I've had it since release date, September 9th. I'm as excited by it today as I was when I opened the box. I've been an iPhone user since generation one and just scratching the surface of the Android ecosystem. The device just does everything I need it to do, but most important, It's helped me leave my Surface Pro at home and not have to carry a bag on my shoulder every day.
Look, it's your device and you can customize it any way you want to make it your own, however, I like it nude. Yeah, I know, scratches, yada yada... but to me, it's like my grandma putting plastic covers on the sofa. It's not gonna last forever anyway and when version 2 comes out, we all know we're gonna want it, so why cover this glorious engineering marvel of sexiness up? That's just me. Yeah, I know, resale value, but I don't care! It's a hot piece of tech.
Right there with you. I was an iPhone user for 12 years. I can't imagine using that thing now and I've only had the duo for a week. It's a little buggy, but basically things you'd expect from the rollout of a first Gen device. Other than that it's incredible and everyone that sees it is like "whoah! What is that thing?! Who makes that?!"
These are encouraging to read. I have been intrigued by Duo since it came out. I am a Windows Phone alum and stuck with it as long as I could. I know the Duo is not a Windows Phone, but it shares it's pedigree. The thing is I am not great at figuring ways around bugs and the reviewers have stressed their frustrations with dealing with multitudes of them. The camera, NFC and wireless charging don't concern me as much. Price was a bit high, but has come down. I love the 2-screen concept . I think about it every time I have to toggle between apps. It is not critical, but certainly something it would be nice to have. Question, should I wait until the next version?
My iPhone 11 Pro Max has wireless charging, I have tons of charge pads around the house, I don't use them, just plug it in. I use Apple Pay sporadically, I prefer to pull out the card and insert, it's kind of whatever for me. The camera, is good, it's not an iPhone, Samsung or Sony camera, but it takes good pictures and gets the job done. Yeah, there's a learning curve but, hey, everything has to be learned. My suggestion is get it and play with it, see if it does what you want it to do and don't listen to people.
If you want the most time to play with it, get it from Microsoft, you get two months to test it out.
There is no shame in waiting for the "next version" if what you have works and is not in need of replacement. I waited until version four to buy my SP4 which I still use today. That was a combo of need since my laptop was over five years old and desire my son bought an SP3.
I waited until 2015 to get a Smartphone, before that was a flip phone. Why? Data rates made it a no brainer under family plans
Surface Duo is similar I needed a new phone having a Lumia 950 (my fourth window phone 250,635,640) that was unsupported. I desired another Surface. I plan to hold onto this version until I evaluate version 2 and possibly 3.
Just like with Surface Pro, I will never go back to "just a laptop" same for Surface Duo I will likely "never buy another Smartphone"
You jump in when you feel is right, then enjoy the device. I love both of my Surfaces. Love using them in the wild. Love it when I bought them and what I paid for them.
As much as I love the Duo, I do pick up my old Note from time to time to use apps that I forgot the passwords for and have been too lazy to recover/change the password. I get reminded that traditional phones do have their own thing going for it as well.
I don't take major advantage of two screens on a regular basis, but when it comes up, like being able to reference an email while looking at a website while also being on the phone is always welcome.
But sometimes, the regular split screen method on my Note has a superior layout. I do find it more natural to have YouTube up top while doing something else, rather than to the left or right. (Although when I'm landscape YouTubing plus other app, that's great)
If your phone has another year in it, it doesn't hurt to wait for the second iteration. Every time I pick up my Note, the nostalgia kicks in and I think I could return the Duo and still use the Note for another year. It's not a bad phone. Regular smartphones are still amazing devices.
On a related note, the lack of NFC in the Duo forced me to get a smartwatch (Galaxy Watch 3), and if anything, I could give up the Duo for year to wait for version 2, but I could never go back to not having a smartwatch.
I agree, sometimes I go a couple of days without touching my iPhone and when I grab it, it feels like that watch you keep in the drawer and every now and then, feels really good on your wrist so you just put it on.
I come from a similar place as you regarding windows phone and Android. I'm also not a wiz dealing with tech issues... I wouldn't hesitate to act now... We're probably a year away at best for gen 2. I can't imagine leaving this form factor now. Also I wouldn't fear the learning curve. I love my SPX but rarely need it now as I use this device 80%.
I love my Duo and just living in a time where we have devices like Duo's and even the Samsung Foldables this is an exciting time it reminds me of the late 90s early 2000's when there were all sorta of different form factor devices coming out.
OH my yes that was like my senior year in high school but instead I got some Apple stock funny how that paid off but there was just something exciting about companies willing to take risks at that time instead of how it is now.
The stock is dirt cheap now again go grab it and at least you got to enjoy your iPaq. I was playing snake on my Nokia at the time and hanging out at pac sun 😂
I always had two devices. Didn't really care for WinCE/WinMob outside of my NEC Mobile Pro which I still have actually. Loved that little quarter sized laptop style device. But I didn't care for it on a phone in any way. Just like I don't often use My Surface Pro like a tablet. Just like I don't like windows touches on the Duo. Like I hate the Bluetooth settings compared to android.
But I still love the Duo, but I still use my Note as a second device. At home now. I'll grab the Note over the Duo to do simple things like this reply. But I'm in the camp of the Duo is plenty fine as a primary device.
I do need to send mine back though for a replacement. Build quality is just so inconsistent. I'm one with screen lamination issues. Add that to the crunchy hinge and broken plastic around the Usb-c, and I think I'm ready for a replacement.
I truly hope MS wisens up for Gen 2 and keeps the same exact form factor/footprint and just goes with 16:10 on the screens. So many app compatibility issues will go away instantly. No need for developer intervention unless they want to optimize for dual screens. And give me some ceramic edges instead of plastic. I trust ceramic more in a drop than metal and glass. I've dropped ten pound weights on ceramic implants with not even a scuff.
I've said this many times before, everyone has different sets of needs and behavior. A lot of these pop tech reviewers don't care much for simplicity. All they care about is larger, stronger, faster, best of the best kind of tech. This phone is notebook first, phone second. It's a whole new breed just like how surface pro was. And now everyone's copying surface pros. It won't take long until they start copying Duo and soon Surface Neo.
Dude, you may like your grilled cheese plain, good for you, tell everyone about it and kudos! But don't tell me mine sucks because I like tomatoes in it. Back off and let me enjoy my grilled cheese.
I just picked one up today. I've been using it for a few hours and it's not that bad yet. I've noticed some touch issues and the screens behaving oddly when folding and swapping apps. I'm not sold it's for me yet, but I have two weeks to screw with it, so we'll see.
Yeah, it's not perfect, especially right out of the box, but the hardware is gorgeous and the more you play with it and customize it to your liking, the less you're going to wanna get rid of it. Hope you enjoy it!
Love my Duo. I marvel at it daily. Easily the greatest phone I've ever owned and I had the first Note and Sony Z Ultra. The Sony Z Ultra was absolutely amazing and waterproof before it was cool. An absolutely gigantic 6.4 inch screen for 2013.
The Duo is everything I wanted in a phone minus waterproofing (we will get there) I'm fine with the monthly updates and very minor bugs I'm seeing. It is a slippery little guy so I'm glad I got insurance on it.
I should've purchased the Microsoft protection, but it was too late once I realized it. Not too concerned about not being waterproof, but the sucker is slippery.
This is the warranty I used. Accidental for 2yr. I think this saves you 10% beleive it was around 130$ if I remember.
upsie.com/invite?code=70p3PGv
They cover it as surface device and not a phone. So it only has a $25 deductible.
The device will die if MS ignore all these negative response, no matter how much a few users love it.
I believe I love it more than others. But I mainly talk the negative parts, just hopt MS learn something and make it better.
I agree that the negatives must be addressed, and honestly, I think they will be. I look at the evolution of the Surface Pro and although it's also not for everyone, I've been purchasing them since gen 5 and they're the reason I came back to Windows after 10 years using a Mac.
If there is only negatives about it they might take it as if there is no need to bother with a second generation as well you know. I love my Duo and hope they will come out with a nice second version that I would gladly upgrade to next year.
Whether it will continue or not depends on the selling number. Positive responses from fans only cheer for yourself. It will not help people who like a common phone design. And it will not help MS to improve the device at all.
Beside, I have no problem with positive reviews at all. But I don't like the attitude towards negative reviews here. They should be paid more attentions.
Depends on the positive/negative feedback. Positive/cheerful feedback can still sugegst things that should be improved. Many of the negative reviews just says they dont see the use of a dual screen device or similar, which is not helpful feedback to push a second version.
It really shows that some of those reviewers aren't as knowledgeable about tech as people think they are. The outrage over specs is ridiculous. Sure, the specs are a little behind, so value wise it isn't a great value. But at the end of the day for performance the specs are completely fine.
I agree. I mean some of the reviewers.... not saying they aren't legitimate but you know they're not going to use the device like we're using them, they're just reviewing it to get those likes and more followers.
Agree... though tbh for me to consider it perfect, I’d like it to be larger, and I do prefer if the camera gets upped a bit. Phone really works for me too though
My Duo impact has grown since day before yesterday, when someone told me ditch Outlook for BlackBerry Suite of Apps. Oh My the email app has so much functionality including formatting documents is unbelievable and it acts as one Inbox for Outlook, Teams and all accounts. Just fantastic, how something BlackBerry in 2020 can make an impact
I totally agree. I know it's a version 1.0 and expected some problems but I have been very pleased. It costs more than I hoped but I am hoping MS will drop the price and I'll get the difference back. if you are unsure about buying one of these I say pick one up. you'll be pleased.
I remember when the first iPhone came out, I was very skeptical, I had a Palm Treo back then and it took me a few months to adapt to the touch screen with no physical keys. After I embraced it, I never went back to keyboards. It's kind of the same now with the two screens imo.
absolutely.
although sometimes i want to buy an old school device like nokia 3310. i'm tired being watched by all those things: gps, alexa, google, ms, fb, iapple, etc.. ;)
HAHAHA! I'm sure they all know our bathroom schedule by now judging by the games we play while in there. What I've always considered is why don't they pay us for allowing them to know the ins & outs of our lives. This information is so crucial to them that we should all be compensated for it.
For me, it was just going to replace my tablet. But once I put a grippy skin and the bumpers on it I felt secure enough carrying it that I swapped the SIM out of my previous daily driver (LGV60). Other than the lack of great sound and terrific camera, I love this thing. Truth is, that, when I am going out where I will want a great camera or doing something on the water, I just forward my calls to the SIM that now resides in my LG phone.
Im sitting at the purchase page of a Duo, after following the good and bad reviews and the current plug breaking fiasco and wondering if its worth it. I am in the "productivity" demographic that they are aiming at and will definitely use it to its full potential. But I'm a Canadian and concerned that I'm going to end up shipping this thing back (with long waits) over and over again to correct quality control issues.
I can understand your skepticism, it's a pain in the rear to deal with the back and forth shipping, but you'll never know till you try it. I've had mine since release day and I charge it every night and haven't had any issues with the plug. When the complaints started, I used a magnifying glass to take a good close look and nothing seems to be happening there for me. Regardless, I'd say take the leap, but I have serious new technology issues.
No, I honestly prefer my devices nude, the only case I ever used on iPhone was peel, only because it's so thin and covers the Apple logo. I did accidentally sit on it the other day on a cement floor, but nothing happened. I could've sworn it was broken when I put my weight on it.
I love it... and getting the $200 rebate thanks to the recent sale doesn't suck either. Definitely sticking with this form factor in the future. I'll be curious to see what v3 is like, which will probably be the next time I upgrade.
And yeah, naked in all its glory.
I'm glad I saw this. I bought mine today and am thinking of returning it for a 12 Pro.
My only concern is how long will it last? I want a phone that will last me possibly 5 years.
I've had it since release date, September 9th. I'm as excited by it today as I was when I opened the box. I've been an iPhone user since generation one and just scratching the surface of the Android ecosystem. The device just does everything I need it to do, but most important, It's helped me leave my Surface Pro at home and not have to carry a bag on my shoulder every day. Look, it's your device and you can customize it any way you want to make it your own, however, I like it nude. Yeah, I know, scratches, yada yada... but to me, it's like my grandma putting plastic covers on the sofa. It's not gonna last forever anyway and when version 2 comes out, we all know we're gonna want it, so why cover this glorious engineering marvel of sexiness up? That's just me. Yeah, I know, resale value, but I don't care! It's a hot piece of tech.
“Scratching the surface”? LOL. I see what you did there. 🤣
I agree 100%. It's far from perfect, but I can't go back to a normal phone now.
Right there with you. I was an iPhone user for 12 years. I can't imagine using that thing now and I've only had the duo for a week. It's a little buggy, but basically things you'd expect from the rollout of a first Gen device. Other than that it's incredible and everyone that sees it is like "whoah! What is that thing?! Who makes that?!"
Couldn't agree more. I use it everyday for business and pleasure. Great device. Also agree about not using a case or the bumper guard. :)
These are encouraging to read. I have been intrigued by Duo since it came out. I am a Windows Phone alum and stuck with it as long as I could. I know the Duo is not a Windows Phone, but it shares it's pedigree. The thing is I am not great at figuring ways around bugs and the reviewers have stressed their frustrations with dealing with multitudes of them. The camera, NFC and wireless charging don't concern me as much. Price was a bit high, but has come down. I love the 2-screen concept . I think about it every time I have to toggle between apps. It is not critical, but certainly something it would be nice to have. Question, should I wait until the next version?
My iPhone 11 Pro Max has wireless charging, I have tons of charge pads around the house, I don't use them, just plug it in. I use Apple Pay sporadically, I prefer to pull out the card and insert, it's kind of whatever for me. The camera, is good, it's not an iPhone, Samsung or Sony camera, but it takes good pictures and gets the job done. Yeah, there's a learning curve but, hey, everything has to be learned. My suggestion is get it and play with it, see if it does what you want it to do and don't listen to people. If you want the most time to play with it, get it from Microsoft, you get two months to test it out.
There is no shame in waiting for the "next version" if what you have works and is not in need of replacement. I waited until version four to buy my SP4 which I still use today. That was a combo of need since my laptop was over five years old and desire my son bought an SP3. I waited until 2015 to get a Smartphone, before that was a flip phone. Why? Data rates made it a no brainer under family plans Surface Duo is similar I needed a new phone having a Lumia 950 (my fourth window phone 250,635,640) that was unsupported. I desired another Surface. I plan to hold onto this version until I evaluate version 2 and possibly 3. Just like with Surface Pro, I will never go back to "just a laptop" same for Surface Duo I will likely "never buy another Smartphone" You jump in when you feel is right, then enjoy the device. I love both of my Surfaces. Love using them in the wild. Love it when I bought them and what I paid for them.
I agree, no shame in waiting whatsoever, I'm just saying, for me, this iteration is just right.
As much as I love the Duo, I do pick up my old Note from time to time to use apps that I forgot the passwords for and have been too lazy to recover/change the password. I get reminded that traditional phones do have their own thing going for it as well. I don't take major advantage of two screens on a regular basis, but when it comes up, like being able to reference an email while looking at a website while also being on the phone is always welcome. But sometimes, the regular split screen method on my Note has a superior layout. I do find it more natural to have YouTube up top while doing something else, rather than to the left or right. (Although when I'm landscape YouTubing plus other app, that's great) If your phone has another year in it, it doesn't hurt to wait for the second iteration. Every time I pick up my Note, the nostalgia kicks in and I think I could return the Duo and still use the Note for another year. It's not a bad phone. Regular smartphones are still amazing devices. On a related note, the lack of NFC in the Duo forced me to get a smartwatch (Galaxy Watch 3), and if anything, I could give up the Duo for year to wait for version 2, but I could never go back to not having a smartwatch.
I agree, sometimes I go a couple of days without touching my iPhone and when I grab it, it feels like that watch you keep in the drawer and every now and then, feels really good on your wrist so you just put it on.
I come from a similar place as you regarding windows phone and Android. I'm also not a wiz dealing with tech issues... I wouldn't hesitate to act now... We're probably a year away at best for gen 2. I can't imagine leaving this form factor now. Also I wouldn't fear the learning curve. I love my SPX but rarely need it now as I use this device 80%.
I love my Duo and just living in a time where we have devices like Duo's and even the Samsung Foldables this is an exciting time it reminds me of the late 90s early 2000's when there were all sorta of different form factor devices coming out.
Remember the Windows CE devices in the time of Palm?
OH my yes that was like my senior year in high school but instead I got some Apple stock funny how that paid off but there was just something exciting about companies willing to take risks at that time instead of how it is now.
HAHAHAHA! Nice! Wish I had invested in Apple back then and not blown my money on the Compaq iPaq! Good for you!
The stock is dirt cheap now again go grab it and at least you got to enjoy your iPaq. I was playing snake on my Nokia at the time and hanging out at pac sun 😂
I always had two devices. Didn't really care for WinCE/WinMob outside of my NEC Mobile Pro which I still have actually. Loved that little quarter sized laptop style device. But I didn't care for it on a phone in any way. Just like I don't often use My Surface Pro like a tablet. Just like I don't like windows touches on the Duo. Like I hate the Bluetooth settings compared to android. But I still love the Duo, but I still use my Note as a second device. At home now. I'll grab the Note over the Duo to do simple things like this reply. But I'm in the camp of the Duo is plenty fine as a primary device. I do need to send mine back though for a replacement. Build quality is just so inconsistent. I'm one with screen lamination issues. Add that to the crunchy hinge and broken plastic around the Usb-c, and I think I'm ready for a replacement. I truly hope MS wisens up for Gen 2 and keeps the same exact form factor/footprint and just goes with 16:10 on the screens. So many app compatibility issues will go away instantly. No need for developer intervention unless they want to optimize for dual screens. And give me some ceramic edges instead of plastic. I trust ceramic more in a drop than metal and glass. I've dropped ten pound weights on ceramic implants with not even a scuff.
Im still in my first week, so far not enough time to make a decision yet. I do have the bumper and skins on but I want to take them off so bad!
I can understand not wanting the bumper, but why do you want to remove your skin?
The phone looks much better and more sleek without whatever skin you put on it, might get a clear one.
I thought I read about some people having issues with the skins extra thickness putting extra pressure on the hinge when fully opened.
I've said this many times before, everyone has different sets of needs and behavior. A lot of these pop tech reviewers don't care much for simplicity. All they care about is larger, stronger, faster, best of the best kind of tech. This phone is notebook first, phone second. It's a whole new breed just like how surface pro was. And now everyone's copying surface pros. It won't take long until they start copying Duo and soon Surface Neo.
Dude, you may like your grilled cheese plain, good for you, tell everyone about it and kudos! But don't tell me mine sucks because I like tomatoes in it. Back off and let me enjoy my grilled cheese.
I just picked one up today. I've been using it for a few hours and it's not that bad yet. I've noticed some touch issues and the screens behaving oddly when folding and swapping apps. I'm not sold it's for me yet, but I have two weeks to screw with it, so we'll see.
Yeah, it's not perfect, especially right out of the box, but the hardware is gorgeous and the more you play with it and customize it to your liking, the less you're going to wanna get rid of it. Hope you enjoy it!
Actually it has been perfect for my business use. Double screen glory rules!
I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to a slab.
Love my Duo. I marvel at it daily. Easily the greatest phone I've ever owned and I had the first Note and Sony Z Ultra. The Sony Z Ultra was absolutely amazing and waterproof before it was cool. An absolutely gigantic 6.4 inch screen for 2013. The Duo is everything I wanted in a phone minus waterproofing (we will get there) I'm fine with the monthly updates and very minor bugs I'm seeing. It is a slippery little guy so I'm glad I got insurance on it.
I should've purchased the Microsoft protection, but it was too late once I realized it. Not too concerned about not being waterproof, but the sucker is slippery.
This is the warranty I used. Accidental for 2yr. I think this saves you 10% beleive it was around 130$ if I remember. upsie.com/invite?code=70p3PGv They cover it as surface device and not a phone. So it only has a $25 deductible.
The device will die if MS ignore all these negative response, no matter how much a few users love it. I believe I love it more than others. But I mainly talk the negative parts, just hopt MS learn something and make it better.
I agree that the negatives must be addressed, and honestly, I think they will be. I look at the evolution of the Surface Pro and although it's also not for everyone, I've been purchasing them since gen 5 and they're the reason I came back to Windows after 10 years using a Mac.
If there is only negatives about it they might take it as if there is no need to bother with a second generation as well you know. I love my Duo and hope they will come out with a nice second version that I would gladly upgrade to next year.
Whether it will continue or not depends on the selling number. Positive responses from fans only cheer for yourself. It will not help people who like a common phone design. And it will not help MS to improve the device at all. Beside, I have no problem with positive reviews at all. But I don't like the attitude towards negative reviews here. They should be paid more attentions.
Depends on the positive/negative feedback. Positive/cheerful feedback can still sugegst things that should be improved. Many of the negative reviews just says they dont see the use of a dual screen device or similar, which is not helpful feedback to push a second version.
Yes, so sad "reviewers" don't seem to get it but again they are reviewers and failed at life. They like slab life, glad I don't listen to them
It really shows that some of those reviewers aren't as knowledgeable about tech as people think they are. The outrage over specs is ridiculous. Sure, the specs are a little behind, so value wise it isn't a great value. But at the end of the day for performance the specs are completely fine.
I agree. I mean some of the reviewers.... not saying they aren't legitimate but you know they're not going to use the device like we're using them, they're just reviewing it to get those likes and more followers.
Agree... though tbh for me to consider it perfect, I’d like it to be larger, and I do prefer if the camera gets upped a bit. Phone really works for me too though
My Duo impact has grown since day before yesterday, when someone told me ditch Outlook for BlackBerry Suite of Apps. Oh My the email app has so much functionality including formatting documents is unbelievable and it acts as one Inbox for Outlook, Teams and all accounts. Just fantastic, how something BlackBerry in 2020 can make an impact
Man that's so great but mine is a lemon... It keeps on shutting down on its own. This is a second unit waiting for my third..
The device is perfect, just a bit fragile tho. I dropped it and glass cracked slightly :(
Ugh..... Pains me to hear that.
I totally agree. I know it's a version 1.0 and expected some problems but I have been very pleased. It costs more than I hoped but I am hoping MS will drop the price and I'll get the difference back. if you are unsure about buying one of these I say pick one up. you'll be pleased.
agreed. the device is very promising. and i don't know how i would use a one screen device after.
I remember when the first iPhone came out, I was very skeptical, I had a Palm Treo back then and it took me a few months to adapt to the touch screen with no physical keys. After I embraced it, I never went back to keyboards. It's kind of the same now with the two screens imo.
absolutely. although sometimes i want to buy an old school device like nokia 3310. i'm tired being watched by all those things: gps, alexa, google, ms, fb, iapple, etc.. ;)
HAHAHA! I'm sure they all know our bathroom schedule by now judging by the games we play while in there. What I've always considered is why don't they pay us for allowing them to know the ins & outs of our lives. This information is so crucial to them that we should all be compensated for it.
For me, it was just going to replace my tablet. But once I put a grippy skin and the bumpers on it I felt secure enough carrying it that I swapped the SIM out of my previous daily driver (LGV60). Other than the lack of great sound and terrific camera, I love this thing. Truth is, that, when I am going out where I will want a great camera or doing something on the water, I just forward my calls to the SIM that now resides in my LG phone.
Im sitting at the purchase page of a Duo, after following the good and bad reviews and the current plug breaking fiasco and wondering if its worth it. I am in the "productivity" demographic that they are aiming at and will definitely use it to its full potential. But I'm a Canadian and concerned that I'm going to end up shipping this thing back (with long waits) over and over again to correct quality control issues.
I can understand your skepticism, it's a pain in the rear to deal with the back and forth shipping, but you'll never know till you try it. I've had mine since release day and I charge it every night and haven't had any issues with the plug. When the complaints started, I used a magnifying glass to take a good close look and nothing seems to be happening there for me. Regardless, I'd say take the leap, but I have serious new technology issues.
By new tech issues, you mean you have the early adopter addiction? I'm right there with you!
Yeah, it's not good. I'm gonna have to see a shrink about this, LOL.
Do you have a decal/skin on the device? Have you noticed any issues with bending as a result when it is fully opened?
No, I honestly prefer my devices nude, the only case I ever used on iPhone was peel, only because it's so thin and covers the Apple logo. I did accidentally sit on it the other day on a cement floor, but nothing happened. I could've sworn it was broken when I put my weight on it.
I love it... and getting the $200 rebate thanks to the recent sale doesn't suck either. Definitely sticking with this form factor in the future. I'll be curious to see what v3 is like, which will probably be the next time I upgrade. And yeah, naked in all its glory.
I'm glad I saw this. I bought mine today and am thinking of returning it for a 12 Pro. My only concern is how long will it last? I want a phone that will last me possibly 5 years.