The Microsoft Surface Duo remains a terrible phone, but in 2022, it's a surprisingly great companion device.
The first generation Microsoft Surface Duo was released more than two years ago, and after a series of software updates, it’s become one of my favorite pocket-sized gadgets for fun and productivity.
Why the Surface Duo works so well in 2022 As its name suggests, the Duo is a device with two screens. While folding screens are all the rage at the moment with gadgets like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, I’m convinced that Microsoft is onto something with the double-trouble idea. For one thing, the Duo allows you to multitask like no other gadget I own.
My favorite use for the Duo is reading books on Amazon’s Kindle app. Thanks to the app’s support of dual displays, it feels like reading more like reading a physical book than any other electronic device I’ve tried. I rediscovered how nice it is to see two pages at a time, and it’s replaced my dedicated Kindle device.
One problem with all that glass, though, is that the Duo is more fragile than I expected. Within hours of unboxing the gadget, I dropped it on the floor, and the glass casing cracked. It still works fine, but I should have installed the included rubber bumpers that detract from the sleek look but hopefully offer a little more protection.
The double screens are also great for taking notes. For example, I can browse the web, and while reading an article, I can take notes on items of interest — ditto for times when I’m reading emails and there’s something I don’t want to forget.