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J-Go Tech, an American portable charging solutions startup, has introduced a unique Surface Connect cable that allows you to charge your Surface Pro or Surface Laptop via a USB-C wall charger or power bank.
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While one end of the charging cable sports Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect adapter, the other end is a standard USB Type-C plug. It essentially converts the Surface Connect port used for charging to USB-C power delivery.
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The 72 inches long cable works with most USB-C power delivery (PD) devices, including portable power banks. It doesn’t support data transfer or video, and hence can only be used for charging your Surface.
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Before you go ahead and place an order for this Surface Connect cable, make sure you have a compatible wall charger or power bank. The power source must support 15V PD output via USB-C. You may experience insufficient power if your USB-C power source is not equal to or greater than your original charger.
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For Surface Go, 30W (15V/2A) or 45W (15V/3A) is needed while for Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book, a minimum of 45W (15V/3A) is needed. Clearly, USB-C chargers that come with smartphones will not work. Also, Surface Go users can skip this since the device already has a built-in USB-C port.
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You can check compatibility of your wall charger or power bank by connecting with the manufacturer or if you’re in the market for the same, you can buy a compatible one from them – they offer a 45W wall adapter, a 45W power bank, and a 65W power bank, guaranteed for compatibility.
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A few years ago, I picked up a Surface 3, instead of a Surface Pro 3, because the former supported charging via microUSB. When you’re out and about, charging via power banks is pretty convenient – something we’re already used to with our smartphones instead of hunting for charging points everywhere.
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The J-Go Tech Surface Connect cable is priced at $24.99 and available here. I’ve been using the cable since a month now, and have totally given up on the original charger except when I’m on my desk at home.
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Until Microsoft warms up to Type-C, this is the next best thing.
\n\nFurther reading: Microsoft Surface
