REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

SkinnyPupp · 01-13-2023, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Disclaimer: I am not using it as a phone (yet.)

I got it because it was being blown out by Amazon.com and I figured, "Why not?" I wanted to have a larger tablet-type device while being able to browse the web in the evening w/o having to be in front of a laptop/computer all while being able to access my work e-mails/files/Teams in one device. Also, this is a lot easier to bring around when I'm traveling and not have to bring my laptop with me, so this is a great substitute and I like it for that.

No qualms with it other than some weird quirks because of Android and setting it up with my work via Microsoft O365 and company security policies but took a few tries to get it right.

So far, I like it. It's plenty fast (for me) and my use cases (browse/e-mail/viewing photos/work stuff.) If you game or anything, do not get this device. A lot of online reviews hate on the device but I find it works quite well. I can't speak for the camera because let's be honest, who really buys a device like this for its camera capabilities? Other than that, I'm not sure what the beef is.

I don't have any accessories with it but hope to have a wireless keyboard to pair it with. I thought about getting the pen but didn't see much use for it. Had it not been for Amazon selling this for $300'something, I would not have bought it. Cost was a huge deterrent for me.

Forgot to tell us what it is?

bcrdukes · 01-13-2023, 07:42 AM

???

SSM_DC5 · 01-13-2023, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemhg

Anyone here ever migrate from iPhone to Android that can give me their anecdotal experience?

I'm growing tired of Apple and their bullshit, I've never owned an Android phone, and frankly I feel like a total retard when I even attempt to use one (the UI is goofy to me in comparison to IOS).

The new Pixel is enticing me but I'm worried that making the jump would be a disappointment, it's crazy how iMessage creates such a dissuasion to move.

Wife uses iPhone, I use Samsung. She pulls up my Samsung pay all the time trying to find an app. I don't like that her iPhone doesn't have a finger print reader and I either have to put the phone up to her face or punch in the code to unlock it. But like dukes said you'll get used to the UI eventually.

SkinnyPupp · 01-13-2023, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

???

Nevermind if I dig through the earlier posts I can see you're talking about a Microsoft Surface Duo? I think?

Amazon has it for $300 something, but the MS Store sells it for $1400? That's a pretty crazy discount. Is it real?

I only care because I am kind of in the market for a cheap tablet, if a decent one exists

radeonboy · 01-13-2023, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Disclaimer: I am not using it as a phone (yet.)

I got it because it was being blown out by Amazon.com and I figured, "Why not?" I wanted to have a larger tablet-type device while being able to browse the web in the evening w/o having to be in front of a laptop/computer all while being able to access my work e-mails/files/Teams in one device. Also, this is a lot easier to bring around when I'm traveling and not have to bring my laptop with me, so this is a great substitute and I like it for that.

So far, I like it. It's plenty fast (for me) and my use cases (browse/e-mail/viewing photos/work stuff.) If you game or anything, do not get this device. A lot of online reviews hate on the device but I find it works quite well. I can't speak for the camera because let's be honest, who really buys a device like this for its camera capabilities? Other than that, I'm not sure what the beef is.

Had it not been for Amazon selling this for $300'something, I would not have bought it. Cost was a huge deterrent for me.

Seem like our intentions are mostly the same but I didn't know the original Duo is that much cheaper until after my purchase. I find the form factor interesting, but I would never pay the original price for this, and now even at half off I'm still not sure if it's right for me - I'm struggling to find compelling use cases for my needs though I'm keeping my mind open.

I think a lot of the beef comes from a combination of price and undercooked software at launch resulting in reviewers finding it difficult to justify its value for the average consumer. It wasn't until the recent Android 12L update that the software became stable based on the Surface Duo subthread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkinnyPupp

Nevermind if I dig through the earlier posts I can see you're talking about a Microsoft Surface Duo? I think?

Amazon has it for $300 something, but the MS Store sells it for $1400? That's a pretty crazy discount. Is it real?

I only care because I am kind of in the market for a cheap tablet, if a decent one exists

Yes we're talking about the Surface Duo / Duo 2

The steep discounts are real because the device is a huge flop. It's insane they tried to sell the phone at $1400, but at $300 it's worth a try.

I don't know if the Duo fits your bill for a cheap tablet though - the device has a bezel in the middle so content gets interrupted when you go fullscreen. I think you're better off with a base iPad or a Chromebook like a Lenovo Duet.

mikemhg · 01-13-2023, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSM_DC5

Wife uses iPhone, I use Samsung. She pulls up my Samsung pay all the time trying to find an app. I don't like that her iPhone doesn't have a finger print reader and I either have to put the phone up to her face or punch in the code to unlock it. But like dukes said you'll get used to the UI eventually.

I feel like my gf would do this by "accident" as well, but just so that I'd pay the bill

bcrdukes · 01-13-2023, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkinnyPupp

Nevermind if I dig through the earlier posts I can see you're talking about a Microsoft Surface Duo? I think?

Amazon has it for $300 something, but the MS Store sells it for $1400? That's a pretty crazy discount. Is it real?

I only care because I am kind of in the market for a cheap tablet, if a decent one exists

You may be referring to my ghetto phone on the 1st page haha

If so, it's a Punkt MP02. I also have a Nokia banana phone but it has a camera.

@radeonboy - How much was your Surface Duo 2?

@SkinnyPupp - Good callout by radeonboy about the bezel in the middle. It doesn't bother me and I find that the split screen is fine and not evident to me (again, one of those things you just get used to.) I personally would not treat this as a tablet-equivalent like an iPad etc. The use case simply works for me as I don't have super high expectations. So far, the size I've gotten use to as well, so I am happy with it.

radeonboy · 01-13-2023, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

@radeonboy - How much was your Surface Duo 2?

It's $980+tax from Best Buy right now so it's still expensive, though much more reasonable than $2,000+ tax. My main draw to it is its form factor which the cheaper Duo can still accomplish, so it's just a matter of deciding whether the extra features of the 2 is worth the ~$500 difference (software support, newer CPU, more ram, dual-sim support etc.).

bcrdukes · 01-13-2023, 03:56 PM

That makes sense.

Silly question but does the Duo 1 have dual sim support? (either physical or eSIM?)

Re: CPU etc. I still use the 1st Gen iPad. I have no intention of switching until it dies.

Edit: Found my answer here - https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...a-8bfe2eb8cc01

Quote:

Surface Duo has a physical Nano SIM. AT&T locked SKU will have eSIM disabled while the Open market SKU will support Dual SIM single available (physical SIM and eSIM) – so only one SIM for calls, texts, data can be active at one time.

SkinnyPupp · 01-13-2023, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radeonboy

Seem like our intentions are mostly the same but I didn't know the original Duo is that much cheaper until after my purchase. I find the form factor interesting, but I would never pay the original price for this, and now even at half off I'm still not sure if it's right for me - I'm struggling to find compelling use cases for my needs though I'm keeping my mind open.

I think a lot of the beef comes from a combination of price and undercooked software at launch resulting in reviewers finding it difficult to justify its value for the average consumer. It wasn't until the recent Android 12L update that the software became stable based on the Surface Duo subthread.

Yes we're talking about the Surface Duo / Duo 2

The steep discounts are real because the device is a huge flop. It's insane they tried to sell the phone at $1400, but at $300 it's worth a try.

I don't know if the Duo fits your bill for a cheap tablet though - the device has a bezel in the middle so content gets interrupted when you go fullscreen. I think you're better off with a base iPad or a Chromebook like a Lenovo Duet.

Yeah I was looking at it last night after I posted and unfortunately the bezel won't work for me

What I want is a decent sized tablet, like 10", around that price $200-300. Just for watching videos and books and comics at home really.

Wait a minute... Actually holy crap the 10.2" ipad is like $325 now.. what?

bcrdukes · 01-13-2023, 04:16 PM

Yup. They've come a long way. The iPad was a strong contender in my short list but lost out to the Surface Duo due to its capabilities of being able to run dual apps on the two screens. Outlook and Teams being are the most used apps for me when I'm on the road, followed by Excel.

And ditto on the bezel - Depending on how intimate you need to be with your media, be it videos, books, comics, the bezel may get in the way in terms of using up the screen's real estate.

For me, I do a lot of reading of various news sources and I personally find it alright. The Microsoft apps work quite well and definitely optimized by Microsoft so I am very appreciative of that.

radeonboy · 01-13-2023, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

That makes sense.

Silly question but does the Duo 1 have dual sim support? (either physical or eSIM?)

Edit: Found my answer here - https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...a-8bfe2eb8cc01

I'm reading that Duo 1 is Dual sim single standby, meaning it'll accommodate 2 sims but only 1 line is connected at a time. Duo 2 is dual sim dual standby (both sims can be active concurrently).

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkinnyPupp

Just for watching videos and books and comics at home really.

I find it cumbersome for watching videos on the Duo, but some owners say it's great as a comic / e-book device.