New leaks suggest that the next Surface Dock may use Thunderbolt 4 instead of USB-C to connect with Microsoft’s laptops. Windows Central reports the device codenamed Bergamo and that images of it have been leaked via this listing .
Although USB-C is being adopted by other accessory companies, Microsoft prefers to use its Surface connector to dock its laptops to external monitors and other accessories. This means that devices such as the $259.99 Microsoft Surface Dock 2 can only be used with Microsoft’s gear. It is a shame considering the price.
However, Microsoft’s latest devices now support both types of connection. The Surface Laptop 5, and the Intel-based Surface Pro 9 supported Thunderbolt 4 last year. This means that they are theoretically already compatible with the leaked Surface dock. If Microsoft releases a Surface-branded Thunderbolt 4 dock for future Surface devices, it’s not clear if they will keep using the proprietary connector or if they will switch to USB-C.
The Surface Dock 2’s USB-C connector is gone, but the unannounced Surface Dock seems to be slightly slimmer than that of the Surface Dock 2. There are also some minor port changes. The second-generation dock’s USB-C port appears to be replaced by a USB A port. This seems reasonable considering the number of USB-A accessories still available. The I/O selection at the back is identical with a power input and Ethernet port, 3.5mm jacks, two USBA and two USBC ports.
Although it is not clear if this dock will work on non-Microsoft products, it appears possible considering that other company devices such as keyboards and mice have no problems with hardware from other manufacturers. Anyone who does not want to be tied into one hardware ecosystem would love the idea of getting rid of the Microsoft connector.
