but there is no big problem in using it as a light as it is also used as a tablet. I think.

First of all, I will introduce the benchmark measured with the actual machine of "Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook".

Benchmark score

Start with the familiar Octane score.

Considering the score is about 10,000, it is about the same as "MT8173C", which has been used in entry-class Chromebooks and Chromebook tablets for the past few years, and slightly lower than "N3350" and "N3450".

I think it's comparable to the model with the "MT8173C" when you actually touch it, so in a sense you can say it's a model that looks like a Chromebook tablet.

Next is the Geekbench 5 score.

Since the comparison target is limited with the score of ver.5, for the time being, when compared with the score of the "Lenovo Chromebook S330" on hand, that is, the score of the model equipped with "MT8173C", the single is 284 and the multi is 624. So I found that the multi-core score has improved greatly.

Judging from a simple benchmark score, it is close to the N3450 (S300/M1050), so it seems good to say that it has sufficient performance as a standard Chromebook.

By the way, I couldn't install Antutu, so I decided to use only these two benchmarks.

Let's check out the actual Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook.

Unpacking and appearance check

Start with the box.

Inexpensive models have the impression of a cardboard box, but they come in a proper cosmetic box.

Before checking the included items, the keyboard and cover are included like this.

The bundled items are as follows.

USB-C to A cable, charger, USB-C to 3.5mm earphone jack, manual.

I think the Japanese model is probably the same content, but if it's different, I'm an American model, so please forgive me.

Check out the cover with keyboard and kickstand.

Keyboard & Cover

Start with the key side of the keyboard.

Because it is 10.1 inches, the symbol keys on the right side are particularly narrow, but I think that the alphabet part has a reasonable pitch.

It's slightly larger than the same 10.1-inch ASUS Chromebook C101PA, and about the same size as Microsoft's Surface Go, but it's still small, so it's frustrating when it comes to writing and coding. I think it will come.

Other than that, for example, there is no problem with simple texts, emails, and other tablet-like operations.

The touchpad is responsive and slippery, so I think it's good enough in terms of total usability.

This is what the back side looks like.

Since it is coated with something like rubber, I think that it is not slippery and scratches are not noticeable.

A cover that attaches to the back of the main unit with a magnet.

Since this is a fabric material, it feels good to the touch and doesn't show scratches or stains.

It's hard compared to its appearance, so it's good that it has a solid feel.

Kickstand fully opened.

It's probably about 135 degrees, which isn't as open as the "Surface Go", so if you want to use the stand to write with a slight angle... it may be a little too angled.

Main unit (display)

Regarding the display, if you look at it as a 10.1-inch tablet, the bezel is a little thick for a recent model.

Also, as it has been said overseas, the display is quite glossy, so if you are concerned about it or are thinking about using a stylus pen in the future, it may be better to use a film.

Even though the bezel is thick, it's narrower than the previous generation Surface Go, and it's almost the same width on the top, bottom, left, and right, so it feels as wide as the iPad 10.2.

Ports and buttons are concentrated on the left side of the device with the keyboard attached.

From the position of the USB-C port, it seems that it is intended to be used as a Chromebook, and it may be a little troublesome to use it while charging like a general tablet.

By the way, the back of the main unit is two-tone.

I think

will probably be used more often with the cover attached, so it may be unexpectedly rare to see this.

Weight

In addition, I will introduce actual measurements of weight.

First of all, the tablet itself weighs 455g.

Considering that "iPad 10.2" is 519g and "Surface Go" is 554g, I think that the tablet itself is quite light.

With the back cover attached, it weighs 681g.

If you think about it with a stand, it's heavier than the Surface Go, but I think it's within the acceptable range.

However, in this state, the keyboard or the display part is not protected, so I'm a little worried about carrying it around.

In that case, you should also install a keyboard.

It weighs 944g including everything, so it's a little tough to use as a tablet in this state.

However, it is only about 50g heavier than the same 10.1-inch "ASUS Chromebook C101PA", and it is much lighter than the mainstream 11.6-inch Chromebook, which weighs about 1.1 to 1.2kg.

Personally, I don't see the weight as a problem because it's a detachable keyboard, but I think it's safer to put a protective film on it just in case to protect the display.

Review of actual machine

Although I haven't used it yet or played games, I will summarize my thoughts after using it for the past few days.

The display is very good, but it's reflective

The domestic price is in the 40,000 yen range. .

However, I think the display's color development, appearance, and touch response are better than I expected.

Although it uses the IPS method, on the other hand, it is quite glossy (glossy feeling), so some people may be concerned about reflections.

Anti-fingerprint, anti-bubble, anti-reflection LCD protective film for Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook Made in Japan OverLay Plus OLIDEAPADDUET/4 Miyavix ¥1,760 (as of 2022/03/06 13:41) Read Amazon product reviews and reviewsAmazon Rakuten Yahoo! Shopping

Protective films have already been released, so if you are worried about scratches as well as reflections, it might be a good idea to put them on as soon as possible.

It can be used as a tablet, but it depends on the resolution

Personally, I think 10.1 inches is just about the right size, but it's slightly smaller than the "iPad 10.2" and "Surface Go." , I think that the tablet itself is light enough to be used as a tablet.

However, if you use a high resolution such as native (1,920 x 1,200) as a Chromebook, it will be difficult to use as a tablet.

For reference, I have taken a screenshot of the display area when native and default (1,080 x 675).

Start with the default size.

With this setting, the amount of display is smaller than that of an iPad, but it is a size that is easy to use as a tablet.

Native (1,920×1,200)

It's the so-called maximum state, but if it's 10.1 inches and full HD, the character size will be small, so it's difficult to use it regularly, but it's just a matter of switching the display well, so it's easy to use as a Chromebook. is enough.

However, when switching between a tablet and a Chromebook, the resolution is not automatically changed, so it is a little troublesome to have to set the resolution to an easy-to-use one each time.

By the way, in order to enter tablet mode, remove the keyboard or turn the keyboard to the back to enter tablet mode.

Since this model is physically connected with a Pogo pin, I wondered how it works...

It seems that when the keyboard is turned to the back, a slight gap is created and the connection of the Pogo pin is separated.

Since the gap is so small, I don't think there will be any problems. I don't think that will change.

Speaking of tablet mode, the speakers are positioned at the top when used as a Chromebook, so if you hold it as a tablet, the sound will sound a bit unnatural.

Because it is not suitable for watching videos or playing music while holding it, it is better to use a kickstand in such cases.

Android apps can be used normally...

Because it is not an Intel CPU, I think that Android apps are generally stable.

Personally, I'm happy that Kindle works normally.

However, this cannot be said only for the "Lenovo Duet Chromebook", but the Android application is only a secondary position, and depending on the application, there is a possibility that the display may not be compatible with tablets or the display may be distorted on Chromebooks. Please do not be overconfident.

As an aside, the Android app called "Anchor" that I use in my podcasts also worked, so there are apps that don't work well on Chromebooks with Intel CPUs. Even if you're happy... I think the Lenovo Duet Chromebook is right for you.

I'm not dissatisfied with the performance, but I'm worried about doing this

If you already have a main Chromebook or another PC, you should consider the "Lenovo Duet Chromebook" as a secondary position. , I think that those who have an image of low power to some extent will be right.

However, I think this Chromebook is a bit harsh for those who want to use it as their main or want to do various things locally using applications including Linux.

Since it is a model that is just between a Chromebook and an Android tablet, I think you should imagine the ratio of usage as well.

Personally, I think it's just right as a web conferencing device that uses Google Meet to replace the "iPad 10.2".

The camera is also in the top center, and it didn't look bad when I actually used it. (I'm using headphones for audio, so I haven't tried it.)

By the way, Lightroom worked smoothly with less lag compared to models such as the Celeron N3350. If so, I think the Duet Chromebook will work just fine.

You can also use “Duet Display” like a sub and Duet

This is a complete bonus or a joke, but you can use the Android app “Duet Display” to There is also a way to make it a sub display of Windows.

There are 5 different resolutions to choose from, but when I tried using a wireless connection, the basic characters were blurry at all resolutions.

So if it's for displaying chats or getting a rough idea of ​​what's going on, I don't think it's a problem, but I think it's better to consider this as a bonus.

Light as a Chromebook, but heavy as a tablet

This is a matter of which one to choose, but it feels heavy to use as a tablet with the keyboard attached, and it is thick. I'm worried about leaving.

The keyboard itself is surprisingly thick, so when folded, it feels slightly thicker than the iPad + keyboard cover.

When the keyboard is closed, it does not stick firmly with magnets like the iPad keyboard, for example, so there are subtle areas where the keyboard is slightly misaligned and cannot be covered.

Since the display part is slightly exposed like this, it seems better to be a little careful when handling it. A protective film may be necessary as it may be damaged.

It's a type that can't tilt the keyboard like the "Surface Go", but it's thick enough to allow you to type firmly, so there's no choice but to give up around here.

The keyboard feels good, but I wish it was a little wider...

As for the keyboard, thanks to its thickness, typing is fairly comfortable, and the alphabet is large enough. I believe it is secured.

This is within my personal tolerance, but I wish the symbols were a little more balanced and wider.

Enter is also in English layout, so I think this is enough, but JIS layout seems to be quite tight, so I feel annoyed.

However, this is also a big part of getting used to it, so I would like to tell you again if it bothers you after using it for a while.

Summary – Recommended for testing Chromebook as a sub

So, what I can say as a summary of what I have touched over the past few days is, of course, what a Chromebook feels like as a sub. I think it's a good model to try.

Until now, there was the "ASUS Chromebook C101PA" in a similar position, but considering that it is easier to use as a tablet than that, the "Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook" can be used as a sub-like sub. hey.

If you have a desktop or laptop and want to try out a Chromebook or as a tablet, or if you're like me and wanted a device that works as both a Chromebook and a tablet (filling the gap), see I recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook.

The price is about 40,000 yen even if purchased in Japan, and considering that the price includes the keyboard and cover, I think it's quite affordable.

As for purchasing, only Amazon has 64GB storage, but the price is a little modest, and the 128GB storage model is available at home appliance mass retailers, including Lenovo's official website, so if you don't mind the slight price difference, choose the 128GB storage model. I don't think you will regret it later.

[Amazon.co.jp Limited] Google Chromebook Lenovo Laptop Ideapad Duet 10.1 Inch Japanese Keyboard WUXGA MediaTek Helio P60T 4GB Memory Limited Specs 64GB eMMC Model Lenovo Read Amazon Product Reviews and Reviews Amazon Rakuten Yahoo! Shopping IdeaPad Duet Chromebook | Compact 2 in 1 Tablet | ZA6F0019JP | Lenovo Japan Lenovo ideapad Duet Chromebook is a 2-in-1 tablet with Chrome OS. It can also be used as a 10.1-inch tablet by removing the magnetic cover with fabric kickstand and the folio cover keyboard. www.lenovo.com

If you've never touched a Chromebook before, or if you're wondering what to buy, please take this opportunity to try out the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook.

If you are interested in what kind of Chromebook is recommended, please take a look at the article below.

[2022] Summary of recommended Chromebooks that can be purchased in Japan Introducing recommendations, including prices, focusing on the latest models of Chromebooks that can be purchased in Japan in 2021. I will introduce each manufacturer (Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, DELL) without bias based on what I have touched and reviewed the actual machine. www.helentech.net2022.01.01

In addition, I would like to upload a video of my review after using it for about two weeks, so please follow me on Youtube.