Belkin announces collection of USB-C cables -- perfect for new MacBook or Chromebook Pixel

USB-C is not an Apple standard. Even before the announcement of the new MacBook, computers, add-on cards and motherboards with the port were already in development. With that said, Apple's new computer has certainly accelerated the public's interest in the next-generation of USB.

Today, Belkin announces a line of USB-C cables ready to take advantage of this new technology. If you are planning on buying the new MacBook or Chromebook Pixel you should definitely take notice.

"The USB-C port offers users the ability to rapidly charge, take advantage of USB 3 data transfer speeds for connecting to external devices and peripherals, and connect video output such as HDMI, VGA, and Mini DisplayPort. One of the most notable features is the reversible design, which eliminates the annoyance of trying to figure out which way to plug the cable into your peripheral", says Belkin.

Melody Tecson, director of product management at Belkin explains, "USB-C provides users all the essential everyday functions that they expect from their computers without the need for different connectors. Our new range of USB-C cables enables users to take advantage of the capabilities of the USB-C technology and lets them connect, charge, and transfer data rapidly and safely".

Belkin shares the following long list of cables.

USB-C Cable

Transfer power and data between new systems and devices with USB-C ports
Supports USB 3.1 Gen2 data speeds up to 10 Gbps
Charge USB-C systems and devices with up to 20 volts at up to 3 amps (60 watts maximum power throughput)

USB-A to USB-C Charge Cable

Transfer power and data between existing systems with USB-A ports and new devices with USB-C ports
Charge USB-C systems and devices with 5 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)
Also supports USB 2.0 data speeds

USB-A to USB-C Cable

Transfer power and data between existing systems with USB-A ports and new devices with USB-C ports
Supports USB 3.1 Gen2 data speeds up to 10 Gbps
Charge USB-C systems and devices with 20 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)

USB-C to Micro USB-B Charge Cable

Charge and sync between new systems with USB-C ports and existing devices with Micro USB-B 2.0 ports
Charge Micro USB-B 2.0 devices with 20 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)
Also supports USB 2.0 data speeds

USB-C to Micro USB-B Cable

Charge and sync between new systems with USB-C ports and existing devices with Micro USB-B 3.1 ports
Supports USB 3.1 Gen2 data speeds up to 10 Gbps
Charge Micro USB-B 3.1 devices with 5 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)

USB-C to Mini USB-B Charge Cable

Charge and sync between new systems with USB-C ports and existing devices with Mini USB-B ports
Charge Mini USB-B devices with 5 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)
Also supports USB 2.0 data speeds

USB-C to USB-B Charge Cable

Connect new systems with USB-C ports and existing devices with USB-B 2.0 ports such as printers or external storage devices
Charge USB-B 2.0 devices with 5 volts at up to 3 amps (15 watts maximum power output)
Also supports USB 2.0 data speeds

USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

Connect new systems with USB-C ports to Gigabit Ethernet networks.

Phew, what a long list!

What's cool is, not only is Belkin releasing adapter cables to connect devices to USB-C enabled computers, but to connect USB-C devices to legacy connections. In the above list, the cables that say "USB-C to" are the ones that would work with the new MacBook or other future computers with the technology. The other cables will allow new USB-C devices to connect to the older USB connections.

Belkin makes solid cables and usually charges quite a bit  for them. In this case, they are reasonably priced between $19.99 and $29.99. This also includes the Ethernet adapter.

The Ethernet adapter cable is an essential buy for some, as the new MacBook has no such port, like the MacBook Air that preceded it. True, less people are using Ethernet nowadays, but it is nice to have the option when wireless is not available. Yes, some places -- businesses in particular -- do not allow Wi-Fi.

Sadly, the cables will not be available until the Summer.

[Update] Pixel!