There are plenty of Windows 2 in 1 on the market these days, but Lenovo’s newest model is one of the most inexpensive. The new IdeaPad Duet 3i runs the complete version of Windows 11 and comes with a detachable keyboard, which Microsoft’s competitor Surface Go 3 (from $399.999/£369.99/€449) cannot equal.
The gadget now has an 11.5in IPS touchscreen, up from 10.3in on its predecessor. Because of the additional screen real estate, it has a very impressive 20001200 resolution, and Lenovo claims complete DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
You also get better sensors, including a 5MP front-facing webcam and an 8MP back sensor, as well as Dolby Audio compatibility. It should make the IdeaPad Duet 3i a viable video chatting choice.
Unfortunately, functionality appears to have been severely compromised in order to achieve this price range. The IdeaPad is powered by Intel’s N100 and N200 CPUs, as well as base Alder Lake chipsets. They’ll be enough to manage the essentials, but nothing more, when combined with 4 or 8GB of RAM. Gambling is completely out of the question.
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Despite being only 8.5mm thick, the gadget has very few connections. Because there are only two USB-C connections and a 3.5mm audio input, you will almost definitely require a converter or dongle.
Either USB-C connection can be used to take advantage of rapid charging support, with Lenovo boasting two hours of use after only 15 minutes of plugged in.
Battery life is also an issue, though the 35.6Wh battery is rated to provide up to 8.5 hours of movie playback.
Other notable features include a 128GB or 256GB SSD, dual microphones, and an optional digital stylus that can be easily stowed beneath the keyboard case when not in use.
However, you’ll have to wait until June 2023 to purchase this 8th-generation Duet 3i.
IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook
If you’re looking for a low-cost notebook but don’t require 2-in-1 capability, the IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook may be worth considering.
It uses Chrome OS, Google’s lightweight alternative to Windows, as the moniker implies. However, power is provided by a base MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, 4/8 GB of Memory, and only 64/128GB of slow eMMC storage.
Although only the top-spec variant has an IPS touchscreen, performance should be adequate for day-to-day chores. At €349, the cheapest models are equipped with TN screens and 720p resolution.
You do get more ports here, with USB-A and microSD in addition to the standard USB-C and 3.5mm audio input.
But it’s the Slim 3 Chromebook’s battery life that really shines, with Lenovo boasting up to 13.5 hours of use on a single charge. A Full HD (1080p) camera with its own hardware private shutter is also included.
It will be available in May 2023 and could be a contender for one of the finest Chromebooks offered if you’re on a tight budget.
