Surface Pro 7s in the classroom - docking ideas

[SteveB_NI]

We're tempted to replace teacher desktop PCs with new Surface Pro 7s.

 

The current set up is 2 x display output - (1 display port monitor and 1 HDMI to VGA adapter connected to the projector), 1 x usb connection for the Interwrite board, and 1 x RJ45 network connection.

 

So I'm thinking a USB-C dock may work ok, but I would like to retain 2 monitors - would it be best having a basic USB C dock then a HDMI splitter for a monitor + board duplication?

 

Any recommended docks?

[chazzy2501]

The HP G5 Dock I like are hard to buy right now and the price has escalated from £150 to £300... it has one native HDMI and two full size display ports.

 

You didn't mention sound? most docks have an 3.5mm headphone audio out.

 

anyhow a single connector solution would be nice as I have setup in some classrooms. (but for assigned laptops, not a static tablet)

 

On a side note, I find DP to VGA far more reliable than HDMI to VGA. (as it was intended to work that way)

Edited February 7, 2022 by chazzy2501

[DalekSec]

Any reason you aren't considering the Surface Docks?

 

We have them in all our classrooms and pretty flawless, have had them for 5?ish years. Will need adapters with them obviously!

[bald_pig]

We use 1st gen surface docks in all classrooms with our SP7s.

[SteveB_NI]

Some good suggestions thanks - just thinking the HP or Surface docks might be too excessive for rooms where the SP7 will be based static rather than roving device.

 

I was thinking something along the lines of https://cpc.farnell.com/akasa/ak-cbca22-18bk/hub-usb-c-5-in-1/dp/CS33749?ost=usb+c+hub+rj45+hdmi

 

For audio I was just going to use the built in 3.5mm jack - but I can see the advantage of a Surface dock for any rooms we may have roving devices?

[MartinT]

The Surface Dock is best and has two USB-C monitor outputs. It'll keep the Surface charged, too.

 

Oh, and magnetic coupling for less wear in use than a USB connector.

[slugshead]

Surface dock 2's are DP and USB-C.

 

Replaced all faculty office PCs with the docks, docks and screens in staff room too.

 

For the classrooms though, I went with OPS modules in the screens rather than having the teacher run everything off an external device, at least teacher can leave emails/MIS open without it being on the screen for the class to read.

[SteveB_NI]

The Surface Dock is best and has two USB-C monitor outputs. It'll keep the Surface charged, too.

 

Oh, and magnetic coupling for less wear in use than a USB connector.

 

Thanks - I take it both USB-C monitors will then be treated separately - so 2 different outputs possible for extended monitor if required etc?

[Andrew_C]

We use Surface docks. Work quite well, but have a habit of forgetting where the monitors are, and scrambling the desktop. And yes, the monitor outputs are separate. And they are £very!

[slugshead]

Last surface docks I bought were around £120 each. What's everyone else paying?

 

Our usual problem with them is people unplugging, then replugging and the monitor order gets switched - Quite rare though

 

Have had some weird problems with them though, mainly due to using DP-DVI adapters and such. Ended up buying monitors that support DP.

[FN-GM]

We are 100% laptops and docks. I wouldn't get generic ones. They can be problematic. The docks from the big manufacturers work great.

[MartinT]

We use Surface docks. Work quite well, but have a habit of forgetting where the monitors are, and scrambling the desktop. And yes, the monitor outputs are separate. And they are £very!

 

I use my Surface Dock 2 every day with my Surface 7 i7 and twin 24" monitors in extended 3-screen mode and it's pretty reliable using proper USB-C to HDMI cables (good cables are a must - I've had bad cheap ones). Just very occasionally one screen doesn't come on after waking from sleep, but never when initially docked.

Edited February 8, 2022 by MartinT

[SteveB_NI]

I use my Surface Dock 2 every day with my Surface 7 i7 and twin 24" monitors in extended 3-screen mode and it's pretty reliable using proper USB-C to HDMI cables (good cables are a must - I've had bad cheap ones). Just very occasionally one screen doesn't come on after waking from sleep, but never when initially docked.

 

Would a Surface Pro 7 screen be sufficient for users do you reckon with an extension / duplicate to a projector or touch panel, without the need for an additional monitor?

 

Or in your experiences is this not ideal?

 

I haven't seen the devices yet to gauge this for myself

[Andrew_C]

I'd say that you cannot meet the DSE requirements for "computer users" without some sort of external. A stand and keyboard/mouse and/or a monitor at the correct height. They are fine for a bit of light typing, but not for long periods of typing/drawing/etc. A teacher could run a lesson through a projector without, but you would need to do a RA / DSE assessment.

[MartinT]

Classroom usage is different from Office usage. The teacher is often standing up, for a start.

 

Many of ours have the touch panel on duplicate and use it rather than the computer screen, so DSE is moot.

 

Our office staff using Surfaces all have at least one external monitor.

[Andrew_C]

DSE is moot.

No - a risk assessment of the OP's situation is required to DECIDE if it is moot in the cases under consideration.

[SteveB_NI]

Yeah it will likely be in classrooms primarily - with resource room / office PCs being retained as normal desktops.

 

Something to consider - thanks for your inputs!