Articles about USB-C

USB-C was supposed to be the connection that simplified everything -- but it has ended up doing anything but making things simple. With different USB generations, and within those generations different levels of capability, it is no wonder people are confused about just what their USB ports and cables can do, and what level of capability to expect.

This is something Microsoft is looking to change. Pointing to the “inconsistent implementations of USB-C port capabilities across the PC ecosystem”, the company is seeking to end USB-C port confusion by using the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to help people know precisely what to expect from certified PCs.

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ViewSonic has just rolled out the ColorPro VP2788-5K, and this 27-inch monitor should absolutely be on your radar! The display features a 5K (5120x2880), plus a 99 percent DCI-P3 color gamut.

Mac users should love how well this monitor plays with macOS, offering what ViewSonic calls “Retina-like” sharpness. Of course, this isn’t just for Apple fans -- Windows users will get the same experience.

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TP-Link has launched a brand new compact travel router. The TL-WR3002X is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and provides speeds up to 2,402 Mbps on 5GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz.

It also has both a 2.5-gigabit WAN port and a gigabit LAN port for wired networking. Additionally, it features a USB 3.0 port and a microSD slot for file sharing and storage.

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In a crowded solid state drive storage market, the all-new Planck SSD stands out by offering a blend of small size and fast performance. Tailored for those requiring dependable and fast external storage, this gadget boasts a storage capacity of up to 2TB with transfer speeds reaching 1050MB/s, ideal for handling large files while on the move.

A really cool feature of the Planck SSD is its ability to record directly onto the SSD, bypassing the limitations of internal storage for capturing high-definition video. It facilitates Apple ProRes 4K recording at 120fps, ensuring videographers and content producers can shoot without worrying about frame drops. The device’s design is both compact and free from cables, enhancing portability, while its broad compatibility with iPhone, Android devices, tablets, and laptops supports versatile work processes.

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Western Digital has been helping people store their digital lives on the go for two decades. To mark the 20th anniversary of its popular My Passport drive, the company has released a special edition - the My Passport Ultra, 20th Emerald Anniversary Edition. First launched in 2004, the My Passport drive now boasts capacities as large as 6TB, a massive increase from the original 40GB model.

This special edition drive sports a beautiful emerald color, which Western Digital says symbolizes loyalty, peace, and security. It’s not just about looks, though. The My Passport Ultra continues the company’s tradition of durability and reliability, offering a sleek anodized metal enclosure for extra protection. It works right out of the box with Windows, Mac, and even mobile devices, making it a versatile choice for today’s tech-savvy users.

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Rolling Square has launched the inCharge XS, a compact and versatile 4-in-1 charging cable designed to simplify the charging experience for users on the go. The inCharge XS is an update to its previous model, the inCharge X, and aims to offer a more portable and functional solution for users dealing with tangled cables and compatibility issues.

The inCharge XS provides four different combinations -- USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-A to Lightning -- ensuring it works with various devices, including iPhones, AirPods, and laptops. This multi-functional cable is intended to be a single accessory that offers quick access to power while traveling, commuting, or during emergencies.

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beyerdynamic has announced two additions to its wireless product lineup: the AVENTHO 300 over-ear wireless headphones and the AMIRON 300 true wireless earbuds.

The AVENTHO 300 stands out as beyerdynamic’s flagship wireless headphones, blending high-end materials like lightweight aluminum yokes and premium memory foam earcups with a suite of advanced technologies. These headphones are powered by the company’s proprietary STELLAR.45 drivers, which are engineered in Germany to provide exceptional clarity, precision, and dynamic range. With a frequency response ranging from 10 Hz to 40 kHz, the AVENTHO 300 covers an expansive range of frequencies, making it ideal for high-resolution audio playback.

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Tech accessory manufacturer Satechi is expanding the capabilities of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 with the all-new Dual USB-C Hub. Lightweight and compact, this portable device is designed for work on-the-go, weighing just 40 grams and measuring less than 4.5 inches.

Specifically designed to enhance the functionality of this Windows 11 tablet, the hub boasts six powerful ports, including a USB4 pass-through port supporting 100W power delivery, USB-C and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and SD/microSD UHS-I card slots.

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Today, Satechi launches its all-new Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock. This new product is a powerhouse device that combines convenience and connectivity to supercharge productivity in the comfort of your home office. Yes, it is a great tool for those that work from home.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock boasts an impressive 16 ports. With multiple USB, HDMI, and DisplayPorts, alongside SD and micro SD card readers, an audio jack, and a 2.5G Ethernet port, this dock ensures all your connectivity needs are met. Whether you're a Mac or Windows PC user, this sleek and reliable dock provides the best-in-class Thunderbolt 40 Gbps bandwidth, enabling you to connect up to four external screens and high-speed peripherals, all while delivering a substantial 96W of charging power to your host device.

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Today, Satechi launches its latest offering for both Mac and Windows systems -- the Triple 4K Display Docking Station. This powerful hub features an impressive 12 ports that support three 4K/60Hz video displays. If you're in need of a high-performing, multi-display workstation, the Triple 4K Display Docking Station could be the solution you've been waiting for.

Gone are the days of single display limitations on laptops such as the MacBook M1/M2 models. Even the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which was unveiled at the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference, can now enjoy the benefits of multiple displays thanks to this universal docking station. As long as your host device supports DisplayLink Software and is equipped with either a USB-A or USB-C port, you're good to go.

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Today, Plugable launches its latest USB-C hub for Apple laptops. Called "AMS-5IN1E," it is a 5-in-1 USB-C hub that adds five ports to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, while still providing access to the MagSafe charging port. The hub includes a full-featured USB-C port that is capable of anything the MacBook port can do, such as connecting a 6K 60Hz display, transferring data up to 40Gbps, and pass-through charging up to 100W.

This 5-in-1 USB-C hub is designed to connect to any MacBook that has two USB-C or Thunderbolt ports next to each other. It is ideal for 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, introduced in 2021, or MacBook Airs, introduced in 2022. The hub was crafted deliberately to complement Apple’s MagSafe power connector; it features a cutout to avoid impeding the functionality or connection of the MagSafe charger.

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BenQ has established a reputation for producing high-quality monitors that cater to the needs of various users, and the PD2706UA is no exception. This monitor has been designed specifically for creative professionals who require the best possible color accuracy, resolution, and viewing angles.

The PD2706UA is a 27-inch monitor that boasts a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440. The display is made with an IPS panel that provides excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. This makes it ideal for professionals who require accurate color representation, such as graphic designers, photographers, and videographers.

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USB-C docking stations are very common these days. Hell, websites like Amazon are littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor do they offer the same things. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs. I recommend sticking with reputable brands such as Kensington, StarTech.com, and Plugable to name a few.

Speaking of Plugable, today, that company launches two new USB-C docking stations. Called "UD-3900PDH" and "UD-768PDZ," both offer 100W power delivery and feature triple monitor support. While they both have SD card readers, only the UD-3900PDH has a dedicated micro SD reader as well.

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Sabrent has a new product called "USB Type-C Flat Docking Station," and while it does, in fact, use USB-C for connectivity, it is not a docking station. The company calls it "flat" because it lays flat -- it isn't actually flat, obviously. While the name is a massive misnomer, it is still rather cool.

Carrying the model ID of DS-UFNC, this "docking station" is actually a dual-drive enclosure and cloner. You see, it can simultaneously interface with both an M.2 NVMe SSD and SATA drive (2.5 or 3.5-inch) and act as either an external storage device or a standalone bi-directional disk cloner. Best of all, it utilizes a toolless design, so you can physically add and remove drives without the need of tools.

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What is a Chromebook? Quite simply, it is a laptop running Google's Linux-based ChromeOS operating system. However, when you connect one of these notebooks to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, it becomes a very capable makeshift desktop computer.

The most elegant way to transform a laptop into a desktop is with a USB-C docking station. But how can you be sure your Chromebook is compatible with such an accessory? Well, if the dock is officially certified as "Works With Chromebook," then you can be assured that it will work flawlessly.

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