USB Type-C ports are smaller, oval-shaped and reversible. Despite the fact that USB Type-C is extremely common on laptops and phones, many modern desktops don't ship with even one USB Type-C port. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Though not very common, you'll also find USB 3.x cables ...
Like USB Type-A connectors, Type-C USB ports and cables are used to transfer power and data between devices, from charging a phone to backing up data on an external drive. But USB-C’s support for newer USB protocols and other technologies makes it much more powerf...
A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into multiple ports, allowing you to connect several USB devices to your computer simultaneously. Think of it as a power strip for USB connections - but instead of just providing power, it also enables data transfer between your computer ...
In 2019, USB 4.0 came out with Thunderbolt 3 and SuperSpeed+ with a maximum speed of 40 Gbit/s. To attain that speed, they have to use Gen 3 cables shorter than 0.8 meters. It also supports DisplayPort 2.0 used for 8K resolution. USB4 supports some, not all, Thunderbolt 3 devices ...
USB PD 2.0 works with USB Type A-C ports, while 3.0 is just Type C. However, USB PD 3.0's other benefits are more targeted toward developers, as they provide superior data reporting over 2.0. Manufacturers can get details like battery charge rate and device temperature through 3.0 cables....
Since Thunderbolt 3, the Thunderbolt protocol now uses USB-C style ports and cables. And that can be a problem; it’s confusing to have different but related technologies that share the same connector.You used to know that if you could connect a USB cable, it would be able to t...
USB-C and Thunderbolt ports are universal, although they are not identical. Thunderbolt ports are fully compatible with USB-C devices and cables but also offer several features that differentiate them from USB-C ports. These include connecting external 4K monitors together and Thunderbolt expansion...
One end goes into a host, and the other goes into the device. The holes the cable's ends plug into arefemale portsorportsfor short. The configuration of a port determines its type.Each port type has its corresponding connector. USB-C port type is the new norm ...
but is quickly being left behind. The micro-USB connector is tiny, letting manufacturers produce slimmer devices. That said, some ultra-affordable smartphones even now come with micro-USB ports. You might still find micro-USB ports on cheaper accessories like Bluetooth speakers and wireless ...
Be aware of current restrictions: USB ports can only supply a certain amount of current. Peripherals like external CD drives, or even other equipment may require relatively high levels of current and may not work if connected via an expander dongle. They may need to be connected directly into...