Is there any unique markings on either the device or the packaging that would indicate when they were possibly shipped?
I don't seeing anything on my docks to indicate that. The only unique number than serial, mac, etc. is there is something next to the bar code sticker on the box that says "LOT NO:" The first dock I bought reads, "lot no: 1543" whereas the new dock I bought reads, "lot no: 1541"
Maybe that means the shipment lot the docks were included in. I was banking on the possibility that the faulty docks came from the first batches of docks that shipped and maybe docks from a newer batch were good.
I pre-ordered the Surface Book and dock within minutes of the press conference announcing it. So I received my dock on Sept. 25, one day before the first Surface Books were received by customers.
My lot number is 1541. So it looks like the replacement dock you received is old, maybe among the first docks that shipped.
As noted above, my dock works like ****--issues with the display, mouse, keyboard, and especially the ethernet port.
Do your problems happened when you put your laptop back into the dock after removing it?
Is the laptop still turned on when you reconnect to the dock?
Seems like the issues arise when the dock is re-connected after already being on.
So far, I began my day with the laptop connected to the dock when I first turned my surface book on. I haven't removed it yet and I haven't had any issues.