this post was submitted on 27 Sep 2024
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How? Since USB-C has been around for so long, A-C cables have been the norm from the start. Everyone has them already. I don't see the downside.
You cant use USB PD with USB A
I had to look up what that means. Does it really matter that much? We have fast chargers using A-C cables for phones since far back. Is PD that much better?
Yes, it really is. The USB spec for Type A connectors is 5V @ 1.5A for a max energy output of 7.5W. USB PD 3.0 (which requires the Type C connector) specs for 5V @ 3A (15W), but also provides additional optional mixes of 9V @ 3A (27W), 15V @ 3A (45W), 20V @ 3A (60W), and 20V @ 5A (100W). Adding to this, there is also now USB PD 3.1 EPR (Extended Power Range) which adds 28V @ 5A (140W), 36V @ 5A (180W), and 48V @ 5A (240W).
So, 7.5W of available power vs up to 240W (supposing device and cable support), plus flexibility on negotiated power. This means that there is far more energy available to charge faster and the ability to power many more types of devices that require different voltages.
But wait, there's more. USB PD is also used to enable negotiation of USB Alternate Modes. Currently, only Thunderbolt, MHL, and DisplayPort alt modes are maintained but that's still pretty awesome.
The symmetry and not needing to glance at the end of the plug (or rotate it several times to figure out if it's rotated wrong or just isn't aligned properly) is nice.
Not nice enough to switch though
Sure, but recently (the last two years actually sound about right) we have been starting to replace A-C cables with C-C cables and often with fast and small GaN powerbricks that are USB-C out.
Those of us who never had to buy them now have to for backward compatibility. That especially includes us iPhone people who are new to the party and have to buy both the newer standard and the older. There are a lot of iPhone people.
For anyone, you have to carry double the number of cables. You might find a modern charger or you might find an older one.
Are you asking why USB-C is more convenient? It’s smaller, it’s reversible, it carries more power, it has faster data …. How’s it not more convenient?
That's more of an Apple issue than a USB issue, imo.
I agree that's annoying. But again, once the transition started, C-C cables came with A-C adapters. Those still exist.
The size difference is minimal. If you're saying you can bring a C-C cable but not an A-C cable, I don't believe you. Reversible is just a matter of flipping it if it's wrong. USB-A still has up to 30 W. Do you really need fast charging in public outlets? Data is moot, since we're talking about charging and ideally even using non-data cables to avoid unintentional data transfer.
I want to bring only one cable that does everything, and I don’t want to worry about plugging it in backwards
I always bring my own charger or power pack with me for security and speed, but "yes".
If I'm using a public outlet my device is nearly dead and I probably only have limited time to hang out and charge it.