We're excited to https://blogs.windows.com/devices/?p=263375 with Thunderbolt™4 support and compatibility for USB-C® devices. With ultra-high speed data transfer[1] and built-in enterprise management...
Updated Apr 07, 2023
Version 13.0
Blog Post
Jacob
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, how the Laptop 5 and Dock 2 should interact is not reflected in reality. This Friday I am visiting Microsoft's London Experience Centre to verify that the new Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock performs as specified, and that the new software is reliable and works with the Laptop 5 before deciding whether to purchase the new TB4 Dock.
The Laptop 5 only has 3 data ports, 1 x Surface Connect, 1 x USB4/TB4 and 1 x USB-A 3.1. When using the TB 4 Dock, this only leaves the USB-A 3.1 port for attaching devices. My experience when using the Dock 2 has been poor, at best, currently the external 4K display only functions when connected to the Laptop 5's TB4 port. Looking forward one has to ask if the Surface Connect port has reached the end of its days, unfortunately its specification is closed and there is no way of telling if it could support TB4.
In conclusion, I'd observe that the inter-operation/integration between the Laptop 5 and the TB 4 Dock has to be orders of magnitude better than it is with the Dock 2 for it to be preferred over other equivalent devices.