There’s no shortage of Windows 2-in-1s these days, but Lenovo’s latest offering is one of the most affordable.
For $449, the new IdeaPad Duet 3i offers a full version of Windows 11 and a detachable keyboard included in the box, which Microsoft’s rival Surface Go 3 (from $399.999/£369.99/$449) does not. can equal.
The device itself now has a larger 11.5-inch IPS display, up from 10.3-inch on its predecessor. That extra screen real estate gives it a very respectable 2000×1200 resolution, while Lenovo advertises full DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
You also get upgraded cameras, with a 5Mp front webcam and 8Mp rear sensor, plus Dolby Audio support. That should make the IdeaPad Duet 3i a solid option for video calling.
Unfortunately, performance is extremely compromised to reach this price point. The IdeaPad offers a choice of Intel N100 and N200 processors, base chipsets in the Alder Lake 2022 lineup. Alongside 4 or 8GB of RAM, they’ll be just enough to handle the basics, but absolutely nothing more.
While the device is only 8.5mm thin, ports are extremely limited. You only get two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you’ll definitely need an adapter or dongle.
Either USB-C can be used to take advantage of fast charging support, with Lenovo claiming two hours of use from just 15 minutes plugged in.
Battery life is also a slight concern, although the 35.6 Wh cell can supposedly give you up to 8.5 hours of video playback.
Other features worth noting include a 128 or 256 GB SSD, two microphones and an optional digital pen, which can be stored under the keyboard cover when not in use.
Dominic Preston / Foundry
However, you will have to wait a bit for this 8e-gen Duet 3i, as it won’t go on sale until June 2023. It would be a real surprise to see it become one of the best 2-in-1s you can buy.
IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook
If you’re looking for a budget laptop but don’t need the 2-in-1 functionality, the IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook might be worth considering.
As the name suggests, it runs Chrome OS, Google’s lightweight alternative to Windows. But the power comes from a base MediaTek Kompanio 520 chip, alongside 4/8GB of RAM and just 64/128GB of slow eMMC storage.
Lenovo
Performance should still be adequate for day-to-day tasks, although only the top-end model has an IPS touchscreen. Cheaper versions come in TN panels and 720p resolution at its starting price of $349.
You do at least get more ports here, with USB-A and microSD added to the usual USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack.
But battery life is where the Chromebook Slim 3 can really shine, with Lenovo claiming up to 13.5 hours of use on a single charge. There’s also a promising-sounding Full HD (1080p) webcam with its own physical privacy shutter.
It’ll be available from May 2023 and could be a contender for one of the best Chromebooks out there, provided you buy on a strict budget.
