USB-C

[SpringHeeledJack]

I was reading an article recently about newer devices having only a USB-C port, rather than the now various (perhaps 10+) ports. Apparently this allows for slimmer and lighter devices, but to my mind restricts the user, or rather 'corrals' them into a system of control (by the manufacturer) that could be open to abuse. There is talk of flimsy connectors, as in the wide thin flat USB-C connector, in comparison to the various wider thicker present day offerings and as we know in real life usage, especially when on the road, things can go pop at the worst moment. What say the panel ?

[Denti]

I work with an MacBook for over a year now which has as only port an USB-C port. So far there are no problems with the port at all. Yes, it is slimmer, it can be inserted both ways and works still nicely, and apparently it is mechanically well constructed.

The only thing that will be confusing is the myriad of possible configurations with that single port, each can be set up differently. It can do 3.1 speeds, or only 3.0, can accept high amperage as a charging port or not, carry additional data streams like video data in display port protocol and so on. And then there is cables, which datarates do they support, which voltages? It will be kinda bad in my opinion.

[gemma10]

So along comes yet another adaptor for all. Must be good business for the connector manufacturers.

[crablab]

USB C is actually a bit bigger than Micro USB (standard for Android phones) and is very well constructed. IT's much better than standard USB in terms of transfer speed and power throughput.

[andytug]

It is a lot better - as long as the cables are good quality and up to the correct spec, there are many cheap ones about that are a potential fire risk due to USB C carrying higher current than USB.