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

Post by ziml77 » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 1:34 PM UTC

drstewart wrote: post #105

0x_rs wrote: post #70

This is all too confusing to me. Why isn't there a mandatory (or reference) specification string that combines all the necessary, useful information in one neat package instead of countless repetitive and easily misunderstood logos? Something like (just a basic, messy example) USB-C/ / / / / /etc. I had to buy some cables recently and really couldn't pick one nor distinguish particular features at glance, and the ite…

What's confusing about "USB C to Lightning Cable MFI Certified iPhone Cable Fast iPhone Charger Cable 20W PD 3/6/10FT Type C Charging & Syncing Data Compatible iPhone 12 Pro Max Mini 11 X XR XS 8 P iPad iPod （White)"?

Post by chrisseaton » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 1:38 PM UTC

dijit wrote: post #182

chrisseaton wrote: post #119

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Where do you get the idea that this cable is charge-only?

Because it’s called that by Apple- the first link has a title of: “USB-C Charge cable (2m)”

Post by thermin » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 1:48 PM UTC

ajsnigrutin wrote: post #129

I hate it how we went from simple, to simpler to totally complicated regarding computer ports. "Back in the days", it was a bunch of different ports of different sizes and shapes, and each thing had its own cable that fit into that thing only, and into only port only on the back of the pc. Yes, you needed 20 cables, but things were simple. Then came the USB... one cable, one protocol for all.... except video (firewir…

Post by Kayou » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 1:53 PM UTC

simon1573 wrote: post #137

ajsnigrutin wrote: post #129

I hate it how we went from simple, to simpler to totally complicated regarding computer ports. "Back in the days", it was a bunch of different ports of different sizes and shapes, and each thing had its own cable that fit into that thing only, and into only port only on the back of the pc. Yes, you needed 20 cables, but things were simple. Then came the USB... one cable, one protocol for all.... except video (firewir…

"Back in the days" you would either buy an original charger, which the store probably wouldn't have in stock, or buy one of those universal charger with a dozen plugs in which case you would have to be careful to pick a powerful enough charger anyway. You would also have to be very careful to pick a charger with the correct voltage.

Post by NikolaNovak » Mon, Oct 04, 2021, 1:59 PM UTC

foxfluff wrote: post #147

kalleboo wrote: post #144

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It was never that simple. Your serial cables had peripheral or null-modem (I have a serial cable marked "MIDI" I have no idea what is different). Parallel port cables could be SCSI cables instead. Some cables didn't have all pins wired to save money. With PS/2 ports you had to get the mouse and keyboard the right way around despite having the same port.

It got pretty simple for a while when old serial & parallel ports were phased out in favor of USB. Also VGA worked for a very long time even after DVI and HDMI appeared on the scene. (I never had as much trouble with connecting displays as I do today)