I can't remember the last time I tried a device before turning it on. The idea of basing posts entirely on glamorous shots without actually interfacing with the product seems like a relic of an early era of the gadget blogging. But every now and then a device arrives that guarantees the approach.
There will be a much more thorough review of the Surface Duo. I will write many words on this website about the experience of using the software and living with the device as a reference phone. For now, however, you and I will both have to settle for a handful of photos and a few chosen words about the form factor.
But if a product deserves some love before the review, it's the Surface Duo. It's been a while since I've seen so many other ProWellTech editors so excited about a new device. The first leaflets are probably the closest comparison. And at first glance, at least, the Duo appears to be built more solidly than some of those early folding units. No surprise, really, as the weak link was the foldable screen itself.
Microsoft the approach to increasing the properties comes through two independent but connected screens. It's not the first product to take the approach, but out of the box it appears to be a much more solid approach. There is no fragile, glassless display to damage and no way to accidentally get debris trapped under the screen. The downside, however, is the gap between the displays. Again, we'll talk about it again in the next review.
What really jumped into my mind the most about unboxing is how compact the device is. I had seen it on videos and demos, but somehow I expected the device to be bigger. It's by no means small (in fact, it's wider than the Note 20), but depending on how tall you are, you should probably be able to slip it into your trouser pocket without too much trouble.
Microsoft has made it clear that when it comes to hardware, the hinge is the most important thing. It performs a double task both in terms of maintaining the connection between displays (including dual batteries and offering a smooth experience) and in terms of conforming the product to a variety of different angles. It remains to be seen how the majority of users interact with it, as it's a new form factor in a few key ways, so the device needs to be good in any configuration. As such, the 360-degree rotation needs to be smooth, while remaining stiff enough to keep a screen propped up.
So far, so good. The Duo hardware feels really premium, as one would / would expect from a $ 1,400 device. The new Surface arrives on September 10th. Expect a much more thorough and satisfying product review soon.
