What To Know
- The world of 2-in-1 laptops is brimming with options, and two of the most popular choices are the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3.
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
- The Surface Go 2 features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.
The world of 2-in-1 laptops is brimming with options, and two of the most popular choices are the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3. Both devices offer a versatile blend of laptop and tablet functionality, but they have distinct features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 sports a sleek and premium design with a magnesium alloy chassis. It features a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The device weighs just 1.2 pounds, making it incredibly portable.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 has a more affordable build, with a plastic chassis and a 10.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. While not as premium as the Surface Go 2, the IdeaPad Duet 3 is still lightweight at 1.3 pounds.
Performance and Hardware
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 is powered by Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y or Core m3-8100Y processors, paired with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB to 256GB of SSD storage. While not the most powerful, these processors provide adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and running office applications.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, which is designed for mobile devices. It has 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage. The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 offers comparable performance to the Surface Go 2’s Intel processors for lightweight tasks.
Operating System
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode, which provides a more secure and streamlined experience. However, it limits the apps you can install to those available in the Microsoft Store. You can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for more flexibility.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 comes with Chrome OS, which is a lightweight and user-friendly operating system. It is ideal for users who primarily use web-based applications and don’t need the full functionality of Windows.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 has a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge. In real-world usage, you can expect around 7-8 hours of battery life with mixed usage.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 has a slightly longer battery life of up to 11 hours. In practice, you can expect around 8-9 hours of battery life.
Connectivity and Ports
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 has a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Accessories
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Surface Go 2 has a range of optional accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Type Cover, and Surface Mobile Mouse. These accessories enhance the functionality and usability of the device.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The IdeaPad Duet 3 comes with a detachable keyboard that can be used as a stand or cover. It also supports the Lenovo Precision Pen, which is sold separately.
Price and Availability
Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Microsoft Surface Go 2 starts at $399 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The higher-end models with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage cost more.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 starts at $349 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The model with 128GB of storage costs slightly more.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize premium design, Windows 10 functionality, and a wide range of accessories, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the better option. However, if you’re looking for an affordable 2-in-1 with a longer battery life and Chrome OS simplicity, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is a great choice.
A Final Verdict: Surface Go 2 for Windows Fans, Duet 3 for Value and Chrome OS
Ultimately, both the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 are solid 2-in-1 laptops that offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Go 2 is the better choice for users who value premium design, Windows 10 functionality, and a wide range of accessories. The IdeaPad Duet 3 is a more affordable option with a longer battery life and the simplicity of Chrome OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both devices have similar display quality, with high-resolution IPS LCD panels. However, the Surface Go 2 has a slightly larger display at 10.5 inches compared to the IdeaPad Duet 3’s 10.3-inch display.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with the IdeaPad Duet 3?
A: No, the IdeaPad Duet 3 does not support the Surface Pen. It is compatible with the Lenovo Precision Pen, which is sold separately.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: Both devices are highly portable, weighing under 1.5 pounds. However, the Surface Go 2 is slightly lighter at 1.2 pounds compared to the IdeaPad Duet 3’s 1.3 pounds.
