Microsoft Surface Dock

An expensive but, for some, necessary expansion dock for the Surface Pro 3 and 4 but its appearance does nothing to enhance the ulta-slim Surface Pro; its blocky design could possibly benefit by being smaller and less rectangular and a change from its all black colour. It not only provides an extra 4 USB 3.0 ports but 2 HDMI ports that potentially support 4K graphics and a Gigabit Ethernet port. There is also an audio socket either for headphones or powered speakers. A USB-C port would have provided some benefit if the connector's bandwidth supports it and if included. It uses its own substantial power adapter which connects via a common form of co-axial socket and also powers the Surface Pro via the same magnetically-connected port as the standard power adapter, which it replaces. Its PSU, which is virtually identical in size to the hub, has some extra power to offer and appears not to get become quite as warm as the standard power unit when used for a few hours. It is no shrinking violet and is far heavier than it would appear.A normal 4-port USB hub has been sometimes used in the past - it was originally purchased to use with another laptop - but it obviously does not provide the same connectivity as the dock although several USB adapters could be purchased to provide the same functionality as this but they would consume most or all of the hub's ports. There is currently no single alternative to this Dock that provides similar connectivity.If you frequently use the Surface Pro and need some or most of the Dock's additional connectivity, then this is something to consider as it is so useful. It adds so much extra to the Surface's connectivity that it transforms the Surface Pro into a virtual desktop PC. There are reports that it cannot simultaneously support two 4K monitors but that is because some of the Surface models may not fully support MST (multi-screen technology); the top-of-range model may!

pondered on this purchase for a little while as its not cheap... and finally got fed up with my mess of wires and USB boxes. I also run two screen off my surface using the one video port on the Surface and a USB socket... I also have various backup drives, wireless mouse and keyboard dongle etc etc. to plug in and never mind audio speakers which tend to work better plugged in than with bluetooth. The clincher was two of my USB 3 splitters causing problems ... if you put cheaper product under load don't expect it to perform well in the long term. So I took the plunge and shelled out the cash for what I hoped would be a product of a similar quality and build as my Surface 4... anyway plugged it in and it was all just working with no hassle. I immediatly used ALL the sockets, video, audio, network and all the USB ports two of which plugged with 4 way splitters in each meaning that I have 10 USB 3 ports available to me and it has worked like a dream... I have not checked out everything yet but file transfer speeds have improved immeasurably. I am having no video problems all my screens are working well and it is so simple just plug the docking station into the power socket and it all runs from there while it also charges your Surface.... The build is good as well, it has that "it won't break if you drop it" feel... alltogether a good purchase ... I also understand that it will be forward compatible with the next generation of Surface computers so looks like I'm in clover, at least so far as this docking station is concerned.... I gotto say than none of this kit is cheap but I have been a surface user since the Pro 2 and this stuff just keeps on working unlike, two other laptops that I have bought in the last three years so as you can tell I am a happy bunny!

The Surface Book (the item for which this was bought) isn't badly supplied with USB ports, but doesn't make it easy for you to connect to a wired network, or attach speakers or the like to said device. This is where this device comes in. It raises the number of USB ports to 4, allows you to use audio playback, if you have speakers, and video ports, should you need to be doing that sort of demonstration, or work, and it does it well too, without any trouble, as far as I can tell.The grumbles I have are that it's expensive, doesn't have an automatic HDMI port (which isn't a problem for me), and is a bit on the big side, compared to what it's being used with.

This unit is expensive, however having bought a cheaper laptop dock that stopped working after a few months I think this is worth the money. Firstly having the dock's link to the laptop integrated into the power supply is really nice and avoids using up a port on the laptop and looks neater. Second it runs really cool, I cant hear a fan however I use this 12 hours or more every day with 2 monitors and other peripherals and it never gets hot and works flawlessly. Thirdly it has a wide range of ports, likely more than you'll need. The lesson for me is you get what you pay for!

Not happy as it shows USB C pprts but is the old Surface dock with only USB

This is actually quite brilliant though design wise almost too functional looking. It gives power, 4 USB 3.0 ports 2 extra display ports, a gigabit Ethernet port and media jack for the surface pro 4 (and 3). It's very solid, has a rubber underside to prevent slipping and a single magnetic lead to attach to the surface pro. It makes it a good alternative to a desktop. Only comment is like most of the surface accessories it's a bit pricey so look for online offers.

I agonised over getting this because it seems so expensive, but I’m so glad I did. It’s completely transformed my home working set up. Now I just attach the dock cable and, in an instant, my laptop is connected to power, ethernet, a USB-C driven external monitor, mic, keyboard and mouse. My old power adaptor lives in my bag for work on the go. Can’t imagine going back.

Very good docking station. Works perfectly with my Dell monitor and accessories