Microsoft has stay on diligently devote to its proprietary Surface Connect porthole over the year . But now , Microsoft is swap out its proprietary Surface Connect port wine for a more conventional Thunderbolt 4 on the modish adaptation of its Surface Dock , which the companyannounced onTuesday .

This is a first for Microsoft , which has used its proprietary Surface Connect port since 2014 starting with the Surface Pro 3 .

However , Microsoft said in its declaration web log mail service that Thunderbolt 4 support on the Modern Surface Dock will extend Thunderbolt 4 connectivity on several gadget , including the Surface Pro 9 , Surface Laptop 5 , and Surface Laptop Studio . The Surface Dock isselling for $ 300 .

For many old age , the Surface Pro devices lacked a USB - C Thunderbolt port , with Microsoft often indicate to the magnetic Surface Connect as its own replacement . But even once Thunderbolt finally came to theSurface Pro 8 , Microsoft observe the Surface Connect around too . The switch to Thunderbolt on the Surface Dock could head to a change in future Surface devices , which are unremarkably announced each drop .

Specifications on the Surface Dock let in dimensions of 5.91 by 2.95 by 0.84 inches , with three Thunderbolt 4 USB - light speed ports , three 5Gbps USB - A porthole , a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port wine , and a 3.5 mm headphone diddlysquat . Its file world power put up 96 W when connected to a laptop . Additionally , the Dock link up ideally with Windows 11 and can project from a laptop to two 4 K monitor at 60 Hz . The connecter port is also easily detachable , so it wo n’t snag your laptop and have an accident .

The Dock should also have oecumenical support for other microcomputer laptop computer and MacBooks ; however , specific , such as Ethernet and external display living might reckon on the individual specs of devices , Ars Technica notes .

While Microsoft notes that the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a commercial ware , it has many IT features , which might   still make the Dock invoke to stage business client . These admit Firmware Update through Windows Update , rouse on LAN from Modern Standby , and MAC Address Passthrough‎. Surface Enterprise Management Mode ( SEMM ) .

The firebrand plans to sell the Surface Dock alongside old models , including the Surface Dock 2 , which sell for $ 260 , and Microsoft USB - C Travel Hub products to maintain a option of choice for consumers .

Though Microsoft has introduced this new accessory , Thunderbolt 4 might also soon be on its way of life out as the transfer standard . Intel previewed theThunderbolt 4.2 standardin October of 2022 which it claims can deliver up to three times the capacity of Thunderbolt 4 . Speeds are said to include 80 Gbit per 2d both ways , in addition to a special mode that give up for 120Gbps speeds up and 40Gbps down when supporting several gamy - end monitors on a exclusive cable . Intel plans to share more prescribed details about the upcoming Thunderbolt standard latest this year .

Whether or not we ’ll see Microsoft replace its Surface Connect sour grass on novel adaptation of its Surface equipment is yet to be picture . Either way , it ’s great to see Microsoft supporting more universal standard in its high-pitched - end Surface products .