I already have the Fold 4 but I got an unlocked brand new duo for $250 and I just couldn't pass it up. I have to admit I like it more than I thought I would. The numerous updates have made a big difference from when it first came out. I'm using it as my daily driver for now and it's actually running just fine. Now that I already have t he fold I'd probably choose it but if I had bought this before I probably would have never bought the fold.
Wow, $250.00 is an excellent price. I have not tried the Fold, so I cannot speak on it. I like the Duo, but it seems that Microsoft will pivot to a Fold design. I wonder if that will be a mistake. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video Pete Paxton.
I also have both the Fold 4 and Duo (gen 1). I Strongly recommend getting a pen for it. I got the metapen. It is a great alternative to the official Slim Pen. Install Gboard and set it up for handwriting. It really elevates the device.
Good video, but most of what you asked for, that makes sense, has already been included in the Surface Duo 2: thicker, more durable chassis, stronger and smoother hinge, more storage (up to 0.5 TB). Part of what you asked for doesn't make sense: an out screen loses the protection of closing the device, raises the weight and the cost. You also haven't tried the camera bump of the SD2. It's not a big deal at all. It actually avoids the challenge of taking the SD1 out of phone mode, since the camera provides a slim crack to start the fold back. I know, since I used both versions for years. The SD2 is already a steal at $700. Lower than that is crazy good value for a folding phone with so much multitasking capability and ease of use.
Thanks for the comment, Carl W. I do not have any experience with the SD2. I understand what you mean about the outer screen, but I beg to differ. A single external screen would make the phone function like a typical candy bar phone for basic calls and quick operations. As it is, you have to open the device intentionally for every action, which is not always convenient. This is not a deal breaker, but that external display would be more functional than a hinge that lights up. An alternative to an external screen would be to pair the device with a smartwatch. I do concede that the device would be more expensive. I currently carry my Note 8, iPhone X, and Duo, so the weight would not concern me. Where did you happen to find the SD2 for 700.00?
@@daddysharespace I have been using the duo for several weeks and I agree that having to open the device, put in my password and then i have to fold the device the other way to best take a picture is pretty inconvienient. I use the duo fir ubereats delivery and love the screen, but have found it to be easier to keep it folded as a phone while im doing orders
I have Fold5 (prior Fold4, 3 and 2 and every Note beginning from its 3rd iteration) and I still find the Duo polarizing. I bought one gently used from ebay a few months back and am happy I did. I even put my sim in it and spent the entire day in Jury Duty with mine. It has several quirks and a few issues and even still, it's a fun device to own as a secondary source of entertainment. Cheers
Thanks for taking time to check out the video. I am still rocking my Surface Duo. I think it is a cool device. I do feel that it should have had a third outer screen as that would have made it better for my personal use case. From what I am hearing Microsoft may be abandoning this form factor to produce a folding device if they even come out with another device.
@@daddysharespace Regarding an exterior display, I totally agree. However, that's one of the quirks that makes this an interesting device I feel. In a sea of iPhones and Galaxies, the Duo really sticks out. I'm actually typing this on my Duo while my Fold5 is charging. It's a unique device to saythe least. Many sites online have reported thst Microsoft is now pursuing a foldable similar to the Galaxy Fold instead of having two independent displays.
Very good video. I still use the OG Duo. As an fyi, Garmin and Suunto work with both Android and iOS. Apple Watch is cool but there are other options. 😊
Great video, agree with most of the points you made! I think with the external display I would like something more subtle like what the Galaxy Z Flip has, just for notifications and time maybe. I think having to open the device to use makes what you use it for more intentional and purposeful rather than picking it up for no reason which I think is a problem some people have with their phones. I really hope Microsoft nails it with the third iteration of this device, they do seem to have a good track record with third iterations of surface devices. I think my biggest hope is they solve the camera issue whether that's making the device thicker as you mentioned or doing something else, they should really prioritize that full 360 experience. Also anything that makes this device more like a Nintendo DS would be great😅!!
Thanks for the comment, Nintenjoe. I hope they stick with the Duo. My concern is that they may shift to copying Samsung's foldable screen design. I don't think that Samsungs take on a foldable is inferior. I just believe that Microsoft should continue with its design philosophy.
Yes, you can. You need to position the phone horizontally and then select Fill the screen. You can also play a video across both screens albeit with the hinge in the middle.
great timing on video. I just ordered one to fill in while I send my fold4 in for a tiny dead pixel on center screen. hopefully this unit will be enough for me so I can then sell off my fold4 untill something better comes along. I hate my fold4 tiny front screen practically useless anyways.
I just can't get away from the duo. I broke mine went back to my note and missed the 2 screens. Got a fold and could not get into it. To thin and wrong way round when open. Ended up finding a new duo on ebay and back to loving the device more than ever. I'm hoping the duo 3 builds on the duo rather than. Copys others. Camera is not amazing but fine for what I need. This phone always turns heads too.
I am enjoying my Duo as well. I heard that Microsoft might go with a folding screen on the Duo Three. I have not used the Fold, so I cannot compare the two. Glad to hear that you were able to replace your old Duo.
So I just bought a Surface Duo. It just looks too intriguing. Here's my question: Can I upgrade this to 12L without going through a network carrier? In other words, do I have to put in my sim card to update?
People keep calling this a phone. To me, this is nothing less than an old-fashioned DayTimer. Before we had cell phones, people would carry a small wallet that would provide a place for notes, a calendar, a contact list, and business cards of their most important customers or businesses. Without a DayTimer, you just couldn't be productive. This is exactly how Microsoft should market this product. I carry a Samsung S22 Ultra for my phone, my messages, and my camera (I hardly ever take pictures other than for business expenses). For everything else, video meetings, research, signing documents, highlighting web pages, sending longer e-mails, editing spreadsheets, reviewing documents, reading books (Kindle, e-books, periodicals, etc) product comparisons, keeping my calendar, whiteboarding, using Microsoft Teams, checking my to-do list off, contact information, and just having some fun watching RUclips, I use the Surface Duo. This device provides me with the best options to be productive and to multi-task with almost everything. Lastly, with all of the different modes (book mode, compose mode, tent mode, etc.), what's not to like? As for the bugs, I'm having a few little bugs with my Samsung S22 Ultra, You can't find a device that will do what these two devices will do without running into some bugs once in a while. And by the way, most manufacturers, including Microsoft, are pretty quick to make the necessary changes. If people stopped looking at this as a phone and started looking at it as an old-fashioned DayTimer, this product would sell larger volumes than they ever imagined. By the way, I have never switched to the Surface Duo 2. My one wish is that Microsoft would take a second look at the Surace Neo. That would be the ultimate DayTimer.
Thanks for the comment, David Y. I was unfamiliar with the Daytimer, so I looked it up. I cannot argue with your assessment. I also use multiple phones. So, I can relate to how you use your devices.
"PDA" was an acronym for Personal Digital Assistant. These were devices that came with a stylus or a way of typing notes into a little hand computer, shaped much like todays mobile phones. You could keep names, addressess, phone numbers, appointments and view a calendar. That's about all it did, but at the time, it was fantastic for storing personal and business information.
I already have the Fold 4 but I got an unlocked brand new duo for $250 and I just couldn't pass it up. I have to admit I like it more than I thought I would. The numerous updates have made a big difference from when it first came out. I'm using it as my daily driver for now and it's actually running just fine. Now that I already have t he fold I'd probably choose it but if I had bought this before I probably would have never bought the fold.
Wow, $250.00 is an excellent price. I have not tried the Fold, so I cannot speak on it. I like the Duo, but it seems that Microsoft will pivot to a Fold design. I wonder if that will be a mistake. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video Pete Paxton.
I also have both the Fold 4 and Duo (gen 1). I Strongly recommend getting a pen for it. I got the metapen. It is a great alternative to the official Slim Pen. Install Gboard and set it up for handwriting. It really elevates the device.
Good video, but most of what you asked for, that makes sense, has already been included in the Surface Duo 2: thicker, more durable chassis, stronger and smoother hinge, more storage (up to 0.5 TB). Part of what you asked for doesn't make sense: an out screen loses the protection of closing the device, raises the weight and the cost. You also haven't tried the camera bump of the SD2. It's not a big deal at all. It actually avoids the challenge of taking the SD1 out of phone mode, since the camera provides a slim crack to start the fold back. I know, since I used both versions for years. The SD2 is already a steal at $700. Lower than that is crazy good value for a folding phone with so much multitasking capability and ease of use.
Thanks for the comment, Carl W. I do not have any experience with the SD2. I understand what you mean about the outer screen, but I beg to differ. A single external screen would make the phone function like a typical candy bar phone for basic calls and quick operations. As it is, you have to open the device intentionally for every action, which is not always convenient. This is not a deal breaker, but that external display would be more functional than a hinge that lights up. An alternative to an external screen would be to pair the device with a smartwatch. I do concede that the device would be more expensive. I currently carry my Note 8, iPhone X, and Duo, so the weight would not concern me. Where did you happen to find the SD2 for 700.00?
@@daddysharespace I have been using the duo for several weeks and I agree that having to open the device, put in my password and then i have to fold the device the other way to best take a picture is pretty inconvienient. I use the duo fir ubereats delivery and love the screen, but have found it to be easier to keep it folded as a phone while im doing orders
I have Fold5 (prior Fold4, 3 and 2 and every Note beginning from its 3rd iteration) and I still find the Duo polarizing. I bought one gently used from ebay a few months back and am happy I did. I even put my sim in it and spent the entire day in Jury Duty with mine. It has several quirks and a few issues and even still, it's a fun device to own as a secondary source of entertainment. Cheers
Thanks for taking time to check out the video. I am still rocking my Surface Duo. I think it is a cool device. I do feel that it should have had a third outer screen as that would have made it better for my personal use case. From what I am hearing Microsoft may be abandoning this form factor to produce a folding device if they even come out with another device.
@@daddysharespace Regarding an exterior display, I totally agree. However, that's one of the quirks that makes this an interesting device I feel. In a sea of iPhones and Galaxies, the Duo really sticks out. I'm actually typing this on my Duo while my Fold5 is charging. It's a unique device to saythe least.
Many sites online have reported thst Microsoft is now pursuing a foldable similar to the Galaxy Fold instead of having two independent displays.
Very good video. I still use the OG Duo. As an fyi, Garmin and Suunto work with both Android and iOS. Apple Watch is cool but there are other options. 😊
Thanks for checking out the video and the compliment.
Great video, agree with most of the points you made! I think with the external display I would like something more subtle like what the Galaxy Z Flip has, just for notifications and time maybe. I think having to open the device to use makes what you use it for more intentional and purposeful rather than picking it up for no reason which I think is a problem some people have with their phones. I really hope Microsoft nails it with the third iteration of this device, they do seem to have a good track record with third iterations of surface devices. I think my biggest hope is they solve the camera issue whether that's making the device thicker as you mentioned or doing something else, they should really prioritize that full 360 experience. Also anything that makes this device more like a Nintendo DS would be great😅!!
Thanks for the comment, Nintenjoe.
I hope they stick with the Duo. My concern is that they may shift to copying Samsung's foldable screen design. I don't think that Samsungs take on a foldable is inferior. I just believe that Microsoft should continue with its design philosophy.
Great video. Thanks
Thank you, AA.
Great review. Can you give an update on how you are currently using it?
Thanks. Yes i will make an update.
Can you use the "zoomed to fill" function while watching youtube videos? Making it so the video fills the screen its on?
Yes, you can. You need to position the phone horizontally and then select Fill the screen. You can also play a video across both screens albeit with the hinge in the middle.
great timing on video. I just ordered one to fill in while I send my fold4 in for a tiny dead pixel on center screen. hopefully this unit will be enough for me so I can then sell off my fold4 untill something better comes along. I hate my fold4 tiny front screen practically useless anyways.
Glad the video helped, Maxx134a. I hope the Duo works out for you. Thanks for watching the video.
I just can't get away from the duo. I broke mine went back to my note and missed the 2 screens. Got a fold and could not get into it. To thin and wrong way round when open.
Ended up finding a new duo on ebay and back to loving the device more than ever. I'm hoping the duo 3 builds on the duo rather than. Copys others. Camera is not amazing but fine for what I need. This phone always turns heads too.
I am enjoying my Duo as well. I heard that Microsoft might go with a folding screen on the Duo Three. I have not used the Fold, so I cannot compare the two.
Glad to hear that you were able to replace your old Duo.
So I just bought a Surface Duo. It just looks too intriguing. Here's my question: Can I upgrade this to 12L without going through a network carrier? In other words, do I have to put in my sim card to update?
It should update over WiFi.
@Daddy Share Space thanks. I just tracked it and it arrives this weekend so I'll give it a shot.
Need to change that battery in your smoke detector
Thanks, Anthony Vaughn. I finally changed them all.
People keep calling this a phone. To me, this is nothing less than an old-fashioned DayTimer. Before we had cell phones, people would carry a small wallet that would provide a place for notes, a calendar, a contact list, and business cards of their most important customers or businesses. Without a DayTimer, you just couldn't be productive. This is exactly how Microsoft should market this product.
I carry a Samsung S22 Ultra for my phone, my messages, and my camera (I hardly ever take pictures other than for business expenses). For everything else, video meetings, research, signing documents, highlighting web pages, sending longer e-mails, editing spreadsheets, reviewing documents, reading books (Kindle, e-books, periodicals, etc) product comparisons, keeping my calendar, whiteboarding, using Microsoft Teams, checking my to-do list off, contact information, and just having some fun watching RUclips, I use the Surface Duo. This device provides me with the best options to be productive and to multi-task with almost everything. Lastly, with all of the different modes (book mode, compose mode, tent mode, etc.), what's not to like?
As for the bugs, I'm having a few little bugs with my Samsung S22 Ultra, You can't find a device that will do what these two devices will do without running into some bugs once in a while. And by the way, most manufacturers, including Microsoft, are pretty quick to make the necessary changes.
If people stopped looking at this as a phone and started looking at it as an old-fashioned DayTimer, this product would sell larger volumes than they ever imagined. By the way, I have never switched to the Surface Duo 2.
My one wish is that Microsoft would take a second look at the Surace Neo. That would be the ultimate DayTimer.
Thanks for the comment, David Y. I was unfamiliar with the Daytimer, so I looked it up. I cannot argue with your assessment. I also use multiple phones. So, I can relate to how you use your devices.
Do you mean a PDA?
"PDA" was an acronym for Personal Digital Assistant. These were devices that came with a stylus or a way of typing notes into a little hand computer, shaped much like todays mobile phones. You could keep names, addressess, phone numbers, appointments and view a calendar. That's about all it did, but at the time, it was fantastic for storing personal and business information.