The primary era Microsoft Floor Duo was launched greater than two years in the past, and after a collection of software program updates, it’s turn into one in all my favourite pocket-sized devices for enjoyable and productiveness.
Let’s be clear from the beginning: The Floor Duo is a depressing smartphone, even if it snappily runs a reasonably latest model of Android. It’s awkward to make and obtain calls. The digicam is a blurry mess.
However, the Duo rocks for issues like internet shopping, emails, watching movies, and light-weight gaming. In brief, for something that you simply would possibly think about a small pill for, the Duo does higher.
Why the Floor Duo works so properly in 2022
As its title suggests, the Duo is a tool with two screens. Whereas folding screens are all the fashion in the mean time with devices just like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, I’m satisfied that Microsoft is onto one thing with the double-trouble thought. For one factor, the Duo lets you multitask like no different gadget I personal.
It’s straightforward to launch two functions concurrently on the Duo. Whereas I’m working, for instance, I can have Slack operating on one display and electronic mail on the opposite. Or, I can analysis an article with Chrome within the left-hand tab whereas taking notes in Phrase on the right-hand display. For leisure, it’s enjoyable to look at a YouTube video on one display whereas shopping eBay auctions on the opposite.
One enormous level within the first-generation Duo mannequin’s favor is the value. I picked up a model new first-generation mannequin just lately on Amazon for about $300. That’s a substantial financial savings over the roughly $1,500 worth when the Duo was first launched.
My favourite use for the Duo is studying books on Amazon’s Kindle app. Because of the app’s help of twin shows, it appears like studying extra like studying a bodily e-book than some other digital gadget I’ve tried. I rediscovered how good it’s to see two pages at a time, and it’s changed my devoted Kindle gadget.
A design that also shines
The design and ergonomics of the Duo are beautiful and onerous to seize in photos. In your hand, it’s a slim and light-weight gadget with a glass back and front. The 360-degree hinge is completely balanced and can preserve the Duo open at any angle you select.
I’m a giant fan of the Microsoft {hardware} design aesthetic, and I used to be delighted to search out that the Duo seems like a mini model of my Floor Professional. The Duo has two separate, typical 5.6-inch Gorilla Glass-enclosed AMOLED panels which are brilliant and colourful. The outside is manufactured from white painted glass with a matte white body that pairs properly with the chrome steel double-barrel hinge and Microsoft brand.
One drawback with all that tumbler, although, is that the Duo is extra fragile than I anticipated. Inside hours of unboxing the gadget, I dropped it on the ground, and the glass casing cracked. It nonetheless works positive, however I ought to have put in the included rubber bumpers that detract from the smooth look however hopefully supply just a little extra safety.
The Duo is so skinny at 4.8 millimeters that it’s onerous to think about the place Microsoft squeezed in a battery. And sadly, battery life is missing on this gadget. I didn’t do formal assessments, however I’d estimate I get 4 to 6 hours of sunshine internet shopping and electronic mail earlier than a low battery indication.
Tremendous stylus
The most effective use I discovered for the Duo is taking notes. It really works out of the field with Microsoft’s ubiquitous Floor stylus, one in all which I occurred to have round to be used with my full-sized Floor Professional 7. In apply, it seems that taking notes is a much better expertise on the Duo than on a full-sized pill or laptop computer. The smaller display makes it very helpful to jot notes that I may need on the go. As a substitute of hauling out an even bigger machine, I can slip the Duo out of my pocket and take down my ideas.
The double screens are additionally nice for taking notes. For instance, I can browse the net, and whereas studying an article, I can take notes on objects of curiosity — ditto for occasions after I’m studying emails and there’s one thing I don’t wish to overlook.
The Duo makes a superior digital notepad partly as a result of it’s so helpful. It’s a pocket-sized gadget with concerning the dimensions of a basic Moleskine pocket book. I’ve used Microsoft OneNote, a part of the Workplace Suite, for protecting observe of on a regular basis goings. OneNote is optimized to be used with a stylus.
Do not forget that not each Android app will benefit from twin screens. Luckily, Microsoft has optimized its personal Android apps, like Outlook, OneDrive, and OneNote. For instance, In case you flick your finger to increase Outlook throughout each of the Duo’s shows, it is going to present you your inbox on the left whereas permitting you to learn one chosen electronic mail on the precise. This characteristic is genius-level multi-tasking that I want different gadget producers would undertake.
Efficiency on the gadget is greater than acceptable, contemplating that the Duo makes use of a comparatively antiquated Snapdragon 855 chip. I by no means felt just like the system was slowed down, even after I was utilizing two completely different apps concurrently in separate home windows.
Nonetheless a foul telephone, however now an important companion gadget
Regardless of all its design perks, the Duo suits into an odd class of units. I wouldn’t suggest it as a telephone as a result of having to unfold it for calls is awkward. It’s not an acceptable pill alternative both as a result of the screens are too small for doing issues like critical phrase processing.
As a substitute, it’s a incredible third gadget for individuals who must take notes or multitask whereas shopping the net. At its present low worth, the Duo is a cut price. Simply preserve it on Wi-Fi.
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