Surface Duo 2 hands-on: Just about everything got upgraded

Surface Duo 2 hands-on: Just about everything got upgraded

Here’s the thing about software, though: the next version is what you’re going to love. Not when you’re buying the current, but when you’re upgrading from that. That’s what Microsoft seems to be doing with the Surface Duo 2.

So, let’s start with the key areas Microsoft redesigned for the Surface Duo 2 — on the plus side, everything was a lot smoother to use, and its fall in on Microsoft’s new Precision Keyboard. Everything had a more smooth surface, and the new keyboard surfaces didn’t feel crispy when you’re typing on it. There was no feeling of tight physical resistance if you pushed or pulled the keys, which can be a sore spot for those who type.

The 2021 Surface Duo’s still quite heavy compared to the previous, but as always, it’s not unwieldy if you’re a bit taller. In fact, if you’re sitting down as if you’re looking forward at the great beyond, this will weigh you down a little less than you’d be on the new Surface Duo Pro’s 13.5-inch display (the only 2020 model with a 4K display). It’s less than 1% lighter than a 13.5-inch MacBook Pro.

The modernized instrument panel is pretty similar to that of the Surface Duo Pro, and it’s already a standout, particularly with the light feeling material on the pillows. I appreciated the backlit keyboard and it’s excellent that the new models don’t weigh you down all that much, which is why you know a device isn’t worth having if you can’t get a free coffee to kickstart your day.

The thermal/casing redesign is the biggest thing that changed, though. Even though the laptop feels as sleek as the lower-end Dell XPS 13 series notebooks, it still packs a lot more internals and components than the keyboard display alone. What’s amazing is that the Surface Duo 2, even with the lackluster hinge mechanism, feels as if it’s a lot lighter and doesn’t look quite so bulky as other Microsoft laptops.

For me, the revamped chassis stays in place even when you take out the laptop — on the plus side, it’s my favorite laptop port holder. It weighs less than most of its competitors. On the downside, that means you might have to put it back on a much smaller side stand, which is to be expected. I’ve always liked the effect Surface Duo Pro keyboards have on their air-tight chassis.

Overall, this is a really solid portability laptop. It’s easy to see why Microsoft surprised me so much, and I’m starting to like the feeling of it. Overall, the design changes are good, but I hope they don’t overpower it — Microsoft has good design chops.

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