New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#1

Post by isaacfrond » Fri, Oct 01, 2021, 8:28 AM UTC

New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing
pcworld.com

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#2

Post by Forge36 » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:03 AM UTC

I know at some point I'm sure I asked for fewer connector types. Seeing it now: I suspect unique connectors to a purpose is insanely useful usability. Immediate failure feedback has it's uses.

See NEMA outlet variation [1].

[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#/media/File:NEM...

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#3

Post by Daishiman » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:06 AM UTC

It's a start, but my understanding is that not all data is created equal in USB3 land, correct?

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#4

Post by mjevans » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:08 AM UTC

Finally, a clear logo showing if a cable supports 240W.

The USB 40Gbps logo is fine too.

Now can we also get some logos for the other speeds: 20Gbps, 10Gbps, 5Gbps, 0.4Gbps (480Mbit).

Also the other (PD 2.0+) power levels: 100W, 65W, 45W, 27W, 15W.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware#USB_Power_Deliver...

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#5

Post by city41 » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:12 AM UTC

Forge36 wrote: post #2

I know at some point I'm sure I asked for fewer connector types. Seeing it now: I suspect unique connectors to a purpose is insanely useful usability. Immediate failure feedback has it's uses. See NEMA outlet variation [1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#/media/File:NEM...

I recently received a new work laptop in the mail. And IT had stuck a piece of paper inside explaining it is essential I only charge it with the charger it came with, other usb-c chargers/cables might not work and could possibly damage the laptop. I am very ignorant on usb-c, but to me it seems crazy it's come to things like that.

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#6

Post by maxerickson » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:20 AM UTC

city41 wrote: post #5

Forge36 wrote: post #2

I know at some point I'm sure I asked for fewer connector types. Seeing it now: I suspect unique connectors to a purpose is insanely useful usability. Immediate failure feedback has it's uses. See NEMA outlet variation [1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#/media/File:NEM...

I recently received a new work laptop in the mail. And IT had stuck a piece of paper inside explaining it is essential I only charge it with the charger it came with, other usb-c chargers/cables might not work and could possibly damage the laptop. I am very ignorant on usb-c, but to me it seems crazy it's come to things like that.

How true is it?

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#7

Post by Titan2189 » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:21 AM UTC

Surely I wasn't the only one to immediately think of this? XKCD Standards: https://xkcd.com/927/

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#8

Post by adzm » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:27 AM UTC

maxerickson wrote: post #6

city41 wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I recently received a new work laptop in the mail. And IT had stuck a piece of paper inside explaining it is essential I only charge it with the charger it came with, other usb-c chargers/cables might not work and could possibly damage the laptop. I am very ignorant on usb-c, but to me it seems crazy it's come to things like that.

How true is it?

Off brand chargers are probably more of a concern than the actual cable. There are some really shoddy ones out there.

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#9

Post by neoromantique » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:28 AM UTC

maxerickson wrote: post #6

city41 wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I recently received a new work laptop in the mail. And IT had stuck a piece of paper inside explaining it is essential I only charge it with the charger it came with, other usb-c chargers/cables might not work and could possibly damage the laptop. I am very ignorant on usb-c, but to me it seems crazy it's come to things like that.

How true is it?

Not very, barring some ridiculous chinese knock-offs. Normally low power cable wouldn't be able to negotiate more power than what it is rated for.

Re: New USB-C logos make picking USB cables, chargers less confusing

#10

Post by Macha » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 2:29 AM UTC

maxerickson wrote: post #6

city41 wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I recently received a new work laptop in the mail. And IT had stuck a piece of paper inside explaining it is essential I only charge it with the charger it came with, other usb-c chargers/cables might not work and could possibly damage the laptop. I am very ignorant on usb-c, but to me it seems crazy it's come to things like that.

How true is it?

Not working? Totally true.

Damaging it? There's definitely historical evidence for it [1], but I think the situation is a little improved these days. I personally had a nexus 5x charger damage a Pixel 3a such that that charger and usb a-c cables were the only ones which would work in that device from then on.

[1]: https://www.engadget.com/2016-02-03-benson-leung-chromebook-...