[Solved] What is the mini DisplayPort spec on the Pro?

[machistmo]

It interesting that they chose to go DP and then 1.1 at that. It was probably one of those things that was readily available at time of production. Disappointing none-the-less. I would have liked to see a flagship product carry the newest technology.

 

[Nuspieds]

Anyone know? Is the Surface Pro equipped with a DisplayPort 1.1a or 1.2 port!?

So the DP 1.2 monitor I want to buy is almost about to be released. It makes no sense for me to spend that type of money if I'm not going to get the expected benefits and results.

I went online to MS Support and told them this and that I needed an answer, as it has significant repercussions.

The agent told me that they do not have that information and my case was escalated up and that I should be getting a call in 3 to 5 business days. That translates to this week, so although I've lost faith, let's see what happens.

 

[machistmo]

HD-Dude posted this in response to my asking the same question...

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/going-pro-video-out#comment-133421

 

[machistmo]

So the DP 1.2 monitor I want to buy is almost about to be released. It makes no sense for me to spend that type of money if I'm not going to get the expected benefits and results.

I went online to MS Support and told them this and that I needed an answer, as it has significant repercussions.

The agent told me that they do not have that information and my case was escalated up and that I should be getting a call in 3 to 5 business days. That translates to this week, so although I've lost faith, let's see what happens.

I asked them during 2 separate, unrelated, support calls and neither tech knew the answer. One put me on hold over and over and spent 25 minutes trying to find someone he worked with that knew the answer but was not able to get me a definitive answer.

 

[bosamar]

http://www.surfaceforums.net/forum/microsoft-surface-pro/3891-what-mini-displayport-spec-pro.html

 

[Nuspieds]

I asked them during 2 separate, unrelated, support calls and neither tech knew the answer. One put me on hold over and over and spent 25 minutes trying to find someone he worked with that knew the answer but was not able to get me a definitive answer.

As I stated, incidents like that are the reason I lost faith.

But on the chat yesterday (as futile as it may turn out to be), I told the agent to find a technician or engineer or whomever to get this answer. I mentioned that just as it doesn't make sense to just say "USB support" without indicating 2.0 or 3.0, neither does it make sense to just say "DisplayPort" as there are significant improvements. That point seemed to have resonated, but then again, the matter ended up being "escalated." To me, this isn't something that needs escalation; doesn't anyone there have a schematic diagram or something?!

In another post, someone mentioned that the 1.2 specs were released in 2009 and that it wouldn't make sense that MS would use the old spec in a 2013 product. But my response was, "you never know," because you who knows for how long this thing has been in R&D and other technical factors that may drive them to use 1.1a. However, my personal and selfish recommendation would be even if they started with 1.1a support, then when 1.2 came out, they should have adopted it, due to Windows 8's robust support of multiple external displays and the Surface Pro's single DisplayPort.

As you stated, it's unfortunate and, so, I've started to prepare to bite the bullet by ordering the accessories necessary to connect both of my monitors to my USB hub. My preference would be to use the DP 1.2 daisy chaining capabilities, but it seems like I'll have to wait for that. Oh well! I just hope that both monitors do not eat up too much bandwidth away from my USB-Ethernet connection.

 

[Rvacha]

The SP uses the Intel HD4000 GPU. It supports DisplayPort 1.1a and is capable of supporting three displays (built-in LCD, DisplayPort, video via USB 3.0 to external "dock")

 

[Nuspieds]

Folks,

I was completely flabbergasted not only to have received the following email, but also by its contents!

I just received it and so I share with you all (slightly edited, for privacy purposes):

Service Request number: (number)

Dear (My Name),

My name is (MS Support Rep First Name) with the Surface Customer Care Advocacy Team. First and foremost, we would like to thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your Surface Pro Display Port question. I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences that this may have caused you and for the delay in contacting you.

The Surface Pro uses the current standard Mini DisplayPort v1.2.

We appreciate your support of the Microsoft Surface and we hope that you can continue to enjoy the unique Surface experience.

Sincerely,
(MS Support Rep First Name)

Surface Customer Care Advocacy Specialist
Customer Advocacy & Exceptions Management Team

"Interesting," to say the least, no?

 

[J515OP]

Very cool. Nice to finally have an answer.

 

[ArnoldC]

My logic was right then.

 

[Nuspieds]

Absolutely! Finally something firm that I can use regarding my purchasing decision.

 

[ArnoldC]

Absolutely! Finally something firm that I can use regarding my purchasing decision.

We'd be interested to know about your experience when you finally get the display device.