The Duet 3 11-inch with the Snapdragon 7c processor was a great Ultra-Mobile PC. I’ve been using mine for over a year now and I still find it a groundbreaker in terms of efficiency. The new 2024 Duet 11 / Gen 9, however, is a big step forward in terms of power and will replace the Duet 3. Here’s my review, updating as I go. You should find everything you need here. If not, ask in the comments!
Update: My Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11M889 2 8GB/128GB ChromeOS (83HH000NGE) is scheduled to arrive in mid-November. I’ll be updating this post with hands-on and test results to build a full review over the following months. Check back regularly.
Meanwhile, I continue to use my Duet 3 and I feel 100% confident the the Duet 11 gen 9 is going to replace it as my go-to productive Ultra-Mobile PC
There are three key areas I’m interested in with the Duet 11. Firstly the improved processor, the MediaTek Kompanio 838. I’m not expecting high-end performance from this mid-range processor but there’s going to be a improvement that should shine with the second item on my list.
8GB of LPDDR4x-3733 RAM. It was always clear that the 8GB version of the Duet 3 was a much, much better choice for productivity so the combination of processor and memory should make a noticeable difference.
Thirdly, I’m interested in the new portrait mode stand.
The NPU, you ask? What is 4 TOPS (apart from four trillion operations per second?) and what does it mean for a user? If it means fast and accurate voice-to-text then OK but I struggle to see where this NPU will make a difference right now. What, within the Chrome browser, will use it? Gemini? Will Android apps be able to use it? Will it turn the Chromebook into a Chromebook Plus Light or will some of the new Plus features simply be disabled?
45W USB-C charging is a step up from the 30W on the previous model although the charger is a classic two-part unit. I believe some models will ship with the 30W single unit USB C charger.
I’m genuinely excited about the 8mp rear cam, at least until I realise I’m never going to use it! The 5mp front cam might be more useful but, again, this will be tested.
Why is the Kompanio 838 better than the old Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c? Let’s put it simply by saying it’s the difference between a Pixel 6 and a Pixel 7, roughly speaking. It’s not, in my opinion, going to be a huge boost to daily work.
Running two 4K monitors (at 30Hz max) might allow a few more productivity scenarios but I’m more interested in the video encode and decode capability. Will there finally be an easy and usable video editing solution using Android apps? 128GB of eMMC 5.1 on-board storage might be enough to pull in some of my GoPro footage for a quick edit and publish.
Then there’s the pen. I’m honestly not worried that’s it’s not included. A touchscreen is important but drawing and writing isn’t. (This German model, part number 83HH000NGE, does not come with the pen.)
There’s a small increases in weight. Tablet + Folio Stand + Folio Keyboard come in at 1.101 kg, which is a few hundred grams more than the Duet 3. I’ll get that tested on the scales ASAP.
Battery life.The previous model, the Duet 3, had a 29Wh battery. The Duet 11 (2024) has…29Wh. That’s a shame. I won’t expect much more in terms of battery life although there’s potential for better idle efficiency. It’s the same screen too.
11-inches of screen, and the keyboard that matches that size, is the smallest you can go for a laptop. At least in table-top mode. 10-inches dips below a usable table-top screen size and below that you’re into handheld territory. Developments in voice to text and generative AI do mean there are other important input methods now so I’ll be testing all styles of productivity.
The new Lenovo Duet 11 will, I’m sure, become part of my mobile creators kit and my travelling carry, but it’s not going to be perfect as there’s still room for improvement:
- Backlit keyboard – not available
- 5G cellular module – not available
- GPS – not available
- Keyboard in portrait mode – not available
- OLED Screen – not available
- Mediatek 1380 – not available
For one of the most successful Chromebooks ever, you’d think there’s scope for a pro premium plus version.
Full specifications, Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (11M889)
- CPU: MediaTek Kompanio 838 (8C, 2x A78 @2.6GHz + 6x A55 @2.0GHz)
- NPU: Integrated MediaTek NPU 650, up to 4 TOPS
- Graphics: Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC3 GPU
- Storage: 128GB eMMC 5.1 soldered
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x-3733 soldered
- Cameras: Front 5.0MP with Privacy Shutter / Rear 8.0MP
- Stereo speakers, 1W x2, optimized with Waves MaxxAudio®, Smart Amplifier.
- Screen: 10.95″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 400nits Glossy / Anti-fingerprint, 72% NTSC, 60Hz, Gorilla® Glass 3, TÜV Low Blue Light,
- Touchscreen: In-cell, 10-point Multi-touch
- Mic: 2x Array
- Battery:Integrated 29Wh
- Power Adapter: 45W USB-C (German model.)
- Ports: 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen1²1. 3.5mm Audio/Microphone Combo Jack
- Tablet: 255.37 x 166.92 x 7.6 mm (10.05 x 6.57 x 0.29 inches)
- Folio Stand: 255.37 x 166.92 x 3.2 mm (10.05 x 6.57 x 0.13 inches)
- Tablet + Folio Stand + Folio Keyboard: 273.92 x 173.72 x 21.05 mm (10.78 x 6.84 x 0.83 inches)
- Tablet weight: starting at 510 g (1.12 lbs)
- Folio Stand weight: starting at 159 g (0.35 lbs)
- Tablet + Folio Stand + Folio Keyboard weight: starting at 1.101 kg (2.43 lbs)
- Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.3 MediaTek Wi-Fi® 6 MT7921.
- MIL-STD-810H military test passed
- Fanless: Yes
- Pen compatibility: USI Pen supported.
Images
