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USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

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Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#381

Post by G3rn0ti »

aendruk wrote: post #290
c_o_n_v_e_x wrote: post #269

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just curious.... why?

I live in a world overrun by capitalism and inundated with ads. The inescapable consumerism is sickening. That it’s the norm to run ads on practically every consumer product is absurd, and I feel gaslit that apparently everyone else is comfortable with it. We pay to remove ads from many services—why does my thousand-dollar bicycle still have a permanent billboard on the side? Have I not paid enough? Removing a logo f…

> The inescapable consumerism is sickening.

Well, where do you buy USB hubs in a world w/o capitalism and consumerism?

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#382

Post by danuker »

appletrotter wrote: post #303
morninglight wrote: post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know that, and you know that, and by the time my kid figures it out.... I'll have saved enough to send him to College. .

Top 5 usb C hacks that your kids don't want you to know. Hack 1. Gas light your children ...

While I don't approve of gaslighting, I endorse the use of appropriate technology.

Since "real" USB-C hubs seem to be garbage, why use one?

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#383

Post by testingtestin »

avidiax wrote: post #220
thedougd wrote: post #145

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Many laptops can't handle more than USB 2.0 when outputting display over the same port. Those that can need a certain protocol (too lazy to look up). There's a better protocol that allows both, but now you're in the $100+ range of hub/docks that can handle it.

You are thinking about USB-C Alt Mode, which is a way for displayport to go over USB-C. To get 4k60 + USB3.1, you either need USB-C Alt Mode with DP1.4+ (supported by almost zero monitors), or Thunderbolt-3 (supported by fantastically expensive monitors). It's much more economical to live with USB2.0 for your keyboards and mice, and get a separate USB3.1 hub if you need that. https://www.bigmessowires.com/2019/05/19/…

Apple multiport dock supports 4k/60 hdmi and usb 3.0 somehow, but only on 2019 and newer macbook and ipad models.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#384

Post by torginus »

Nextgrid wrote: post #83

I wonder how much e-waste this USB-C bullshit idea generated. It's not even a one-off, "early adopter" problem, considering that even now it's hard to buy something that actually works and you have to churn through many attempts before getting lucky. In contrast, I can't remember the last time I bought a USB-A, HDMI or Ethernet cable/peripheral that didn't work, partly because those specs are self-contained and simpl…

Once you go over 1080p, I found that most (>50%) HDMI cables that advertise HDMI 2.0 (or even 2.1) either do not work at all, or have constant cutouts at 4K@60. Also I found that there is no correlation between how nice cables look, how expensive they are and how well they work.

The only HDMI cables that I had 100% success with, were the ones that came bundled with A/V equipment, even if some of them look like bottom shelf stuff.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#385

Post by Galaxeblaffer »

This runs much much deeper than just USB-C hubs. Me and a couple of friends dabbled in getting a product produced in China 10 years ago and while investigating competition and really digging deep into aliexpress, alibaba etc. We found out that almost every single brand who doesn't own their own production is like this, and that's almost every single one. To name a few this same thing is true for Golf balls, pillows, every imaginable electronic peripherals, clothing, tools. We got to a point where my colleague was able to sniff down the original product/manufacturer for every single product we researched. Is this good or bad? idk, all i know is that this is how the world works these days..

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#386

Post by torginus »

nwallin wrote: post #224

Also note that if you have a laptop that supports Thunderbolt, you need a docking station that supports Thunderbolt. If you have a laptop that supports Alternate Video Mode, you need a docking station that supports Alternate Video Mode. AFAIK no laptop supports both modes, and very, very few docking station supports both. (you'll usually get reduced features if you have a mismatch; for instance, you'll get just one m…

My work Thinkpad P52 and Macbook Pro M1 both support TB and DP alt mode.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#387

Post by G3rn0ti »

discopicante wrote: post #364

"something sold from a German company is at least an indication that I might get some helpful support if something goes wrong" Germany is notorious for horrible customer service (e.g. the customer is usually wrong). Does the author assumes that all German companies have the same level of service of a BMW or Mercedes dealership? Hint: those dealerships are in the United States, not Germany.

> Germany is notorious for horrible customer service

Well, it's much better than its reputation. It's more a cultural thing. Germans are very direct and hate BS. Also many Germans hate to pay for convenience and aesthetics (that's why they do their groceries in these awful discounter shops where the food is presented in the card boxes used for shipping). That's why customer service workers (if available at all) tend to be more "in your face" but usually they try the best to help you if they can.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#388

Post by Nextgrid »

logbiscuitswave wrote: post #274
AceJohnny2 wrote: post #225

What's the ethernet chip in the Belkin USB-C-ethernet adapter? https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HJKF2ZM/A/belkin-usb-c-to...

I have a couple of these. It’s exactly what you would expect: Realtek RTL8153.

I have one of these too. The good thing is that I haven't noticed any issues with it, at least with a Mac.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#389

Post by torginus »

dervjd wrote: post #31

If you're purchasing something to use permanently at your desk, it's worth spending more for a Thunderbolt dock. Most USB-C hubs are total crap. You'll get far faster transfer speeds, more ports, charging (and at full speed), proper display output (dual 4K/60hz) and better components/reliability. The CalDigit TS3 Plus[1] is what I've used for several years - first with a 2019 Intel MBP and now with my new 2021 M1 Pro…

I think that Thunderbolt is not a particularly good solution for anything. You get 99% of the things it can do in USB-C, and the things that it can't either don't work on Apple machines (eGPU) or are needlessly high performance (I'm fine with my external SSDs being limited to just a couple 100 MB/s).

In exchange you get a lot more expensive hubs, stiff, expensive cables, and a much more limited computer compatibility.

Re: USB-C hubs and my slow descent into madness (2021)

#390

Post by roywashere »

gambiting wrote: post #353
roywashere wrote: post #323

Earlier quoted context omitted.

To be honest I see this as a win for laptops nowadays. I still work from home most days of the week and I prefer not to have a power hungry workstation turned on all day, especially with current electricity prices. Because of unfortunate timing of when my contract expired I already pay around 800 euros per month for energy

>>Because of unfortunate timing of when my contract expired I already pay around 800 euros per month for energy Wait, what? Are you like cryptomining or something? That's actually insane. I charge two electric cars at home, work from home using a powerful workstation, and my electricity is about £100/month. How do you manage to spend 800 euro a month????

No I am not crypto mining. Please mind I said 'energy', it includes gas. Electric is about 175 euros
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