Throughout the years, I’ve had extensive experience with numerous tables and laptops. However, the device I find myself using most frequently is the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. This remarkable gadget seamlessly serves as both a tablet and a laptop, making it an ideal fit for my daily routine. When I require a larger display or a full-sized keyboard for typing, I switch to my standard laptop. Yet, for my daily train commutes, I appreciate the compactness, portability, and multifunctionality of a smaller device.

What I love most about the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook is its outstanding versatility. It features an 11-inch touchscreen and a detachable keyboard cover, along with a back cover that includes a kickstand. If you wish, you can enhance the experience by adding an active stylus for notes or creative drawing on the screen. Currently, the Duet is available for just $249 as part of Best Buy’s Presidents Day sale, offering amazing value for an already budget-friendly 2-in-1 device.

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Specifications of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11

Reasons I Favor This Tablet

At first glance, you might think the Duet is similar to an iPad or any Android tablet. However, significant differences lie in its operating system—ChromeOS—and its affordability. For those new to ChromeOS, it’s a unique blend of traditional desktop operating systems like Windows or MacOS and the mobile OS you find on smartphones. This combination enables me to efficiently complete tasks using a keyboard and mouse while also leveraging apps from the Google Play Store, giving it a mobile device feel. The only potential downside is if your work relies on software exclusive to MacOS or Windows, but I have always managed to find web or mobile alternatives.

The Duet 11 Is My Perfect Commute Companion

Its compact size is ideal for my train rides, allowing me to effortlessly edit documents or reply to emails during my commute. Plus, the Duet features an impressive front-facing 5-megapixel camera, which is great for video calls, complete with a physical privacy shutter for added security. I also appreciate the Duet 11’s quick responsiveness; it powers up as soon as I open the keyboard, and I can rapidly connect to my Pixel phone for immediate internet access. The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 11 hours based on my usage.

While using the Duet on my lap may take a bit of practice, it’s definitely manageable. Its lightweight design—around 2 pounds including accessories—makes it a great choice for tight coffee shop tables or any other cramped spots.

Learn more: Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need

Like many individuals, I enjoy unwinding during my commute with some entertainment, and the Duet excels in this area as well. By detaching the keyboard, the device transforms to a touch-friendly interface. It seamlessly supports cloud gaming services, including Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, allowing you to play various games with a stable internet connection. Additionally, I revel in the ability to play mobile games from the Play Store on this device.

Duet as an E-Reader

Beyond its suitability for travel and tight spaces, the Duet doubles as an excellent e-reader. I often use it to read manga through the Viz and Shonen Jump apps and frequently explore my library’s collection of eBooks and magazines using the Libby app. The tablet is also capable of streaming music and video, although I prefer using Bluetooth headphones instead of the built-in speakers.

While I primarily use the Duet for commuting and travel, it’s equally effective in a home setting. I wouldn’t suggest relying on the Duet as your sole laptop unless your needs are basic and you have a means to connect to a larger monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The 11-inch touchscreen, though visually stunning, may feel too cramped for extended periods of use. Yet, as a secondary device to a more powerful laptop or desktop, it’s virtually flawless.

If you’re searching for budget-friendly tech, be sure to check out our compilation of the top deals for Presidents Day. Additionally, explore CNET’s recommendations for the best Chromebooks currently available.