Microsoft Surface Duo II

 

OK, so I have been using (and enjoying) a Microsoft Surface Duo since September 2020, and Microsoft recently came out with an updated version, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Reading the reviews it did not seem that there was a compelling reason to 'upgrade,' but eventually this technophile succumbed and ordered one. Initial pictures below (the black one is the Duo 2):

The specifications: comparing the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.  That's all for now (which is why this is titled 'first look.')

Previous related entries:

Microsoft Surface Duo - First look

Online Resources:

XDA Microsoft Duo Forums

Windows Central - Microsoft Duo Forums

Microsoft: Different ways to use Surface Duo

Online Reviews:

Microsoft Duo 2 review: Vastly improved and still flawed

Microsoft Duo 2 review: A unique device for your multitasking life

YouTube (video) reviews:

Microsoft Duo 2 Review

Surface Duo 2 Long-Term Review: Revisiting A Different Kind of Foldable

Surface Duo 2 1-Week Later | Productivity At Its finest

Surface Duo vs. Surface Duo 2 after 6 months: Which to buy

Astro Slide 5G - First look

Finally received the Astro Slide 5G Transformer phone I had backed on Indiegogo in March of 2020. 

This is Planet Computer's third offering in the series - starting with the Gemini (reviews here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) , followed by the Cosmo Communicator (review), and now the Astro Slide 5G Transformer (all three shown left to right below):

Here's a shot showing the Astro Slide Transformer with keyboard open, along with some other keyboard PDAs:

Full specifications

Online Resources:

Astro Slide OESF Forums

Planet Computers YouTube Playlist - Astro Slide 5G Transformer

Astro Slide Reviews:

Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G review (Techradar)

Hands-on with the Astro Slide 5G: Slider in your hand, Debian in your pocket

Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G review: A keyboard-equipped 5G phone with retro appeal (ZDNet)

Astro Slide YouTube Reviews:

Unboxing - Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G 

Astro Slide 5G Unboxing (Japanese)

Astro Slide 5G Smartphone - Dual Boot Android and Linux

Most Powerful 5G Smartphone Pocket Computer Hybrid | Astro Slide