Elevate your workspace: microsoft usb-c® travel hub vs surface dock 2 – which one suits your needs?
What To Know
- The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub and Surface Dock 2 are two essential accessories that enhance the functionality and connectivity of Microsoft Surface devices.
- The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub is designed for portability, with a compact size that easily fits into a laptop bag or briefcase.
- Whether you choose the portable convenience of the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub or the comprehensive functionality of the Surface Dock 2, you will enhance your workflow and connectivity.
The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub and Surface Dock 2 are two essential accessories that enhance the functionality and connectivity of Microsoft Surface devices. Both devices offer a range of ports and features, but they differ in their purpose and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two accessories to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Size and Portability
The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub is designed for portability, with a compact size that easily fits into a laptop bag or briefcase. It measures just 4.4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches and weighs a mere 0.2 pounds. In contrast, the Surface Dock 2 is larger and heavier, measuring 8.5 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches and weighing 1.9 pounds. It is intended for use on a desk or table.
Connectivity Options
The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub provides a variety of essential connectivity options, including:
- One USB-C® port (Power Delivery 3.0)
- Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- One HDMI 2.0 port (4K @ 60Hz)
The Surface Dock 2 offers a more extensive range of ports, including:
- Two USB-C® ports (Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4)
- Three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- One Gigabit Ethernet port
- One audio input/output port
- One Kensington lock slot
Power Delivery and Charging
The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub supports Power Delivery 3.0, allowing it to provide up to 60W of power to connected devices. This is sufficient for charging most laptops and tablets. The Surface Dock 2 also supports Power Delivery 3.0, but it can provide up to 90W of power, enabling it to charge even more powerful devices such as Surface Book laptops.
Display Output
Both the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub and Surface Dock 2 support HDMI output, allowing you to connect an external monitor or projector. The USB-C® Travel Hub supports HDMI 2.0, which supports resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz. The Surface Dock 2 supports DisplayPort 1.4, which supports resolutions up to 5K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
Other Features
The Surface Dock 2 offers additional features that are not available on the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub, including:
- Wake-on-LAN: Allows you to wake your Surface device from sleep remotely over a network connection.
- MAC Address Pass-through: Allows your Surface device to use the same MAC address as the Surface Dock 2, simplifying network management.
- Firmware Updatability: Enables you to update the firmware of the Surface Dock 2 to ensure compatibility with the latest devices and features.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub is available for a retail price of $99.99, while the Surface Dock 2 is available for a retail price of $259.99. Both accessories are available from Microsoft and authorized retailers.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub and Surface Dock 2 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need a portable and affordable option that provides essential connectivity options, the USB-C® Travel Hub is a great choice. If you require a more comprehensive set of ports, including high-power charging and advanced display output capabilities, the Surface Dock 2 is the better option.
Takeaways
Unlocking productivity with the right accessories is essential for maximizing the capabilities of your Microsoft Surface device. Whether you choose the portable convenience of the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub or the comprehensive functionality of the Surface Dock 2, you will enhance your workflow and connectivity. Make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and experience the seamless integration that these accessories provide.
Popular Questions
Q: Which accessory is more portable?
A: The Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub is more portable due to its compact size and lightweight design.
Q: Which accessory provides more power delivery?
A: The Surface Dock 2 provides up to 90W of power delivery, compared to 60W for the USB-C® Travel Hub.
Q: Which accessory supports higher display resolutions?
A: The Surface Dock 2 supports DisplayPort 1.4, enabling resolutions up to 5K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, while the USB-C® Travel Hub supports HDMI 2.0, enabling resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz.
Q: Which accessory offers wake-on-LAN and MAC address pass-through?
A: Only the Surface Dock 2 offers wake-on-LAN and MAC address pass-through capabilities.
Q: Which accessory is more expensive?
A: The Surface Dock 2 is more expensive than the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub, with a retail price of $259.99 compared to $99.99.