Cheapest available by a fair bit. Go wild. IMHO not worth it
Free delivery and 1.5% cashback
Sorry, updated
$1,687 for the 256gb model. extremely tempting!
Compucoast.com.au have the 256gb version for $1500. Any point in going through MS other than customer service (if any)?
Availability: 1 in stock
Make sure it's not a display or return unit
Why this over a Fold?
its pretty good if you are multi tasking two separate apps, its a bit painful on the fold vs this device
To pick up chicks.
2 screens: Tinder and Grinder
And on Fold: Bender
Two conventional screens are probably more durable and better for multitasking. Plus the pen works on both screens and magnetically attaches to the phone
That being said, my Fold 3 has survived heaps of drops and being in my pocket while its pouring with rain or wood chips (chainsawing) and its still fine.
I got the original Duo for just under $600 in this deal last year.
Have really enjoyed using it, but it took a little while before I found why it was better than a single-screen phone (including foldable single screens. For me the killer use is practicing writing Japanese - I prop it open in landscape orientation (like a mini laptop), use the 'bottom' screen for writing with the Surface Pen and the 'top' screen for running my flash card software (Anki). I can now do my writing practice anywhere and don't need to have paper with me. In fact, any kind of note taking with multitasking is brilliant on this device.
It's a unique device that isn't for everyone. If you multitask a lot, it is invaluable. That's why Microsoft really only marketed it as a business device, not a mass-market phone. If you find that unique use case that makes things better for you, like I did, it's way better than a foldable. But if not, you might as well have a regular phone.
What sort of battery life do you get on the duo 1? I've though about buying one of the older models before sinking my teeth into a $1500 device
I get about 2 days with Wi-Fi on mainly browsing, reading and emails. Of course it depends on your use with LTE, Bluetooth on, gaming or video streaming etc. The monthly software updates have improved screen on/off behavior and ironed out the bugs mentioned in reviews.
2 durable screens versus a soft screen, depends on what you prefer.
If you are using a pen, the Surface is much better IMO, if you aren't perhaps a foldable screen is better.
I always thought this looked like a pretty cool device.
I second that. By way to expensive
2 screens make it much more expensive to manufacture. It's not trying to compete with any other phone.
https://browser.geekbench.com/mobile-benchmarks
^ Please remember they want you to not realise a snapdragon 888 performs like a 2017 iphone flagship.
Please remember, the first folding phone from apple is due in 2035. Performance is not everything
You are definitely correct that the iPhones do not fold, and this Microsoft device does.
I would happily fold your iPhones if you like :-)
And? 2017 iPhone flagship would be the iPhone X. I have no problems with its performance.
IMHO not worth it
I agree!
I'm inclined to agree too given it's been out for quite some time, doesn't have a clear future in terms of updates/usability, and at least based on what happened with other Microsoft products like Surface Pro, the third gen is usually the sweet spot before the product line really matures.
I did consider one of these, but I got burned one too many times by MS Mobile/Phone.
Great for certain use cases, but expect it to be abandonware next year.
It runs Android, so no issues, they are also working on the Duo 3 (see Windows Central podcasts).
Also, most don't keep a phone for more than 2 to 3 years, it'll be supported for at least that period of time.
Yep Android. Even easier for them to just ditch and stop developing the Duo-specific tweaks.
Anyone thinking of buying one of these and having Microsoft support/develop it for more than another 12 months is going to be disappointed.
The OS and Duo-specific tweaks are near perfect now, great reviews of this since the last update (see Mr Mobile). Even if they never updated it again, I'm happy with mine (I wasn't at the beginning with bugs it had)
Each to their own, but it's a unique device for a niche market.
Gonna wait until there is a firesale like the Duo 1s got last year. Don't think MS is selling many of these.
They didn't make many, it's not for the masses.
It's not sold in many countries either.
I think MS got caught out with overproduction and COVID, plus the original device was running W10x I believe so they probably had hundreds down for enterprise customers until that software was scrapped.
I’d love a version 2 firesale, just think it may not happen.
I bought the first Surface Duo with this deal a year ago and happy with it as a portable foldable tablet for that price - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/644081
I see it's still available and USD 350 now - https://www.buydig.com/shop/product/MSTGM00006ULOB/Microsoft…
Oh wow, I didn't realise they were still selling these. Did you have any issues getting it unlocked from AT&T?
I'm seriously tempted to buy one. What's it like to use?
No issues getting it unlocked (just lodged an online request, got email back with the code about week or 2 later). Honestly would not have been fussed if it wasn't unlocked as I use it primarily as a foldable tablet and not replacing my primary mobile.
Wouldn't recommend it as a mobile but great as a foldable tablet that's about the size of an iPad Mini when opened.
Also just noticed that the current batch is already unlocked. Oh and it got the Android 11 update a few months ago too.
you can do a full conversion once you unlock the bootloader, i have done this to mine.
Doesn't look like you can order for Australia anymore.
Not sure if people will plan to use this as primary phone
Would've considered it if they didn't do the camera bump. Now you can't keep it open and use single handedly. Even with the bump photo/video performance is still subpar.
All higher-end phones have a camera bump, but yes, if you want it for great photography, wait until the next iteration :)
I don't mind a camera bump, but if it greatly sacrifices ergonomics of the design (ie. It can't fold open in on itself without crushing the camera) then you better make it count. By adding the bump, M$ basically removed the feature of being able to put the phone with the screens out in your pocket.
Not asking for iphone/galaxy levels of photography. Something a midrange phone can achieve is fine.
Keen to see how they (profanity) up Gen 3
Good point re the hump compared with the first one and folding back on itself.
The 3rd iteration will be interesting :)
All these devices designed for Graphics Artists that need to be whipping up a kids story book or a marketing catalogue 24/7. Is there really that many uber artistic folks out there? Most of my friends would be hard pressed drawing 2 stick figures F&^*ing
It's not a movie or a TV show.