“Indications suggest that Microsoft may be abandoning the Surface Connect port”

Microsoft has announced the latest version of its Surface Dock, featuring a Thunderbolt 4 port in place of its proprietary Surface Connect port. This marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as it has been dedicated to the Surface Connect port since 2014. The new Surface Dock, priced at $300, supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity on several Surface devices, including the Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Laptop Studio. Specifications of the Dock include three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, three 5Gbps USB-A ports, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro devices lacked a USB-C Thunderbolt port for many years, with the company frequently citing the magnetic Surface Connect as its replacement. Even after Thunderbolt 4 finally arrived on the Surface Pro 8, Microsoft continued to support the Surface Connect. However, Microsoft’s switch to Thunderbolt 4 on the Surface Dock could signal a change in strategy for future Surface devices, which are typically announced in the fall.

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The new Surface Dock is expected to have general support for other PC laptops and MacBooks, though specifics, such as Ethernet and external display support, may depend on individual device specifications. While Microsoft has noted that the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a commercial product, it offers many IT features that could make it appealing to business customers, such as Firmware Update through Windows Update, Wake on LAN from Modern Standby, and MAC Address Passthrough. Surface Enterprise Management Mode is also included.

Alongside the new Surface Dock, Microsoft plans to continue selling older models, including the Surface Dock 2, which sells for $260, and Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub products, to offer consumers a variety of options. However, Thunderbolt 4 may not be the standard for long, as Intel previewed the Thunderbolt 4.2 standard in October 2022, which it claims can offer three times the capability of Thunderbolt 4. Intel’s plan is to share more official details about the upcoming Thunderbolt standard later this year.

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It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will replace its Surface Connect dock with Thunderbolt 4 on new versions of its Surface devices. Regardless, it is positive to see Microsoft supporting more universal standards in its high-end Surface products. The new Surface Dock and its compatibility with other devices could help Microsoft maintain its stronghold in the laptop and tablet market, particularly with business customers who need reliable connectivity options.

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