A few days ago, Paul Thurrott confirmed in a tweet that Microsoft would include the Surface connector port for Surface Pro 5. However, there has also been speculation about whether or not Microsoft would add a USB-C port on the latest Surface tablet. What happens if they decide to skip the USB-C option.
USB-C is quickly becoming the next wired connectivity standard for data and power transfer. Essentially, it is a 24-pin reversible USB connection interface that many devices are coming with today. it’s different from the Surface connector in that the latter is magnetic – similar to the MagSafe breakaway connector you’ll see on Apple MacBooks.
Why is USB-C Significant?
The biggest reasons are speed and data volume. USB-C can handle video signals and power streams, and audio will be included in that very soon. That means multiple types of peripheral devices can be connected to your main device, as long as you have the right connector at the other end of your USB-C cable.
The protocol for USB-C is essentially USB 3.1 Gen 1, which has the same data signaling rates as USB 3.0, but it also comes in the larger USB 3.1 Type A, which you would normally see on desktops. The latest standard is USB 3.1 Gen 2, and that’s the faster one at 10Gbps, as opposed to USB 3.0’s 5Gbps data speed.
USB-C is merely the connector for the protocol in question, and most USB-C connectors are implemented on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 protocol, which means it connects into a USB 3.1 port.
What if Surface Pro 5 Does Not Come with USB-C Support?
Now, if Surface Pro 5 does skip using the USB-C connectivity option, the only power option will be the Surface connector. Besides, the tablet will not be able to interact with a large number of third-party accessories that support USB-C.
That’s not going to be good news for Surface Pro 5. It’s a great device – from what we know through leaks and other information – but it might have this one critical component missing.
On the other hand, it’s good news for Surface Pro 3 owners who intend to upgrade because they won’t need to purchase a separate set of cables.
As for the Surface Pro 5 release date, there is still no confirmation – even about a tentative launch window. However, now that Windows 10 Creators Update has been released to the public, we could see the Surface Pro 5 surface sooner rather than later.
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