The Microsoft Surface line of tablets, simply by virtue of running Windows, has a lot of potential to be the kind of tablet that usurps the role of a computer for many users. That’s because so many people are so used to using Windows that having a tablet with a similar interface makes that tablet feel more like a fully functioning PC than other tablets. Microsoft even expressed hope that the Surface Pro would be used like a computer, detachable keyboard and all.
The problem with using a Surface tablet as a computer, though, is that the devices only have one USB port each. This forces you to consistently unplug phones, external hard drives, mp3 players, or other devices that connect via USB. With this tutorial, we will tell you how to add new USB ports to your Surface tablet.
Step 1: Direct your browser to Amazon.com and search “Surface USB 3.0 hub.” The bad news here is that, to solve the USB shortage on the Surface, you will have to spend $20 or $30. The good news is that you have a lot of options to choose from.
Step 2: Search through the Amazon results, read reviews of the different hubs, and choose one that you think will work for you. All of the hubs will work a bit like a surge protector, plugging into your Surface’s USB port and “splitting” it off into 3-5 extra ports. You can then plug other devices into those ports.
Some ports attach to the USB cord via a cord and actually look like a surge protector; others don’t use a cord and act more as attachments to your tablet. The latter format is preferable for unobtrusive portability. The former is probably more common.
Recap
Future versions of the Microsoft Surface may feature two or three USB ports, but for now, we have to deal with one. Luckily, with USB hubs like those found through the Amazon link above, you can fix the problem without forcing you to spend an arm and a leg.
The problem with using a Surface tablet as a computer, though, is that the devices only have one USB port each. This forces you to consistently unplug phones, external hard drives, mp3 players, or other devices that connect via USB. With this tutorial, we will tell you how to add new USB ports to your Surface tablet.
Step 1: Direct your browser to Amazon.com and search “Surface USB 3.0 hub.” The bad news here is that, to solve the USB shortage on the Surface, you will have to spend $20 or $30. The good news is that you have a lot of options to choose from.
Step 2: Search through the Amazon results, read reviews of the different hubs, and choose one that you think will work for you. All of the hubs will work a bit like a surge protector, plugging into your Surface’s USB port and “splitting” it off into 3-5 extra ports. You can then plug other devices into those ports.
Some ports attach to the USB cord via a cord and actually look like a surge protector; others don’t use a cord and act more as attachments to your tablet. The latter format is preferable for unobtrusive portability. The former is probably more common.
Recap
Future versions of the Microsoft Surface may feature two or three USB ports, but for now, we have to deal with one. Luckily, with USB hubs like those found through the Amazon link above, you can fix the problem without forcing you to spend an arm and a leg.
Facebook
Twitter