Microsoft Surface Dock 2

As a recent Surface Laptop 7 owner, I was eager to find a docking station that would seamlessly integrate with my new device and expand its capabilities. The Surface Dock 2 has exceeded my expectations!Here's what I love:Effortless Setup: Plugging in the Surface Connect cable was all it took. My laptop instantly recognized the dock and started charging, with no fiddling with drivers or settings.Powerful Connectivity: I now have a full desktop setup with dual external monitors (running beautifully at 4K resolution), a wired keyboard and mouse, and an ethernet connection for stable internet access. While it doesn't have Thunderbolt, I haven't found that to be an issue. My workflow relies primarily on USB accessories and external displays, which the dock handles flawlessly.Clean and Minimalist: The dock itself has a sleek, modern design that complements my Surface Laptop perfectly. It keeps my workspace organized and clutter-free.Fast Charging: The dock charges my laptop quickly and efficiently, even while powering multiple peripherals.Built for Surface: It's clear that this dock was designed specifically for Surface devices. The integration is flawless, and it enhances the overall Surface experience.I highly recommend the Surface Dock 2 to anyone with a compatible Surface device. It's a worthwhile investment that transforms your laptop into a powerful workstation.

I initially tried to use less expensive third party docks connecting to a Surface Book 4 through the USB-C port. I needed to support two external 4K televisions (LG and Sony) as external monitors. None of the third party docks supported this adequately despite listing dual-4K support (two introduced noise when second monitor added, while a third overheated and shut down). The Microsoft dock works flawlessly, both directly to the monitors and through a dual-monitor KVM switch. I did have to add USB-C to HDMI adapters, for which I am able to use very inexpensive Walmart house brand adapters, which to me indicates that the dock is supplying a solid signal. The other ports (USB-A, Ethernet, and the non-video USB-C ports) also work flawlessly. My adobo e is to not waste your time with third-party docks, just get the MS dock and get the functionality you want.Note, this dock does replace the MS-Surface power adapter. It plugs to AC, and supplies power/charging to the Surface unit. This also leaves existing ports (USB-A, USB-C, etc.) on the Surface device available. I have also tested that you can then attach an additional third-party dock via USB-C or an additional USB-C to HDMI adapter to support a third external monitor. I have not yet tested support for a fourth external monitor.Note to non-MS-Surface users, this dock connects to the PC through Microsoft’s proprietary power-data connector, not through USB-A or USB-C, so you cannot use this dock with machines from other manufacturers.

Edit - 9/22/24It will constantly disconnect. Be prepared to have problems with the charger cord not being recognized by the computer. EXTREMELY disappointing.-----------I've been through 2 dongles prior to this and almost gave up being able to use my USB keyboard and mouse! I have this for my setup in my classroom and absolutely love it now! It makes using my computer and charging it, so much easier!!

This Microsoft Surface Dock has been a game-changer for my work setup. I travel a lot for work and this has helped boost productivity and easily connects to my other screens. It’s incredibly easy to use—just plug in, and it instantly transforms my Surface into a full desktop workstation.

Helps make my surface pro more functional with large monitor options.

I had so much h trouble with the first dock. Even sent it in and got a replacement. Still no luck. It kept dropping monitors after 30 seconds. Never ended up using it.Now with my Surface Book 3, this Dock 2 is everything the original promised.Now if only Microsoft wouldn't have to make me pay 250 for a new dock when the first one should have worked >:(

You might assume you would be able to use this without plugging it into the wall when your battery is already fully charged. Nope. It never stops charging, which will inevitably destroy your battery. There is a "kiosk mode" that can be setup in the boot menu, but that just keeps the battery at 50% instead of 100%. There is no way to let the battery cycle naturally. Given what it takes to replace the battery on the Surface Laptop Studio, this seems like a major design flaw.Second, you might assume this would have a HDMI/Display Port. It doesn't. You will need another accessory if your monitor doesn't provide a USB C connection.I liked the idea of hooking up all of my externals with that one fancy surface connector, but the charging problem rules that out. I'm going to combine an extra charger with the USB C Travel Hub instead.

Right off the bat, be aware that this is not the 60hz 4k model - this is 30hz. That's fine by me; I use this for work, not gaming.If you have bought in to the Surface ecosystem as I have, I cannot recommend this enough for your personal workstation. The advantage that the Microsoft price gives you is freeing up the USB port on your Surface, since the dock connects using the Surface port.The main criticism I have is that there is a seemingly small number of USB ports: two USB A ports on the back and two USB C ports on the front. In my experience so far there are not yet many USB C-ended cables for accessories, but you could certainly charge your phone.