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Charging my Surface Pro 4 via USB possible??

Anonymous
2016-04-24T20:46:34+00:00

As a frequent traveler and flier often time the only mechanism provided to get a quick charge up is a USB port.  More and more planes are providing a full electrical outlet but a lot still only have the seat USB port available to charge your phone or Tablet.

I love my Surface and it is my main mobile unit but I see it as being massively problematic if your main travel unit cannot take advantage of the main power provided almost everywhere which is the USB port.  Despite having free internet and the ability to work on the plane I find myself without power on the Surface and having to shut down.  Sad for a Tablet.

Is there a way the Surface Pro 4 can be plugged into  a USB port to recharge or is this one of the biggest blunders by MS in making a device that is supposed to be ideal for travel incompatible with the most common travel recharge method in what is otherwise a great travel device.

thx

David

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2016-04-25T11:35:45+00:00

    Sorry, nope. The Surface 3 was equipped with a micro USB port for charging, but the rest of the Surface line uses a proprietary charger. There is no circuitry to charge from the USB port to the battery in the SP4.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-07-17T14:13:42+00:00

    Thanks for the reply Barb.

    Well that has to be the biggest blunder MS could make for an otherwise great device.  Hey lets create the ultimate travel tablet but make sure it has the least options to charge and thus the portability of any device :{  That will have to catch up with them for future sales as I won't own another when the primary point of owning is portability.

    As i'm on my next flight and watching every other type of pad or phone in constant use for work, reading or watching movies, I will tuck mine into the overhead knowing that if I use it I will drain it dead and not have use it until hours later once I can get it to the hotel to finally re-charge.

    That or I guess start carrying my old tablet again.

    thx again for the reply.

    DB

    I agree, big mistake not having some form of usb or other portable power source. MS now releasing GPS software for Windows 10. So using it in the car will barely get me downtown let alone interstate without access to car charging. No reason to buy GPS software now as will not last with pwer drain on full screen.           Same issues travelling, as need full charge when arriving for presentations and ability to do preparation and variations on the way to the destination.     What's the point of portability if it cant be charged as a portable. Don't need another laptop, but a portable tablet

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-04-25T13:51:11+00:00

    Thanks for the reply Barb.

    Well that has to be the biggest blunder MS could make for an otherwise great device.  Hey lets create the ultimate travel tablet but make sure it has the least options to charge and thus the portability of any device :{  That will have to catch up with them for future sales as I won't own another when the primary point of owning is portability.

    As i'm on my next flight and watching every other type of pad or phone in constant use for work, reading or watching movies, I will tuck mine into the overhead knowing that if I use it I will drain it dead and not have use it until hours later once I can get it to the hotel to finally re-charge.

    That or I guess start carrying my old tablet again.

    thx again for the reply.

    DB

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2016-12-10T00:03:39+00:00

    Sorry no link, but I bought a 12v charging cable from MacGuiver (not sure spelling).  Bit pricey, but I charge my Surface Pro 4 in our motorhome while driving or from the RV house batteries.  Could not be happier.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2016-12-09T21:51:02+00:00

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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