Surface Go 2 USB-C vs USB-A: The Essential Connection Guide
Quick Summary:
Choosing between Surface Go 2’s USB-C and USB-A ports is simple! USB-C offers faster, more versatile connections for modern accessories and charging. USB-A is great for older peripherals. Understanding their differences ensures you connect your Go 2 to everything you need, effortlessly.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a fantastic little device, perfect for students, busy professionals, or anyone who needs a portable Windows computer. But when you start looking at all the different accessories you might want to connect, like flash drives, keyboards, or external monitors, you might wonder about those ports. Specifically, you’ve probably noticed it has both a USB-C port and a USB-A port. It can feel a bit confusing, trying to figure out which port to use for what and why they are even different. Don’t worry, we’re here to clear it all up! In this guide, we’ll break down the Surface Go 2’s USB-C and USB-A ports in a way that makes perfect sense, so you can connect your devices with confidence. Get ready to understand your Surface Go 2’s connectivity like never before!
Understanding Your Surface Go 2’s Ports: USB-C vs. USB-A
When you first look at your Surface Go 2, you’ll see two main types of USB ports. One is the newer, oval-shaped one: USB-C. The other is the classic, rectangular one: USB-A. They might look similar in their function – plugging things in to transfer data or power – but they are quite different under the hood. Think of it like having two types of tools: one is a super-recent, high-tech multi-tool (USB-C), and the other is a reliable, well-loved classic tool (USB-A). Both have their place!
What is USB-C?
The `USB-C` port, officially known as USB Type-C, is the modern standard for connecting USB devices. You’re starting to see it on more and more devices, not just tablets but smartphones, laptops, and even some TVs.
Here’s why USB-C is so cool:
Reversible Connector: This is a big one! Unlike the older USB-A, you can plug in a USB-C cable no matter which way you orient it. No more fumbling to get it in the right way.
Faster Data Transfer: USB-C supports newer, faster USB standards like USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and even Thunderbolt 3/4. This means you can transfer huge files much quicker.
More Power Delivery: USB-C can handle more power. This is crucial for charging laptops and powering demanding accessories. It’s why many devices can charge through a USB-C port.
Versatility (Alt Mode): This is where USB-C truly shines. It can carry more than just USB data. With “Alternate Mode” (or Alt Mode), a single USB-C port can output video signals (like HDMI or DisplayPort), audio, and other types of data. This is how you can connect monitors, docks, and other complex peripherals using just one slim cable.
For the Surface Go 2 specifically, its USB-C port is a powerful gateway to many capabilities. It’s the port you’ll want to use for docking stations, external displays, and faster storage devices. According to the USB Implementers Forum, USB Power Delivery (USB PD) through USB-C allows devices to negotiate higher power levels, enabling features like fast charging for your Surface Go 2 and powering larger peripherals.
What is USB-A?
The `USB-A` port is the one most people have been familiar with for years. It’s the standard rectangular USB port you find on almost every computer and many other devices.
Here’s what makes USB-A familiar and still useful:
Ubiquity: Almost every peripheral you own that uses USB likely has a USB-A connector. Think keyboards, mice, older flash drives, webcams, and printers.
Simplicity: It’s a straightforward plug-and-play connection.
Reliability for Older Devices: It’s the tried-and-true port for a massive ecosystem of accessories.
The Surface Go 2’s USB-A port is typically a USB 3.0 or 3.1 Gen 1 port, meaning it can still offer decent speeds for many tasks, though not as fast as its USB-C counterpart’s potential. It’s perfect for plugging in your everyday accessories that don’t require the latest speeds or advanced features, ensuring compatibility with your existing gear.
Surface Go 2 USB Ports at a Glance
Let’s put the core differences side-by-side so you can quickly see what’s what.
| Feature | USB-C (on Surface Go 2) | USB-A (on Surface Go 2) |
| :——————- | :——————————————————- | :—————————————————- |
| Shape | Small, oval, reversible | Larger, rectangular, not reversible |
| Primary Use | Modern accessories, charging, video output, docking | Older peripherals, everyday accessories |
| Data Transfer Speed | Supports latest USB standards (USB 3.1/3.2, Thunderbolt) | Typically USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) |
| Power Delivery | High power capabilities (USB PD), can charge the device | Lower power capabilities, standard charging |
| Video Output | Yes (via Alt Mode) | No |
| Connector Reversibility | Yes | No |
| Device Examples | External SSDs, docks, monitors, fast chargers | Keyboards, mice, USB flash drives, printers |
Surface Go 2’s Specific Ports: A Closer Look
When you have your Surface Go 2 in hand, you’ll notice the following:
One USB-C Port: This is usually located on the side. This port is your window to the future and handles many high-bandwidth tasks. It will likely be labeled with the typical USB symbol, sometimes with an additional “SS” (SuperSpeed) icon or a Thunderbolt symbol if it supports that technology.
One USB-A Port: Also typically on the side, this is the familiar rectangular port. It’s your reliable connection for many of your existing accessories.
Understanding which port does what will save you time and ensure your accessories work as they should.
When to Use Surface Go 2’s USB-C Port
The USB-C port on your Surface Go 2 is incredibly versatile and is your go-to for a lot of modern connectivity needs.
1. Charging Your Surface Go 2
While the Surface Go 2 often comes with its own proprietary power adapter that plugs into the magnetic Surface Connect port, you can also charge it via its USB-C port using a compatible USB Power Delivery (USB PD) charger. This is super convenient if you’re traveling and want to carry fewer chargers, or if you’ve misplaced your original one.
Important: Not all USB-C chargers will work for charging the Surface Go 2 itself. You need one that supports USB Power Delivery and can output sufficient wattage (typically 30W or more for the Go 2, but check your specific model’s requirements on Microsoft’s support pages – Microsoft’s Surface Charging Guide).
2. Connecting to External Displays
This is a massive advantage of USB-C. Through Alt Mode, your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port can output video. This means you can connect it to:
External Monitors: Directly via a USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI cable.
Docking Stations: A single USB-C cable can connect your Surface Go 2 to a dock, which then provides multiple ports for monitors, Ethernet, USB devices, and more. This turns your portable tablet into a mini desktop setup.
3. High-Speed Data Transfer
Got a fast external solid-state drive (SSD) or a high-capacity flash drive? Plug it into the USB-C port for the quickest file transfers. This is a lifesaver when you’re moving large video files, photo libraries, or software installations. You can achieve speeds much faster than what the USB-A port can offer.
4. Powering and Connecting Demanding Peripherals
Some external devices, like certain high-end external hard drives or powered hubs, require more power than a standard USB-A port can reliably provide. The USB-C port, especially with USB PD capabilities, can often supply this extra juice.
5. Using USB-C Hubs and Adapters
If you need more ports than your Surface Go 2 offers natively, a USB-C hub or adapter is your best friend. These devices plug into the single USB-C port and then give you a variety of other ports, such as extra USB-A ports, HDMI, SD card readers, and Ethernet.
When to Use Surface Go 2’s USB-A Port
Don’t underestimate the humble USB-A port! It’s still incredibly useful for a wide range of accessories.
1. Connecting Your Existing Peripherals
This is the main reason the USB-A port is still on the Surface Go 2. It ensures compatibility with the vast majority of USB devices you likely already own:
Keyboards and Mice: Your trusty wired or wireless keyboard and mouse (often with a USB dongle) will plug right in.
USB Flash Drives: Transferring files to and from your older, standard USB-A flash drives is simple.
Printers and Scanners: If your printer or scanner uses a standard USB-A cable to connect to a computer, this is the port you’ll use.
Webcams, Microphones, and Speakers: Many external audio and video devices connect via USB-A.
2. Simple Low-Power Devices
Devices that don’t need a lot of power or super-fast data transfer are perfect for the USB-A port. This keeps your more versatile USB-C port free for tasks that require its advanced capabilities.
3. Adding Multiple USB-A Ports with a Hub
If you have several USB-A devices you want to connect simultaneously, you can actually use a USB-C hub that includes multiple USB-A ports. This allows you to consolidate your connections through the single USB-C port while still utilizing your existing USB-A accessories.
Understanding Adapters and Dongles: Bridging the Gap
Sometimes, you might have a device with a USB-A connector that you want to plug into your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port, or vice-versa. This is where adapters and dongles come in handy.
USB-C to USB-A Adapters
These are small, often inexpensive adapters that plug into your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port and provide a standard USB-A female port. They let you use your older USB-A accessories with the USB-C port. This is a great way to leverage your existing gear without needing to replace everything.
USB-A to USB-C Adapters
Less common for the Surface Go 2, but they exist. These would plug into a USB-A port (if you had one, maybe via a hub) and provide a USB-C female port.
Important Choice: When choosing adapters, ensure they support the speeds you need. A USB-C to USB-A adapter that only supports USB 2.0 speeds will bottleneck a USB 3.0 or 3.1 device. Look for adapters that explicitly state support for USB 3.0 or higher.
USB-C Hubs vs. USB-A Hubs
USB-C Hubs: These are the most common and versatile hubs nowadays. They plug into your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port and often provide a mix of USB-A ports, HDMI out, an SD card reader, Ethernet, and sometimes even a USB-C PD pass-through port for charging.
USB-A Hubs: These plug into a USB-A port and generally just provide more USB-A ports. They are less common for modern devices like the Surface Go 2, as they don’t take advantage of USB-C’s advanced capabilities.
Tips for Maximizing Your Surface Go 2’s Connectivity
To make the most of your Surface Go 2’s ports, here are some practical tips:
Identify Your Needs: Before buying accessories or adapters, think about what you actually need to connect. Do you need fast storage? A second monitor? Just a mouse and keyboard?
Prioritize USB-C for Speed and Power: For external SSDs, high-resolution displays, and charging, always try to use the USB-C port.
Use USB-A for Compatibility: For everyday items like mice, keyboards, printers, and older flash drives, the USB-A port is perfectly fine and ensures broad compatibility.
Invest in a Good USB-C Hub: If you plan on using multiple peripherals or external displays, a quality USB-C hub can significantly enhance your Go 2’s functionality and transform it into a more powerful workstation. Look for hubs that support USB 3.0 or higher for their USB-A ports and consider one with Power Delivery pass-through.
Keep an Eye on Port Speeds: Remember that while USB-C can be very fast, the actual speed depends on the standard it supports (USB 3.1 Gen 1, Gen 2, Thunderbolt, etc.) and the device you’re connecting. The USB-A port on the Go 2 is typically limited to USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 speeds. For the fastest data transfers, ensure both the port and the device support at least USB 3.1 Gen 2 or higher.
Read Device Requirements: Always check the specifications of any accessory you plan to buy. Does it require a USB-C port? Does it need a certain speed? Does it draw a lot of power? This will dictate which port or adapter you need.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Let’s walk through some common situations you might encounter with your Surface Go 2 and its ports.
Scenario 1: “I want to connect my phone to my Surface Go 2 to transfer photos.”
Device: Your phone likely has a micro-USB or USB-C charging port.
Solution: Most modern phones use USB-C. If your phone has USB-C, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect it to your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port. This will typically be the fastest way to transfer data. If your phone uses micro-USB and your Surface Go 2’s USB-C port supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (which it should), you can use a USB-A to micro-USB cable plugged into the Surface Go 2’s USB-A port.
Scenario 2: “I need to connect my old wireless mouse that has a USB dongle.”
Device: A wireless mouse with a USB-A dongle.
Solution: Simply plug the USB-A dongle into the USB-A port on your Surface Go 2. Easy!
Scenario 3: “I want to connect my Surface Go 2 to my TV to watch movies.”
Device: Your TV likely has an HDMI input.
Solution: You’ll need a way to get an HDMI signal from the Surface Go 2. The best way is to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable and plug it into the Surface Go 2’s USB-C port. Some USB-C hubs also include an HDMI port.
Scenario 4: “I have a super-fast external SSD for all my video editing files, and I want the fastest possible transfer speeds.”
Device: A high-speed external SSD with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt connection.
Solution: Connect this directly to the USB-C port on your Surface Go 2. This will allow you to take advantage of the fastest data transfer protocols supported by both the SSD and the port on your tablet. Check if your SSD came with a USB-C cable for best results.
Scenario 5: “I want to plug in both my keyboard, mouse, and a USB flash drive at the same time.”
Device: Keyboard (USB-A), mouse (USB-A dongle), USB flash drive (USB-A).
Solution: Your Surface Go 2 only has one USB-A port. To connect all three, you’ll need a USB-C hub that has multiple USB-A ports. Plug the hub into the Surface Go 2’s USB-C port, and then plug your keyboard, mouse, and flash drive into the hub’s USB-A ports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about the Surface Go 2’s USB ports.
Q1: Can I charge my Surface Go 2 using any USB-C charger?
A1: Not necessarily. While the Surface Go 2 does support charging via its USB-C port, you need a charger that specifically supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and has sufficient wattage (usually 30W or higher). Always check the charger’s specifications.
**Q2: Which port is faster, USB-C or USB-A on the Surface Go 2?
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