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Lenovo isn’t holding back in conjunction with this year’s MWC 2022 event, launching no fewer than three new Chromebooks in its IdeaPad Flex and Duet lines. That, of course, means not only new 2-in-1 folding Chrome OS laptops dubbed the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i and IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook. But also a brand new Duet-branded Chrome OS tablet from the company — the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i and 3i Chromebooks cover the gamut of use-cases
As might be expected, there’s plenty to love about the new gadgets as follow-ups on their award-worthy predecessors. Especially with regard to the prospects of a new entry in the Duet line. But the new Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i and Flex 3i Chromebooks are certainly going to be the most versatile of the bunch.
In fact, there are quite a lot of similarities in the devices. Each comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, just for starters. And with memory being among the most important aspects of Chrome OS gadget, that means each is going to be relatively heavy-hitting. They also share other attributes. Such as up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, two front-facing 2-watt speakers by MaxxAudio, and a similar design centered around a 360-degree hinge. Meaning they can be used in clamshell, tent, stand, or tablet mode.
There are some fairly big differences too, however. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook, for instance, is powered by serious underpinning hardware. With up to a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor and up to 512GB of SSD storage. That’s as compared to up to an Intel Pentium N6000 processor in the IdeaPad Flex 3i. Which itself is paired with up to 128GB of eMMC storage. And, of course, the new Flex 5i comes in a 14-inch format compared to the Flex 3i at 15.6-inches.
Additionally, the smaller of the two comes with a 1080p webcam while the smaller IdeaPad Flex 3i comes with just a 720p camera. While the smaller gadget also comes with an HDMI port and two USB Type-A ports with an additional USB Type-C port. Compared to the two USB-C ports and single USB-A port on the Flex 5i.
IdeaPad Flex 5i & 3i Chromebook Specs
Now, those who want a full rundown of specs for the new Lenovo Chromebooks can find those below, as provided by Lenovo.
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook | |
| Display | 14″ 16:10 FHD IPS, 300 nits, 45% NTSC 14″ 16:10 FHD IPS, 400 nits, 100% sRGB; Touchscreen |
15.6″ FHD IPS 300 nits; Touchscreen |
| Hinge | 360° | 360° |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U Core i3-1215U Pentium 8505 |
Intel Pentium N6000 Celeron N4500 |
| Memory | LPDDR4X: 4 GB/8 GB | LPDDR4X: 4 GB/8 GB |
| Storage | SSD: 256 GB/512 GB eMMC: 64 GB/128 GB |
eMMC: 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB |
| Camera | 1080p FHD | 720p |
| Input/Output (I/O) Ports | MicroSD Card Slot (SD 3.0) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 22 (Type-C) Kensington Nano Security Slot 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 12 (Type-C) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 12 (Type-A) Combo Audio Jack |
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-C) 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-A) MicroSD Card Reader Audio Combo Jack HDMI |
| WLAN & Bluetooth | 2×2 WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.0 Combo with WiFi Card |
Up to Intel WiFi 6 (802.11 ax 2×2 MIMO) Bluetooth 5.1 Combo with WiFi Card |
| Battery | Up to 10 Hours | Up to 10 Hours |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers by MaxxAudio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers by MaxxAudio |
| Optional Features | Lenovo USI Pen | |
| Colors | Storm Grey Stone Blue |
Abyss Blue Arctic Grey |
| OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
| Preloaded Software | Google Assistant Google Play Store Android Studio |
Google Assistant Google Play Store Android Studio |
| Dimensions | (mm) : 315.5 x 229 x 19.7 (inches) : 12.4″ x 9.0″ x 0.8″ |
(mm) : 362.02 x 248.00 x 18.94 (inches) : 14.25″ x 9.76″ x 0.75″ |
| Weight | Starting at 1.62 kg (3.57 lbs) | Starting at 1.91 kg (4.20 lbs) |
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook takes things in a more portable direction than the Flex series foldable Chromebooks. Starting with a build that’s just 11-inches and slimmed down to just 7.9mm. The fanless design is, perhaps unsurprisingly, powered by the second generation of Qualcomm’s laptop processors. Specifically, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform.
That means the latest entry in the Duet lineup is more battery-efficient than ever, lasting as long as 12-hours on a single charge while streaming video. That should also mean that it’s more efficient than ever on the performance end too. With full support for an optional stylus for the TÜV-certified 2K resolution display panel. Matching another tablet launched by Lenovo in conjunction with this year’s event.
Meanwhile, the new detachable keyboard disables automatically in tablet mode to prevent accidental clicks or typing. It’s also water-resistant this time around with pry-resistant keys.
Faster connections, an extra USB-C port — compared to the last generation — and two color options are among the other big changes. And, of course, an 8-megapixel rear camera is included as part of the build. Accenting the front-facing 5-megapixel snapper. But the biggest change of all may just be the available 8GB RAM option coupled with up to 256GB of storage. Arguably making this the most powerful Duet Chromebook tablet to date.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Specs
For a full rundown of the new Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook, Lenovo has shared all the details. Those are included below.
| Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook | |
| Display | 11.0″ 2K LCD 5:3; Touchscreen with Stylus support |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform |
| Memory | LDDR4: 4 GB/8 GB |
| Storage | eMMC: 64 GB/128 GB/256 GB |
| Camera | 5MP front-facing 8MP rear-facing |
| Input/Output (I/O) Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 Gen 1 (Type-C) Pogo-pin |
| WLAN & Bluetooth | WiFi 5 802.11 ac Bluetooth 5.1 Combo with WiFi Card |
| Battery | Up to 12 Hours |
| Audio | 2 x 1W Stereo Speakers |
| Colors | Storm Grey Misty Blue |
| OS | Chrome OS |
| Preloaded Software | Google Assistant Google Play Store Android Studio |
| Dimensions | (mm) : 258.04 x 164.55 x 7.90 (inches) : 10.16″ x 6.48″ x 0.31″ |
| Weight | Tablet – Starting at 516.5 g (1.14 lbs) Folio Case – Starting at 429.3 g (0.95 lbs) |
Pricing and availability for the new Flex and Duet Chromebooks from Lenovo
In terms of pricing and availability, both the new Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i and Duet 3 Chromebooks will be on sale starting in May. And both will start out at just $399.99. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook will start out at $499.99. And the company says configurations will go on sale starting in June.