Is the Surface Dock a good buy for the Surface Pro 7?
Best answer: The Surface Dock can connect to the Surface Pro 7 with the proprietary Surface Connect port. However, thanks to the Pro 7 now sporting a USB-C port, you can use a more modern docking solution. We recommend checking out the Dell D6000 Universal dock.
Like the Surface Dock, the Dell D6000 is a rectangular black box designed to live on your desk. It’s not portable like a standard hub due to its requirement of external power. This is a true docking station that connects back to your Surface Pro 7 with USB-C.
The Dell D6000 offers up to 65W of charging back to your device to keep it topped up for when you need to hit the road, plus you get support for up to three 4K external displays if you’re setting up a workstation. Total ports number 10, including four USB-A 3.0, one USB-C, two DisplayPort, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, and RJ45 Ethernet. There’s also a Kensington lock slot if you’re using this docking station in an office.
Considering the Dell D6000 only costs about $5 more than the Surface Dock, budgetary concerns won’t play a significant role.
How does the Dell D6000 compare to the Surface Dock?
The Surface Dock is certainly showing its age. It brings four USB-A, two Mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Ethernet for a wired connection, but it lacks the full-size DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C. However, it does leave the USB-C port on the Pro 7 free. It handles two 4K displays and will charge your Pro 7 while connected via the proprietary Surface Connect port.
Because the Surface Dock is designed to work with Surface products, any other laptops you have lying around not made by Microsoft won’t be compatible.
Is there a new Surface Dock in the works?
Many people rely on the Surface Connect port linked up to a Surface Dock every day. However, compared to more modern docking solutions, it’s starting to look quite antiquated. Most laptops and devices are moving on to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and it only makes sense for the Surface Dock to get a refresh sometime soon.
However, we’ve been repeating this for a couple of years, and Microsoft hasn’t shown any signs that it’s working on a refresh. If you need a quality docking station right now that opens up connectivity for your Surface Pro 7; the Dell D6000 remains a great choice.
Check out the Dell D6000 dock for a modern solution
The Dell D6000 docking station connects to your Surface Pro 7 via USB-C and offers a modern selection of ports, including four USB-A 3.0, one USB-C, two DisplayPort, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and RJ45 Ethernet. It will keep your Pro 7 charged while plugged in, and it has a Kensington lock slot for added security.
Our pick
Dell D6000 Universal Dock
Power and plenty of ports
If you’re in search of a USB-C docking station with a more modern selection of ports than the Surface Dock has to offer, the Dell D6000 should make a great fit.
Official Surface hardware
Microsoft Surface Dock
Hook up with Surface Connect
The Surface Dock needs a refresh. It will work with the Surface Pro 7, but its port selection won’t match up to more modern hardware.
