Let’s begin by saying the brand new Microsoft Surface Duo cellphone isn’t for everybody. It is the antithesis of the iPhone and if you happen to like giant display screen telephones targeted on leisure, there’s a moderately good likelihood you’ll not just like the Surface Duo. It is the primary business-focused smartphone we’ve had for the reason that BlackBerry Key 2 (which I additionally carried and liked). As such, it’s targeted on those that have a broader curiosity in consuming written materials, video conferencing (particularly on Microsoft Teams) and electronic mail (particularly with Outlook).
In quick, it’s designed for the devoted Microsoft 365 person who wants one thing extra moveable than a laptop computer and doesn’t wish to carry two gadgets.
If you aren’t that individual, odds are you gained’t put within the effort to discover ways to use this cellphone’s distinctive options and also you’ll favor one other cellphone from one other vendor. But if you’re that individual and I admit I’m, you’ll love this factor. But bear in mind: This is a first-generation system, so it should enhance loads by model #3.
Let’s discuss all of that this week as I share why this cellphone is uniquely suited to how I work.
Living in Microsoft 365 and the Amazon Kindle Reader
Where this cellphone really shines is with the Amazon Kindle Reader, Outlook and Teams. The Amazon Kindle reader, while you put the app into the twin-screen mode, treats the system like it’s a guide that opens and maintain like a guide. It is extra comfy to carry than a pill or cellphone, as a result of you may set it down on its edge and it nestles in your hand like a, effectively, guide. I usually carry a 10-inch Amazon Fire pill, and I discover I not want to try this. The Duo works as effectively or higher for studying than the Fire Tablet does; the Tablet is a greater discount (usually round $150), however it is usually a redundant system, and each my spouse and I’ve misplaced a number of of them through the years. And I can carry the Duo in my pocket, one thing I can’t do with the Tablet.
[Editor’s observe: Since we’re speaking pricing for the Fire Tablet, we must always point out the pricing for the Duo: It will run you from $1,400 to $1,600, relying on storage (128GB or 256GB) and different choices. Go right here for firm info.]
The Outlook app, when in twin display screen mode, locations the record of emails on the left; it then locations the e-mail content material on the fitting so you may quickly undergo your electronic mail with out having to open every message. And each features of Outlook get their display screen, which means you don’t have to change views or scroll, particularly for brief messages frequently.
Teams provide you with a display screen for the content material after which one other one for the chat window, making it simpler to comply with discussions whereas preserving the speaking head and content material in view. Given, like a lot of you, I’m working from dwelling for the time being. As a outcome, this characteristic may enable me to hitch a convention that I’d forgotten or that was organized late on one in every of my uncommon moments after I’ve escaped the home. (I escape the home as a lot as I can get away with).
Issues to contemplate
This system is a dual-screen cellphone, not a foldable and it’s…
