The ultimate value laptop is still on sale: Why this model beats everything else for just $220

Although I spend a significant amount of time reviewing tablets And laptops At CNET, I’m sometimes pleasantly surprised when I come across devices that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Take this for example tablet-laptop combination that is not only affordable, but also a reliable hybrid that you will have many uses for. It’s still on sale for Cyber ​​Monday, and you can save quite a bit of money by buying one.

The Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebookwinner of the CNET Editors’ Choice Award, checks all the boxes you’re looking for when it comes to a budget computer. Sure, it might not be powerful enough to take over your desktop, but if you want to work on the go or use it as an entertainment device, it’s more than worth it.

For me, the 11-inch touchscreen, combined with a removable keyboard cover, a back cover with stand and stylus pen, makes it perfect for creating an on-the-go workstation that helps get the job done.

For just $220 right now as part of the remaining Cyber ​​Monday deals, it can do that for you too. It’s one of the best laptop deals in the area, so if it sounds like something you might like, you’ll want to grab one while you can.

Why I like this tablet

There are two main reasons why this device works better for me than most standard laptops. First, there’s the compact, lightweight size. Secondly, it is multifunctional. Since I regularly commute to work by train, both of these factors make the Duet Chromebook particularly useful. When I need a bigger screen or a wider keyboard for faster typing, I usually switch to my standard laptop. But the Duet 11, which functions as both a laptop and a tablet, is the machine that fits my daily life best and most often.

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At first glance, you might think it’s no different than an iPad or any number of Android tablets. But the big differences are the operating system, ChromeOS and its price. If you’ve never used ChromeOS, it’s kind of a mix between a traditional desktop operating system, like Windows or MacOS, and a mobile operating system that your phone uses, like Android.

The combination makes it easier for me to get my work done with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, but it also uses apps from the Google Play Store, so it feels like a mobile device too. The only problem may be that your work or school depends on software that is only available for MacOS or Windows. That’s never been an issue for me, as there’s usually a web or mobile app I can use instead.

Specifications of Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11

The Duet 11 helps me stay busy during my train journey

The Duet’s size is great for my commute, making it easy to edit documents or answer emails on the way to work. It also has a fantastic 5-megapixel front-facing camera, so I can use it for a Zoom chat if necessary, and the camera has a physical privacy shutter to block it the rest of the time. I especially like the fast performance. It wakes up as soon as I drop the keyboard open, and I can quickly attach it to my keyboard Pixel phone for a direct internet connection. Battery life is strong: up to 11 hours on my use of it.

It can be a bit of a balancing act to use the Duet on your lap, but it is doable. The compact size makes it ideal for tight coffee tables and other places where a full-size laptop can be inconvenient. It only weighs about 2 pounds with all its accessories.

Read more: Why a Chromebook is probably all you need

Like many people, I relax on the way home with some entertainment, and for that the Duet shines. Take off the magnetically attached keyboard and ChromeOS switches to a more touch-friendly experience. The tablet supports cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass And Nvidia GeForce nowwhich means that with a strong internet connection you can play all kinds of games. I also like to play mobile games on it from the Play Store.

Check this out: Stop Overpaying: Check Price Before Buying on Black Friday

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The Duet 11 also works as an e-reader

In addition to being ideal for commuting and tight spaces, the Duet is also a good e-reader. I use it for reading manga with the Viz and Shonen Jump appsand I regularly delve into my library’s collection of ebooks and magazines via the Libby app. The device is also good for streaming video and music, although I prefer that Bluetooth headphones through the tablet’s small speakers.

Although I mainly use it for travel and commuting, the Duet is just as great around the house. I wouldn’t recommend the Duet as your only laptop unless you simply don’t need to do more than basic home office work and can connect to a larger display, keyboard and mouse. While the 11-inch touchscreen looks great, it’s a bit too small for all-day everyday use. But as a secondary device for a larger, more powerful desktop or laptop, it’s pretty much perfect.

If you want to check out more ChromeOS devices, here are CNET’s top picks the best Chromebooks on the market. And if you’re curious about what other models you can buy cheaply right now, don’t miss our overviews of the best Chromebook deals and the best laptop deals.