Other modes allow it to be held like a book with a different app on each screen. Two apps can be grouped together (to form what is known as an app group) so that when its icon is tapped, both apps open simultaneously, one on each display. Microsoft points out that the device will run all Android apps making it more familiar to consumers who are used to Google’s mobile operating system. In Compose Mode, the Surface Duo figures out your intent and calls up the keyboard so that a quick reply can be composed.
Microsoft notes that inking is easy on the Surface Duo. Unfortunately, unless you spring for one of the optional Surface Pen variants that are supported by the device, you’ll never find out if this is true. And at the end of the day, you can tell the Surface Duo that it is time to get to sleep by closing both screens.
The Surface Duo is powered by the Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform, 2019’s flagship chipset, and includes 6GB of memory and 128GB of storage for $1,399.99 or $46.67 a month over 24 months. You can hike storage to 256GB for only $100 more ($1,499.99) or 24 monthly payments of $50.
