Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect connector is on its way out as the tech giant transitions to USB Type C with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 as the main connection. This move means that the new Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock can be used with notebooks or tablets other than Microsoft’s Surface devices. Surface Connect had limited users, and new Surface devices like the Surface Pro 10 are likely to appear without Connect.
The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides three Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 Type-C ports that emit a display port image signal and charge connected devices with up to 15 watts. This docking station should work with many devices since Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are technically identical, with Thunderbolt 4 offering Intel certification and a guaranteed high range of functions, and Microsoft stipulating a PCI Express mode for the Windows logo on notebooks and image output via DisplayPort alternative mode via USB4.
The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock also provides other connections, including three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, Ethernet with 2.5 Gbps, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Kensington lock, but it lacks dedicated image outputs. Monitors can only be operated via USB-C via Displayport, and there is no HDMI output.
The connected main device can supply the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock with up to 96 watts, and Microsoft includes a 165-watt external power supply that is connected via a DC connector to support the total power supply of all USB ports, which is 163.5 watts.
The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock runs with the Surface Laptop 5, Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Pro 9. Microsoft sells the docking station in its own online store for 366 euros, and the first dealers have already started selling it.
