Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a cheap iPad killer and comes with a keyboard

Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a cheap iPad killer and comes with a keyboard

Lenovo's Chromebook Duet will be available soon. This 2-in-1 laptop comes with a detachable keyboard and runs Google's lightweight ChromeOS operating system.

Best Buy has launched a store page for the Chromebook Duet, revealing prices starting at $300. This is already cheaper than a basic iPad, and that's before adding the $159 Smart Keyboard cover; ChromeUnboxed also reports that pre-orders are scheduled to ship on May 11, but the article notes that they may instead arrive on May 6, when the new PC officially launches The article notes that it is possible that the new PCs will arrive on May 6, when they will be officially launched.

The 10.1-inch Duet can be used like a medium-sized tablet or, with the keyboard (with trackpad) attached, like a small laptop; the gray fabric cover on the back of the Duet serves as a kickstand as well as protection for the tablet portion.

It runs the entire Microsoft Office suite, making it ideal for those looking for a work-focused device. Plus, it has access to the Google Play store for access to more apps to fill its 128GB hard drive (you can also get the 64GB version for $279). Lenovo boasts that the Duet has a battery life of 10 hours, matching the runtime of our favorite Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Flip C434.

The Duet should carry well, thanks to its total weight of 920 grams (2.02 pounds) and the display's thin depth of 7.35 mm (0.28 inches). The display has a maximum brightness of 400 nits, which should work well in bright locations. In addition, a 2MP front camera and a 7MP rear camera are available for those who need to take pictures or make video calls.

The processor running the show is a MediaTek Helio P60T. This is not a particularly powerful chip, and there is no option to increase its power with an Intel or AMD CPU. However, since this is a Chromebook, low computing power and a suitably low price are par for the course.

In a hands-on review written by our sister site Laptop Mag during CES 2020, the Duet was praised for its detachable design, brightness, and reasonable price. However, the all-important keyboard and touchpad were small and cramped, even if the individual keys are of good quality and comfortable to type on, and the lack of a more powerful processor was a concern for writer Rami Tabari.

The Chromebook Duet will be available in May and will retail for $279. It is much cheaper than an iPad with comparable accessories.

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