Tech V&R Discussion

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by ratinox

Indeed, but I categorize this as user error. If I buy the wrong cable then it's on me for buying the wrong cable. I won't blame the cable for my mistake.

I acknowledge the high-speed, super-speed, ludicrous-speed nonsense is a problem. It is one that is finally going away. On spec cables manufactured after 2024 are clearly labeled for capabilities and purpose. Power cables have a wattage rating (60W or 240W) label, and charge-only cables are specifically labeled as Charger cables. Cables intended for data have a numeric speed rating. DisplayPort cables have the DP icon. Multi-purpose cables have multiple icons or hybrid icons which denote capabilities. A 240W, 40Gbps cable with DisplayPort will have 240W, 40Gbps, DP labels.

Not in shops I know.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by nana77

Yes, but - imho - I'd readed it a couple of times in the forums: all of those things lands to the only power, as consumers, we have: likewise to choose what we buy.
So if wanting a good cable, it's not that correct to say: "I went on the shop, bought a cable, and it's crap". If doing a little of search, maybe choosing not to buy today, but doing a personal information about, results on finding (maybe not locally, maybe on online shops, maybe not shipping in 2 hours) the good one cable, or whatever other device - imho.
Specially when it comes to tech. And specially when talking about cables, if them are cheap plastic * in 2/3 years will become quite stiffened plastic (silicone or a better product wouldn't).
Sorry for the long write.
Edit: preceeded.
* (PVC plastic ones, e.g. are the most common),

I've seen plenty of cables in shops including shops in airports where the cables are not properly labeled. So you buy the cable and take your chances. You may not have a choice if you find you need a cable now but all you can get is an unknown cable.

For me, when I go on vacation, I make sure and bring cables with me. I bring more cables then I'll probably need. And now I know I need some specific cables. I need the USB-C cable for my phone/watch charger that came with it. I need a USB-A/USB-C cable as my Surface Pro 2 only has a USB-A port. I also bring my multi-cable as my wife may be bringing something that needs microUSB. It's crazy how many cables we may need.

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Not in shops I know.

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I've seen plenty of cables in shops including shops in airports where the cables are not properly labeled.

Fair. Might be new old stock. Might be off spec. No way to know if it isn't from a reputable manufacturer and isn't clearly labeled.

But then, if it isn't from a reputable manufacturer and isn't clearly labeled then you probably should avoid it. Caveat emptor.

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

For me, when I go on vacation, I make sure and bring cables with me. I bring more cables then I'll probably need. And now I know I need some specific cables. I need the USB-C cable for my phone/watch charger that came with it. I need a USB-A/USB-C cable as my Surface Pro 2 only has a USB-A port. I also bring my multi-cable as my wife may be bringing something that needs microUSB. It's crazy how many cables we may need.

I need.... One USB-C for my notebook. One USB-C for my pocket router. One USB-C to charge my phone, tablet, game controller, Steam Deck (assuming I pack it) as needed. And one specialty puck for my watch. Four cables, three identical charge cables and one specialty puck. I could cut the three down to two with a sacrifice of convenience but the weight and space savings would be negligible after accounting for the two power adapters and the power bagel.

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by Cactus Chef

I'm not sure it's an urban legend.

Yeah, it is. Ron Popeil, of Ronco fame (or infamy), invented stuff to address his own personal annoyances. The Ronco Egg Scrambler and Veg-O-Matic are in a way Popeil's own vents and rants given physical form. That they were and are beneficial to folks with injuries and disabilities is pleasant happenstance rather than intent.

Ronco copycats did frequently target these folks with products like The Clapper and Life Alert, with ads featuring elderly people gushing about how much better their lives are with these products.

[Quoth]

Who is a reputable manufacturer?

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Who is a reputable manufacturer?

Anker is my go-to for cables, but Belkin and J5Create are good, too.

[nana77]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Who is a reputable manufacturer?

I'd bought this cable, for the car's audio: https://www.amazon.it/Alphatec-ricam...dp/B0CG88WP4C/
I'd linked the one from Amazon.it, because - despite in specs it shows 24-gold plated jacks, softness, and it seems really fine enought, imho - if you click further on Aplhatec you'll find only disherwasher's gloves LOL.

[Quoth]

My experience of Belkin is overpriced bought in junk.

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by nana77

I'd linked the one from Amazon.it, because - despite in specs it shows 24-gold plated jacks, softness, and it seems really fine enought, imho - if you click further on Aplhatec you'll find only disherwasher's gloves LOL.

Laboratory safety clothing and low-end audio cables with oddly specific brand replacement labeling. Like a generic AUX cable labeled as "compatible" with an array of Marshall speakers. Not high on my list. I'd go with Monoprice for budget audio cables.

[JSWolf]

I too like Anker.

We do have two PZOZ 4 in 1 LED Display 140W USB Cables which work very well. I also have a PZOZ Multi Charger Cable 3 in 1 Charger Type C Charging Cable that has USBC, MicroUSB, and Lightning. Don't need the Lightning part of the cable. But it is useful to have USBC and MicroUSB together.

[nana77]

Originally Posted by ratinox

Laboratory safety clothing and low-end audio cables with oddly specific brand replacement labeling. Like a generic AUX cable labeled as "compatible" with an array of Marshall speakers. Not high on my list. I'd go with Monoprice for budget audio cables.

Definetively, yes ; that's why I'd posted the weirdness of that link, thought my concern was that it wouldn't be PVC (the original ones seems those: https://www.marshall.com/us/en/produ...le?pid=1005779).
I have cables on +30 years keyboards that are still soft, and some others USB-C to USB 3.1 that are yet stiff, in one year.
E.g. for the Steam Deck's hub that I'd bought (not the official, as I wanted it to have a VGA also), I'd found this one: https://www.amazon.it/-/en/GIANAC-Ex...dp/B0CQLYVK6L/
The thing within hub is that has always a so short cable - imho -; didn't found one that already has a longer one (which might occour on such devices).
I don't peculiarly like its feeling touching it, btw; but that's the point rised: there are not clear reputable manufacturers.
Skipping from Amazon.it to Amazon.com, while some things are available in one and not in the other, and viceversa; names that doesn't says anything at all...
And I don't mean them cheap because made in China, anyone's manufactures is in there, good ones too.
Ps: sorry Amazon .

[ratinox]

Originally Posted by Quoth

My experience of Belkin is overpriced bought in junk.

Belkin is overpriced but still generally reputable. I'd personally go with Anker or J5 but that might not be an option for everyone.

[Renate]

I think that the world economy runs on overpriced USB cables.
Generally you can buy cheap, unshielded, unpaired USB 2 cables.
For a proper USB 3 cable you'll have to spend $20.

It's funny, you can get a decent HDMI cable for under $10 and that has about the same wires as USB 3.

[DNSB]

Try pricing Thunderbolt 5 cables.