Just a quick note about connecting a MS Surface Pro 3 to an external monitor using just a DisplayPort cable - a mini DisplayPort connector at one end and a (full/standard) DisplayPort connector at the other.

It appears that many (read most) of these cables currently available in NZ do not meet specification or similar. I purchased a cable locally and for the life of me, I couldn't get the Surface to recognise that the monitor was there. I discussed the issue with others who reported a similar experience.

I ended up importing a DisplayPort cable from the USA, which appeared on a "certified" list. This resolved the problem immediately.

I can recommend the following cables, which can be purchased via Amazon and eBay:

http://www.accellcables.com/products/ultraav-mini-displayport-to-displayport-1-2-cable?variant=729676101