Microsoft’s Surface Dock has been a popular accessory for Surface users, providing additional ports and connectivity options. However, the current Surface Dock uses a proprietary Surface Connect port, which limits its compatibility with other devices. But that could be changing soon, as rumors suggest that Microsoft is working on a new Surface Dock that will switch to USB-C.
USB-C is a versatile and widely adopted standard for connectivity, offering faster data transfer speeds, higher power delivery, and support for multiple protocols. It’s already used in many devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, and it’s becoming the de facto standard for charging and data transfer.
If Microsoft switches to USB-C for its next Surface Dock, it would make the accessory more versatile and compatible with a wider range of devices. Users would be able to connect their Surface devices to other USB-C devices, such as external displays, storage devices, and peripherals, without the need for adapters or dongles.
Moreover, USB-C is reversible, meaning that users can plug it in either way, making it more convenient and user-friendly. The current Surface Connect port, on the other hand, is not reversible, which can be frustrating for users who have to fumble with the cable to get it right.
Another advantage of USB-C is that it supports Thunderbolt 3, a high-speed protocol that enables even faster data transfer speeds, up to 40 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 also supports dual 4K displays, which would be a significant upgrade over the current Surface Dock’s single 4K display support.
Of course, switching to USB-C would also mean that users would have to buy new cables and adapters if they don’t already have them. However, USB-C is becoming more common, and many devices already come with USB-C ports, so it’s not a significant barrier.
Overall, switching to USB-C for its next Surface Dock would be a smart move for Microsoft, as it would make the accessory more versatile, user-friendly, and future-proof. It would also align with the company’s push towards USB-C in its other devices, such as the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7. We’ll have to wait and see if the rumors are true, but if they are, Surface users will have even more reasons to love their devices.