Microsoft Surface For Mac
Jun 09, 2017 Surface Laptop MacBook Microsoft Surface Laptop vs. Apple MacBook (2017): Tech spec smackdown It's PC versus Mac once again, as Microsoft's first traditional notebook enters the premium laptop.
- Microsoft Surface For Manufacturing
- Microsoft Surface Mac Address
- Microsoft Surface Keyboard For Mac
- Microsoft Surface For Mac Free
- Microsoft Surface Hub For Mac
- Microsoft Surface For Mac Windows 10
You can connect other devices to your Microsoft Surface Hub to display content. This topic describes the Guest Mode, Replacement PC Mode, and Video Out functionality available through wired connections, and also lists accessories that you can connect to Surface Hub using Bluetooth.
- Jul 31, 2019 Meet Mackenzie “Mac” Book from Sydney, Australia. We asked Mac Book to compare Surface Laptop 2 to MacBook Air. Find out what he has to say. Learn More: http.
- Microsoft Surface Book 2: 6 minutes and 15 seconds Apple MacBook Pro: 3 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s a pretty big difference in Lightroom preview generation performance! To be honest, I did not expect to see such a big difference while the two laptops were busy generating previews.
- Microsoft's newest weapon is the Surface Laptop 3, a traditional clamshell laptop with a superslim chassis. With a 13.5-inch screen, the Surface Laptop 3 makes for the perfect opponent against the.
Note
Surface Hub will use the video input that you select until a new connection is made, the existing connection is disrupted, or the Connect App is closed.
Which method should I choose?
When connecting external devices and displays to a Surface Hub, there are several available options. The method you use will depend upon your scenario and needs.
| When you want to: | Use this method: |
|---|---|
| Mirror the Surface Hub's display on another device. | Video Out |
| Present another device's display on the Surface Hub screen and interact with both the device's content and the built-in Surface Hub experience. | Guest Mode |
| Power the Surface Hub from an external Windows 10 PC, turning off the embedded computer of the Surface Hub. Cameras, microphones, speakers, and other peripherals, are sent to the external PC, in addition to pen and touch. | Replacement PC Mode |
Guest Mode
Guest Mode uses a wired connection, so people can display content from their devices to the Surface Hub. If the source device is Windows-based, that device can also provide Touchback and Inkback. Surface Hub's internal PC takes video and audio from the connected device and presents them on the Surface Hub. If Surface Hub encounters a High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) signal, the source will be displayed as a black image. To display your content without violating HDCP requirements, use the keypad on the right side of the Surface Hub to directly choose the external source.
Note
When an HDCP source is connected, use the side keypad to change source inputs.
Ports
Use these ports on the Surface Hub for Guest Mode.
| Interface | Type | Description | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
Where is the microsoft office button on my mac. Display Port 1.1a | Video input | Guest input #1 |
|
HDMI 1.4 | Video input | Guest input #2 |
|
VGA | Video input | Guest input #3 |
|
3.5 mm jack | Audio input | Analog audio input |
|
USB 2.0, type B | USB out | Touchback |
|
Port locations
These are the port connections used for Guest Mode on the 55' and 84' Surface Hubs.
Wired port connections on 55' Surface Hub
Wired port connections on 84' Surface Hub
Port enumeration
Microsoft Surface For Manufacturing
When a Surface hub is connected to a guest computer with the wired connect USB port, a number of USB devices are discovered and configured. These peripheral devices are created for Touchback and Inkback. The peripheral devices can be viewed in Device Manager. Device Manager will show duplicate names for some devices.
Human interface devices
HID-compliant consumer control device
HID-compliant pen
HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)
HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)
HID-compliant touch screen
USB Input Device
USB Input Device (duplicate item)
Keyboards
- Standard PS/2 keyboard
Mice and other pointing devices
- HID-compliant mouse
Universal serial bus controllers
Generic USB hub
USB composite device
Guest Mode connectivity
Your choice of video cable will be determined by what is available from your source input. The Surface Hub has three choices of video input: DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA. See the following chart for available resolutions.
| Signal Type | Resolution | Frame rate | HDMI - RGB | DisplayPort | VGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC | 640 x 480 | 59.94/60 | X | X | X |
PC | 720 x 480 | 59.94/60 | X | X | |
PC | 1024 x 768 | 60 | X | X | X |
HDTV | 720p | 59.94/60 | X | X | X |
HDTV | 1080p | 59.94/60 | X | X | X |
Source audio is provided by DisplayPort and HDMI cables. If you must use VGA, Surface Hub has an audio input port that uses a 3.5 mm plug. Surface Hub also uses a USB cable that provides Touchback and Inkback from the Surface Hub to compatible Windows 10 devices. The USB cable can be used with any video input that is already connected with a cable.
Someone using Guest Mode to connect a PC would use one of these options:
DisplayPort -- DisplayPort cable and USB 2.0 cable
HDMI -- HDMI cable and USB 2.0 cable
VGA -- VGA cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, and USB 2.0 cable
If the computer you are using for Guest Mode is not compatible with Touchback and Inkback, then you won't need the USB cable.
Replacement PC Mode
In Replacement PC Mode, the embedded computer of the Surface Hub is turned off and an external PC is connected to the Surface Hub. Connections to replacement PC ports give access to key peripherals on the Surface Hub, including the screen, pen, and touch features. This does mean that your Surface Hub won’t have the benefit of the Windows Team experience, but you will have the flexibility offered by providing and managing your own Windows computer.
Software requirements
You can run Surface Hub in Replacement PC Mode with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise. You can download the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package from the Microsoft Download Center. We recommend that you install these drivers on any computer you plan to use as a replacement PC.
Hardware requirements
Surface Hub is compatible with a range of hardware. Choose the processor and memory confirmation for your replacement PC so that it supports the programs you'll be using. Your replacement PC hardware needs to support 64-bit versions of Windows 10.
Graphics adapter
In Replacement PC Mode, Surface Hub supports any graphics adapter that can produce a DisplayPort signal. You'll improve your experience with a graphics adapter that can match Surface Hub's resolution and refresh rate. For example, the best and recommended replacement PC experience on the Surface Hub is with a 120Hz video signal.
55' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of 1080p resolution at 120Hz.
84' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of outputting four DisplayPort 1.2 streams to produce 2160p at 120Hz (3840 x 2160 at 120Hz vertical refresh). We've verified that this works with the NVIDIA Quadro K2200, NVIDIA Quadro K4200, NVIDIA Quadro M6000, AMD FirePro W5100, AMD FirePro W7100, and AMD FirePro W9100. These are not the only graphics cards - others are available from other vendors.
Check directly with graphics card vendors for the latest drivers.
| Graphics vendor | Driver download page |
|---|---|
NVIDIA | |
AMD | |
Intel |
Ports
Replacement PC ports on 55' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
PC video | Video input | DP 1.2 |
|
Internal peripherals | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
USB hub | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
Replacement PC ports on 84' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
PC video | Video input | DP 1.2 (2x) |
|
Internal peripherals | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
USB hub | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
Replacement PC setup instructions
To use Replacement PC Mode
Download and install the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package on the replacement PC.
Note
We recommend that you set sleep or hibernation on the replacement PC so the Surface Hub will turn off the display when it isn't being used.
Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Connect the cables from the Surface Hub's replacement PC ports to the replacement PC. These ports are usually covered by a removable plastic cover.
55' Surface Hub -- connect one DisplayPort cable, and two USB cables.
84' Surface Hub -- connect two DisplayPort cables, and two USB cables.
Toggle the Mode switch to Replacement PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.
Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Press the power button on the right side of the Surface Hub.
You can switch the Surface Hub to use the internal PC.
Microsoft Surface Mac Address
To switch back to internal PC
Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Toggle the Mode switch to Internal PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.
Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Video Out
The Surface Hub includes a Video Out port for mirroring visual content from the Surface Hub to another display.
Ports
Video Out port on the 55' Surface Hub
Video Out port on the 84' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
Video Output Mirror | Video Output | Video Output |
|
Cables
Both the 55” and 84” Surface Hub devices have been tested to work with Certified DisplayPort and HDMI cables. While vendors do sell longer cables that may work with the Surface Hub, only those cables that have been certified by testing labs are certain to work with the Hub. For example, DisplayPort cables are certified only up to 3 meters, however many vendors sell cables that are 3 times that length. If a long cable is necessary, we strongly suggest using HDMI. HDMI has many cost-effective solutions for long-haul cables, including the use of repeaters. Nearly every DisplayPort source will automatically switch to HDMI signaling if a HDMI sink is detected.
Bluetooth accessories
You can connect the following accessories to Surface Hub using Bluetooth:
- Mice
- Keyboards
- Headsets
- Speakers
Note
After you connect a Bluetooth headset or speaker, you might need to change the default microphone and speaker settings.
Best for most
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Professional powerhouse
Apple MacBook Pro
The Surface Laptop 3 now comes in two sizes and uses both Intel and AMD hardware inside. Everything that made the first two great remains, except it now has USB-C as well!
Pros
- Stunning touch display
- Digital inking support
- Great battery life
- Two sizes
- Intel and AMD processors
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Not all colors available in all configurations
The MacBook Pro is packed with hardware to excite the professional market, but all that comes at a high price, though you do also have the option for dedicated graphics.
Pros
- Optional eight-core processors
- Stunning Retina Display
- Can run Windows 10
- Thunderbolt 3
- Dedicated graphics options and eGPU support
The Surface Laptop 3 and MacBook Pro are for very different target audiences. The Surface Laptop 3 is not targeted at the serious power user. The MacBook Pro has the hardware for that type of buyer, with the added bonus of being able to boot into Windows 10 as well.
Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro basic tech specs
| Category | Surface Laptop 3 (13-inch) | Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch) | MacBook Pro (13-inch) | MacBook Pro (15-inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 | macOS | macOS |
| Display | 13.5-inch Pixelsense, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2256x1504 (201 PPI) | 15-inch Pixelsense, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2496x1664 (201 PPI) | 13.3-inch Retina 2560 x 1600 (227 PPI) | 15.4-inch Retina 2880 x 1800 (220 PPI) |
| Processor | Intel 10th Gen | AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 custom CPU | Intel Core i5 or i7 (quad-core) | Intel Core i7 (hexa-core) Intel Core i9 (octa-core) |
| GPU | Intel Iris | AMD Vega 9 AMD Vega 11 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 | Up to Radeon Pro Vega 20 |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4x | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR3 2133 MHz | 16GB or 32GB DDR4 2400 MHz |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (replaceable) | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (replaceable) | Up to 512GB SSD | Up to 4TB SSD |
| Ports | 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jack | 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jack | Up to 4 x USB-C Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm headphone jack | 4 x USB-C Thunderbolt-3, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | Up to 11.5 hours | Up to 11.5 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Weight | Up to 2.79 lbs | Up to 3.4 lbs | 3.02 lbs | 4.02lbs |
Surface Laptop 3 is a great upgrade
The Surface Laptop is one of our absolute favorites and the latest incarnation doesn't change any of that. For the first time, we have a little choice when buying, with both a 13- and a 15-inch model now. The experience of using each is mostly the same, with the biggest change coming underneath. The 15-inch version is exclusively available to consumers with a customized AMD Ryzen Surface Edition APU.
That packs four cores and eight threads on the Ryzen CPU portion, and either a Vega 9 or Vega 11 integrated GPU. Both of these have an additional GPU core over the Vega that AMD would put in other Windows laptops, giving it a little added grunt.
Even on the smaller version, performance takes a serious bump from the Surface Laptop 2, with Intel's 10th Gen processors and all-new Iris Plus graphics on the table. The Surface Laptop 3 isn't targeted at professional applications or creators, but the added horsepower certainly means you can get some good mileage in such areas.
Oh, and it has USB-C now, as well. So you don't need to buy a dongle. Hallelujah!
MacBook Pro has some superior specs
Even though there are no longer any legacy ports on the MacBook Pro, it has one fairly big advantage over the Surface Laptop 3. it has Thunderbolt 3 support on top of USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 opens up a world of possibilities. You can attach high resolution displays to it, connect fast external storage, and perhaps most interesting of all, hook up an eGPU, putting a full desktop graphics card into your MacBook Pro.
Besides this, the MacBook Pro has six-core processors from Intel right up to a Core i9, options for dedicated graphics that go up to AMD's Radeon Vega Pro, up to 32GB of RAM and up to 4TB of storage. In all cases the AMD graphics options for the MacBook Pro are stronger than the Vega 9 or Vega 11 you're able to get on the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3.
Different laptops for different people
The Surface Laptop 3 is generally a closer match to Apple's MacBook Air in the sense that they're both highly portable yet capable Ultrabooks and they appeal to the same type of laptop buyers.
The MacBook Pro targets a different class of buyer. It's a pro-grade laptop with a ton of powerful options, much better graphics capabilities and if your wallet will go far enough, a ridiculous Core i9 processor.
The Surface Laptop 3 does come in two sizes for the first time, though, and they're both touch-enabled, something you don't get on any MacBook, with pen support for digital inking. The 15-inch model with AMD Ryzen and Vega inside is the better choice there, but the MacBook Pro can still over more outright power.
If you're already looking at the Surface Laptop 3 as something you think you'd like to buy, get it. The MacBook Pro isn't really a direct competitor, and you're going to end up spending a lot of money on the Mac to get anything really worthy.
Microsoft Surface Keyboard For Mac
Best for most
Surface Laptop 3
For most, the Surface Laptop 3 is a better buy
While lacking the ultimate power available in the MacBook Pro, of the two, the Surface Laptop 3 is the better value for most people.
Professional powerhouse
MacBook Pro
Stacked with professional power
The professional buyer looking for massive horsepower and dedicated graphics can get everything they need in the MacBook Pro. Including Windows 10.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Microsoft Surface For Mac Free
Buyer's guideMicrosoft Surface Hub For Mac
Zac's 10 can't-live-without Surface Go accessories
Microsoft Surface For Mac Windows 10
The Surface Go is the ultimate tablet that's also a pretty good laptop when required. Here's our recommendations for best Surface Go accessories that you should definitely be checking out if you haven't already.