If you own a Surface Pro 4, don’t waste your money buying a second computer to use at your desk. You can save both time and money by turning your Surface Pro 4 into a desktop computer.
Getting the right accessories changes everything. Surface slots add more USB ports and Mini DisplayPort. An external monitor gives you the extra screen space you need to run three or four apps side by side. Bluetooth keyboards and mice are more comfortable on your desk than Surface Type Covers.
Using your Surface Pro 4 as a desktop will save you money in two ways. You don’t need a subscription to sync pictures, music and documents between your PCs. The accessories you buy do not cover the amount of money you would have to spend on a new desktop and software to work on it.
Here’s how to turn your Surface Pro 4 into a desktop computer.
Buy Surface Pro 4 Dock
Assuming you already have a Surface Pro 4, the first thing you need is a dock. With these, you can connect your Surface Pro 4 to a monitor, wired internet, keyboard, mouse and hard drive with a single cable.
this Microsoft Surface Dock It costs $199. It has two front-facing USB 3.0 ports, a power port, Gigabit Ethernet, two rear-facing USB 3.0 ports, and 2 Mini DisplayPorts on the back. This dock uses the Surface Connect port instead of using your Surface Pro 4’s single built-in USB port. This is the small fin-like port that the Surface Pro 4’s charger uses. It’s an all-in-one solution so you don’t need to connect another cable to your Surface Pro 4 for power.
They can be worn Universal Laptop Docking Station Works with Surface Pro 4 and other Windows devices. There are 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front, a headphone jack and a microphone jack. On the back are Gigabit Ethernet, 4 USB 2.0 ports, DVI and HDMI. This dock costs $94. You need to connect your Surface Pro 4 to a wall outlet with this dock.
Buy Keyboard and Mouse
When you have a dock, you need the accessories themselves. You can reuse any keyboard, monitor or speaker you already have. Buying new accessories isn’t a bad idea either.
The Surface Pro 4 has two speakers, but you might want better sound quality than what they offer. external speakers like $149.99 Edifier R17000BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers can improve your desktop experience. this 2Boom Bluetooth 3.1 Stereo Sound System with subwoofer set It retails for $39.99 on Amazon.
You don’t necessarily need Bluetooth speakers. The Pluggable Universal Laptop Dock and Surface Dock have headphone jacks for speaker systems without wireless capability.
Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 850.
Next, you will need a keyboard. Microsoft makes entry-level Wireless Keyboard 850. It has a USB receiver that works even when the Bluetooth connection is a problem. It costs $24.95. Microsoft also makes thin Wedge Wireless Mobile Keyboard. At $79.95 it’s not cheap. Microsoft’s Surface Keyboard It has the same keycaps as the Surface Pro 4’s Type Cover and connects via Bluetooth. It costs $99 from the Microsoft Store.
I’m using Logitechs K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard on my desktop setup. Connects to 3 PCs, smartphones or tablets. To switch between them, simply press a button. This keyboard costs $29.99 on Amazon.
Microsoft Surface Mouse.
A mouse is required for any desktop setup. Logitech’s MK270 Keyboard + Mouse Combo It costs $21.99 and connects via a USB receiver. this Microsoft Surface Mouse It retails for $49.99. It is painted silver to match the Surface Keyboard and is also Bluetooth. Logitech’s $35.99 M720 Triathlon Mouse Connects to multiple devices simultaneously via Bluetooth or USB receiver.
Buy a Stand and Monitor
Next, you need a stand to sit your Surface Pro 4 on. For the best experience, you’ll want an adjustable tablet stand. This Oenbopo Tablet Stand costs $13.99. Amazon. A hole allows docking cables to pass through.
Oenbopo Stand.
Desktops offer lots of screen real estate to get things done. You’ll need one to truly turn your Surface Pro 4 into a desktop computer. You are free to use any monitor with your Surface Pro 4. Note that you will need a Mini DisplayPort adapter to connect these monitors to the Surface Dock. Amazon’s high resolution HP Pavilion 21.5 inch LED Monitor for $99. this Dell S2240T 21.5 inch Touch Monitor It costs $249.99.
HP Pavilion 22.5 inch LED Monitor.
Change Your Settings
Disable Tablet Mode
Once you have all your accessories, it’s time to tweak some of the Surface Pro 4’s settings.
After putting everything together, try your new setup for a few days. The setup may take some getting used to. If you’re successful, you’ll feel a little more productive at your desk with your Surface, eliminating the need for a desktop.