Microsoft Surface Dock 3 leaked: Switch to Type-C interface and support Thunderbolt 4 protocol
As Microsoft’s esteemed creation, the Surface series computers boast exceptional aesthetics; however, their limited variety and quantity of ports necessitate many users to acquire an additional expansion dock. The Surface Dock, an official extension, offers a wealth of connections but at a premium price. Citing Windows Central, images of the Microsoft Surface Dock 3 recently surfaced on an e-commerce website, with an imminent release anticipated.
Image: eBay
According to the seller, the product was used for testing purposes and includes only the dock itself, without a power adapter. The previous two generations of Surface Docks employed Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect interface, akin to Apple’s MagSafe, which features magnetic attachment. The most notable change in the Surface Dock 3 is the replacement of the Surface Connect interface with a Type-C interface. As confirmed by Windows Central, Surface Dock 3 will support Thunderbolt 4 protocol.
Based on the images, Surface Dock 3 appears more compact than Surface Dock 2, featuring one Type-A and one Type-C port on the front; on the back, there is a power port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, an audio jack, two Type-A ports, and two Type-C ports. Due to the interface change, Surface Dock 3 is likely to be compatible with non-Surface devices.
Image: eBay
Surface Dock was released in 2015, equipped with four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two Mini DP ports, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and an audio jack. Surface Dock 2, launched in 2020, features four Type-C ports, two Type-A ports, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and an audio jack. The main improvement of Surface Dock 2 over its predecessor is the reduction of Type-A and Mini DP ports, in favor of the more versatile Type-C ports. The primary enhancement of Microsoft Surface Dock 3, compared to Surface Dock 2, is the replacement of the Surface Connect interface with a Type-C interface and support for the Thunderbolt 4 protocol.
