New Options - Page 2

ZodWallop · 08-23-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

USB-C would be another new cable for me — so it would be the opposite of standardization in my case. At this point I don't use any cables except (mostly) micro and (some) mini USB cables.

True, but one day you will replace your phone and tablet. And those are moving to USB C.

rcentros · 08-23-2018, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

True, but one day you will replace your phone and tablet. And those are moving to USB C.

That "one day" is at least a couple years away. I'll probably never buy a new tablet as I don't use the one I have — and I'll be using my Blackberry Q10 until they quit supporting it on my network (I don't like iOS or Android). The laptop I use most o the time was made in 2003. Meanwhile I've got all kinds of devices that use micro-USB cables (and power packs).

ZodWallop · 08-23-2018, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

That "one day" is at least a couple years away. I'll probably never buy a new tablet as I don't use the one I have — and I'll be using my Blackberry Q10 until they quit supporting it on my network (I don't like iOS or Android). The laptop I use most o the time was made in 2003. Meanwhile I've got all kinds of devices that use micro-USB cables (and power packs).

Following that pattern, you would be unlikely to purchase a new e-reader with USB-C, so your life won't change at any rate.

rcentros · 08-23-2018, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

Following that pattern, you would be unlikely to purchase a new e-reader with USB-C, so your life won't change at any rate.

I'm guessing most people will have a mix of USB-C and USB-micro cables for quite a while yet — eReaders aren't upgraded nearly as often as phones.

And it doesn't really change anything in reference to my original post in this thread, that a USB-C eReader (should I ever buy one) would just add yet another cable to my collection and work at cross-purposes to "standardization" for me. Device standardization is a fool's errand anyhow. Just when USB-C becomes the "standard" a new goo-gah! "standard" will come out and everyone will be rushing to buy that one — those who rush out to buy the newest and shiniest, that is.

tubemonkey · 08-23-2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

I'm guessing most people will have a mix of USB-C and USB-micro cables for quite a while yet — eReaders aren't upgraded nearly as often as phones.

And it doesn't really change anything in reference to my original post in this thread, that a USB-C eReader (should I ever buy one) would just add yet another cable to my collection and work at cross-purposes to "standardization" for me. Device standardization is a fool's errand anyhow. Just when USB-C becomes the "standard" a new goo-gah! "standard" will come out and everyone will be rushing to buy that one — those who rush out to buy the newest and shiniest, that is.

I'll wait for the goo-gah port

cfrizz · 08-23-2018, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apache

And by the time everything we own uses USB c they will have developed two more types of connectors.
Apache

Bingo! Since unless something dies, I don't plan on getting new electronics so my micro usb will do just fine and fits all of my electronics.

Since I got a new connector every time I got a new device, I have cords to last for years, just like the electronics.

DiapDealer · 08-23-2018, 07:40 PM

As long as those new connectors can go in either way, I won't care in the least. It's not about consolidation for me at all. I don't care how many cables I have to keep. I care about not having to worry about upside right and downside wrong in the dark.

gmw · 08-23-2018, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

As long as those new connectors can go in either way, I won't care in the least. It's not about consolidation for me at all. I don't care how many cables I have to keep. I care about not having to worry about upside right and downside wrong in the dark.

Did you know you can buy USB (as opposed to USB-C) cables that allow this? I bought some several months ago - very convenient. I had wondered if they might not last very well but so far they've kept going under daily use.

DiapDealer · 08-23-2018, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmw

Did you know you can buy USB (as opposed to USB-C) cables that allow this? I bought some several months ago - very convenient. I had wondered if they might not last very well but so far they've kept going under daily use.

Interesting. I had no idea they had reversible micro-usb connectors. I may have to invest in a few. The stock cables are rarely long enough for my taste anyway. Thanks!

DuckieTigger · 08-24-2018, 01:13 AM

Why worry about micro-usb vs. usb-c? Ditch the usb altogether and give me wireless charging and transfer. The cost savings to not have a usb port might even make up for the added expense of a wireless charging circuit.

gmw · 08-24-2018, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Interesting. I had no idea they had reversible micro-usb connectors. I may have to invest in a few. The stock cables are rarely long enough for my taste anyway. Thanks!

I bought cloth-covered cables from Silverstone. These cables are a bit stiff (not as flexible as they could be) but they're tough (suitable for use in the car and scattered on my busy desk) and both the standard USB end and the micro-USB ends have stood up well to regular use; with my use, generally the standard end stays plugged in (either the car or computer) while the micro-USB end is under regular use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Why worry about micro-usb vs. usb-c? Ditch the usb altogether and give me wireless charging and transfer. The cost savings to not have a usb port might even make up for the added expense of a wireless charging circuit.

I considered wireless. You can buy adapters to let you turn things like your e-readers into devices you can charge wirelessly ... but when it came to it, I couldn't quite make myself get that profligate. Cables work everywhere I need them to, and now I have USB I can plug in either way it's all I really need.

DuckieTigger · 08-24-2018, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmw

I considered wireless. You can buy adapters to let you turn things like your e-readers into devices you can charge wirelessly ... but when it came to it, I couldn't quite make myself get that profligate. Cables work everywhere I need them to, and now I have USB I can plug in either way it's all I really need.

I am all for reversible plugs, have it on my phone, and it is nice. Going completely wireless gives greater freedom in design - no longer do you need a particular thickness to fit the plug and it is easier to seal the device. Water resistance is nice, but truly water proof would be even better.

Tex2002ans · 08-24-2018, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Why worry about micro-usb vs. usb-c? Ditch the usb altogether and give me wireless charging and transfer. The cost savings to not have a usb port might even make up for the added expense of a wireless charging circuit.

Wireless charging is very inefficient, generates lots of heat, and limits the materials the device can be made out of.

USB-C isn't the greatest either, and people have to be even more aware of non-standard/poor quality adapters/cables.

Like in 2016 when the Google engineer (who was testing all the USB-C cables he could get his hands on) fried his laptop:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016...omebook-pixel/

or Nintendo Switches recently bricking themselves:

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/...arging-cables/

... that doesn't go into all the other messes being dragged along with it:

https://www.androidauthority.com/sta...type-c-870996/

theducks · 08-24-2018, 01:25 PM

Wireless chargers are less efficient. They might be fine when there is unlimited Mains power, but when mobile, off-grid every watt counts.
I also prefer corded transfers: Less likely for your device to be hacked or phished.

BTW anyone need the old (big) Samsung TAB2 cords, SD adapter, even a USB A. . You pay the shipping (USA only)

DiapDealer · 08-24-2018, 01:54 PM

I had bad luck with the Qi wireless charger in my old Nexus 7 tablet. Even without a case, it was an extremely finicky procedure. You had to hold it over the charger and "feel" for the magnetic pull to guide the device into the correct position. It always took me 2-3 tries. I wanted to be able to plop the device on the nightstand when I was done reading for the evening, but it never worked that way. If a case was on the device -- forget about it. There was no wiggle-room at all when placing the device while in a case. It was much less frustrating to plug a cable in most times.

08-23-2018, 07:40 PM	#22
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,682 Karma: 205039118 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	As long as those new connectors can go in either way, I won't care in the least. It's not about consolidation for me at all. I don't care how many cables I have to keep. I care about not having to worry about upside right and downside wrong in the dark. Last edited by DiapDealer; 08-23-2018 at 07:43 PM.

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08-24-2018, 01:54 PM	#30
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,682 Karma: 205039118 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	I had bad luck with the Qi wireless charger in my old Nexus 7 tablet. Even without a case, it was an extremely finicky procedure. You had to hold it over the charger and "feel" for the magnetic pull to guide the device into the correct position. It always took me 2-3 tries. I wanted to be able to plop the device on the nightstand when I was done reading for the evening, but it never worked that way. If a case was on the device -- forget about it. There was no wiggle-room at all when placing the device while in a case. It was much less frustrating to plug a cable in most times.