Microsoft is reportedly making available its Surface USB-C dongle on June 29 for business customers. The new adapter will be priced at $79.99, and it’s compatible with the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro to connect accessories using USB-C technology.
Aside from its clunky design, the dongle is simple enough. It’s an accessory that includes only one USB-C port, and it connects to your device using the proprietary Surface Connector.
However, it’s still remain to be seen who will need and benefit from the steep $79.99 adapter. The reason is because anyone can get USB 3.0 to USB-C adapters that will connect any USB-C peripherals to your Surface for a lot cheaper.
Also, the Surface USB-C adapter, according to Thurrott.com, doesn’t include support for Thunderbolt 3, and it does not offer any advantages for docking and expansion. Even further, the Surface Connector still remains a USB 3.0 port, so technically, you’re getting a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter.
Unfortunately, the dongle isn’t compatible with older Surface Pro devices, just with the 2017 model and Surface Laptop. On the other hand, Surface Book 2 includes both a USB-C and Surface Connector.
While the Surface USB-C dongle is expected to arrive in June 29, it’ll be available for business customers, and the company has yet to reveal a release date for consumers.
Update June 29, 2018: The Surface Connect to USB-C adapter is now available for purchase in the Microsoft Store.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.