Windows Surface Pro- dual external screen set up.

TimSynths

Just got a surface Pro for work to replace my Win 7 machine. I currently have the laptop closed and use it as a base unit running 2 big screens off it and a keyboard. I really want to/need to replicate this on the new machine but am struggling.  Currently I have one monitor on the hdmi and the other connected using the old style blue connector with no probs. I have been sent one of these to attach everything to but I can only get it to recognise one big screen at time (by unplugging the other monitor cable) Any help appreciated. Tim.

TimSynths

I have also ordered in addition (thinking it would solve my issues) a surface dock 2 but it has usb c connectors- I've discovered today I can get converters to fit this and my current/old leads but I don't want to wasted anymore money if it wont work.

Sandtree

At my last clients we had Surface Pro's with the dock connected up to either a pair of monitors or a ultra wide screen that was even bigger than the two together.  It was an agile working office so no set desks etc so you ended up moving around a fair bit.

Compared to a laptop/docking station they were more temperamental  in terms of getting all the screens working but most the time  it was fine and when not then turning off/unplugging etc got things working again most the time. 

[Deleted User]

What ports do you monitors have? Both HDMI?

I use one of these, cheaper than the surface pro dock and will drive two HDMI monitors up to 4k. You can get the display port version instead of HDMI as well.

http://shop.caldigit.com/uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=168

Sandtree

[Deleted User] said:

What ports do you monitors have? Both HDMI?

I use one of these, cheaper than the surface pro dock and will drive two HDMI monitors up to 4k. You can get the display port version instead of HDMI as well.

http://shop.caldigit.com/uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=168

Will that work with a Surface Pro @tall@"[Deleted User]" given they don't have a Thunderbolt port?

[Deleted User]

Sandtree said:

Deleted_User said:

What ports do you monitors have? Both HDMI?

I use one of these, cheaper than the surface pro dock and will drive two HDMI monitors up to 4k. You can get the display port version instead of HDMI as well.

http://shop.caldigit.com/uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=168

Will that work with a Surface Pro @tall@Deleted_User given they don't have a Thunderbolt port?

Ahh, no it won’t. 

Didn’t realise the surface didn’t come with a Thunderbolt port, just assumed all modern portable PC’s did, just reading up on it now, thanks. 

They do a USB C dock as well, but different though as this is a powered one. 

https://www.caldigit.com/usb-c-hdmi-dock/

walesdave

This worked for me.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0725K1MHH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TimSynths

Thanks all- i'm going to go back into the office this week for the first time since March 2020 and I'll have a scoot round to see what others are using.

[Deleted User]

walesdave said:

This worked for me.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0725K1MHH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just bear in mind that won’t be native display output that you only get on USB C and thunderbolt, that device contains a basic graphics card solution so won’t perform as well as using the onboard graphics card for video and 3D. 

ententecordiale

I guess that first dock works the same as the surface travel dock ie hmdi or VGA at one time not both 

I bought the surface dock 1 for my surface as I had mini display port to hdmi adapters and that is fine for two monitors
Looking on Amazon there are plenty of type c to hdmi adapters. I'd buy them as you can send them back

TimSynths

I've got some bits n bobs ordered and will come back and update how it has gone and what I have used. I just wish my IT dept had contacted me before sending it to ask what I was using and my needs going forwards (I see you have two external monitors, let me also send you this....) instead of me having to fumble around and sort for myself.