How to Connect Surface Pro to a Monitor? Dual Monitor for WFH & Business Trip
2022/06/01 updated｜By G.Editor
Surface Pro has advantage of its thin and light body like a tablet PC. Together with Windows 11/10, Surface Pro has the best compatibility for Microsoft Office and other windows software . Thus, Surface Pro becomes the first choice for many business users and college students. However, if you need to open quite a few windows at the same time, Surface Pro is hard to satisfy you with the split screen on 12 to 13-inch monitor.
Connecting an external monitor to Surface Pro is generally done with Surface Dock and HDMI cable. The complex cabling restricts the mobility of Surface Pro. This article is a guide to choosing and using portable monitor for Surface Pro by simplifying the wiring. You can have a double working space and easily to bring the dual monitor with you.
Surface Pro 9/8/7 USB-C Port Supports One Cable Connection
The models launched since Surface Pro 7 are equipped with USB Type-C port and supports DisplayPort (Alt Mode) that means it can transmit power, video, data, and touch signals simultaneously. Variety of GeChic monitors have a USB-C(DP Alt) port which supports one USB Type-C cable plug and play!
Base on your demand to choose your second monitor. Let's check out how to connect them easily!
Note: In addition to Surface Pro, the Surface Laptops, including Laptop 3/4/5, Laptop Go, and Laptop Studio, also support USB-C DP alt output.
1. How to Power the External Monitor of Surface Pro
According to the power demand of monitor, there are two ways to power the external monitor of Surface Pro:
● Power the Monitor by Surface Pro
Portable monitors smaller than 15 inch can be powered on by 5V 2A adapter or the USB port on a laptop. The USB Type-C port of Surface Pro can output power 1.5~2A with power cord connected. We test and find the following monitors can work steadily by the sufficient power of Surface Pro and last 2 to 3 hours battery life.
| On-Lap 1306S-R | On-Lap M505E | M161H | |
| Power Consumption⚡ | <=8W | <=10W | <=10W |
| Battery Life Test🔋 | 2hrs | 2hrs 40mins | 2hrs 40mins |
| Test Condition | Surface Pro 7: Brightness 50、Volume 0 External Monitor: Brightness 50、Volume 0 |
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If you hope to use longer, you can still use power bank or adapter to power the monitor independently or bring the Surface Pro power supply adapter to keep your dual monitor work continuously!
● Power Surface Pro by the Monitor
Many Surface Pro users are still accustomed to connecting a big screen as the main display at fixed place of work such as home, studio, office, etc. In that case, we strongly recommend you this 21.5-inch external monitor- On-Lap 2101H is equipped with 19V 4.6A power supply. The notable difference between 2101H and other small size monitors is the USB Type-C of 2101H can receive video signals and charge Surface Pro simultaneously. The 2101H adopts PD fast charge standard. Therefore, you may turn 2101H monitor into a charging station by connecting its adapter and charge your Surface Pro while you're working on the dual monitor.
The other model that also have the function of PD power supply for Surface Pro is 15.6-inch M505I touch monitor. Surface Pro workers can use the M505I touch monitor to set up a charging workstation on the desk. Just connect the USB-C cable, you can enjoy dual monitors and simultaneously charge Surface Pro quickly. Moreover, you can also use the USB-A port on the monitor to connect to the wireless keyboard or USB disk to enhance the extension functions of Surface Pro.
2. Need a Second Touch Screen or Not?
For Surface Pro users who are used to touch operation, 15,6-inch On-Lap M505T or M505I touch monitor will be a good choice. The monitors support 10-point touch and Windows 10/ 11 touch gestures. The connection requirement is just one USB Type-C cable for transmit video, touch signals and power. You can adopt a 5V 2A power bank or adapter for the touch monitor additionally to spare the battery use of Surface Pro.
3. What is the Ideal External Monitor Size for Surface Pro?
Considering about mobility, the small-size monitor is surely the most suitable for you. Since the smaller panel has less power consumption, you don't need to worry about running out battery while on the go!
Choosing a 11-13-inch external monitor with a similar size to the Surface Pro itself and placing them at the same height also creates a comfortable and intuitive way for image comparison and reference.
15 to 22 inch external monitor is whereas perfect for those working at office or working from home whether you use it as an screen for magnifying images or operate it as a main screen for your laptop.
4. The Importance of the Stand! Fitting the Tilt Angle of Surface Pro
No matter what type of screen it is, it is recommended to choose the stand design of stepless adjustment, which can fit the tilt angle of Surface Pro screen. Seamlessly line up the dual monitor to use extend mode. Thus, you don't have to struggle to adapt to the inconsistencies of left and right screens. If concerning about shoulder and neck health, you can choose M161H monitor plus M1S4 lifting stand for stacked-dual-monitor applications. The vertical dual screen is a labor-saving and efficient solution to operate Surface Pro for a long time!
High Efficient Tips for Dual Monitor
1. Video Conferencing– Maximize both the windows of video calling and your file for the meeting
In video conferences, you may need to watch the participants to simulate the situation of making a speech and talking in face-to-face meetings. As a host or speaker which may need to share the Window of PowerPoint, you can move the video window to second display and put the content on Surface Pro screen, the main display, to show the image you're sharing.
Or, if your need to check any note or data during the meeting, the second monitor can assist you as a prompter.
2. Take Notes in Class– No more frequent window switching when having an auxiliary monitor
Surface Pro is with you in every class. You use it to take notes, look up information, write a thesis, etc. After connecting dual monitor, you can open the file from teacher or use the software on one screen and take notes on the other screen.
3. Designer's Must-Have Tool– External monitor for open software and the material library
When you're working on interior design or doing graphic design, you often need to import files from material library or warehouse. Dual-monitor Surface Pro can make you search for files to import without a hitch.
4. Paperwork and Signing
If you use the touchscreen function of Surface Pro to deal with work for the most part, then Surface Pro 7 together with the On-Lap M505I/T touch monitor makes moving between the two touchscreens even smoother. You can open Outlook on the external screen, open emails with one finger, and sign documents with Surface pen on the other side. Even if you don't go out with a mouse, you can handle affairs on dual screens anytime, anywhere!
5. Informal Meeting- Monitors for Face to Face
When you meet clients at café or give a briefing with your colleagues in the office, you can connect the external monitor to Surface Pro 7 and use the duplicate mode to share the presentation and talk face-to-face. There is no need to use the projector or sit side by side to watch the laptop. The meeting can be carried out professionally and efficiently!
How to Connect Second Monitor For Surface Pro 1~ Surface Pro 6
Models earlier than Surface Pro 6 only feature mini DisplayPort interface. Check the detailed connection here:
Connecting the external monitor to Surface Pro seems not hard at all, doesn't it?
Find the destined second monitor for your Surface Pro without any docking station. No matter you're always travelling around for business, or a college student who has left your hometown. Dual monitor can help you upgrade the efficiency for using Surface Pro.
