The USB connector, introduced in 1995, has been a constant part of our lives ever since. And, on the whole, it has not been an unwelcome one. It helps us connect, interact and work more effectively – despite the fact that we have never managed to plug it in the right round first time, ever.

However, as technology has inevitably moved on, those big, clunky Type-A connectors have been joined by a plethora of different sized USB plugs to fit an ever increasing array of devices. All slightly different from each other and certainly not interchangeable.

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking it’s all become a bit much, as you survey the tangle of cables necessary to keep the modern office functioning. So, you’ll be pleased to hear that a solution is at hand. A single connector that is fast becoming the new standard in connectivity. USB Type-C is the light at the end of the tunnel, a unifying standard that provides seamless connections between a growing range of technology products and is leading us once again to a neat, tidy desk space and an aesthetically pleasing and productive workspace.

SITTING COMFORTABLY?
If you are reading this seated at a desk, then blame the Industrial Revolution. It changed everything and ultimately brought us to this point, the age of high technology. In just a few hundred thousand years, we have moved from an action packed existence to a mainly sedentary life.

 

 

 

SIZE MATTERS

You’ll be able to throw away that collection of awkward-looking connectors and cables because USB-C is being widely adopted as the new standard. But why? Firstly, it’s about size. The need for such a range of USB connectors arose because devices were shrinking to the point that the old Type-A USB just would not fit. Type-C, on the other hand, is small. It’s just a third of the size of USB-A and slim enough to fit neatly into the thinnest mobile device, while being powerful enough to connect all the peripherals you need.”

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

USB-C’s success can also be attributed to its functionality because, make no mistake, this may be a small connector, but it is a major multi-tasker. From transferring data at high speeds, syncing photos and outputting 4K video to charging your smart phone, it does it all and all at the same time. That’s not all, because USB-C can both send and receive data and it can carry enough power to charge a full range of devices. It means we can say goodbye to USB, HDMI, VGA, power ports and more, streamlining them all into one, small Type-C port.

THE UNIVERSAL CHOICE

All of which means that USB TYPE-C is a universally accepted technology, which is the key to becoming a new global standard. Just about every, if not all, new devices now feature Type-C connectivity and for some it is the only means of connecting.

However, making the change to USB-C won’t suddenly render your current peripherals and devices obsolete, because it is retro-compatible with older version of USB. All you need is one of the many adapters already available and then you can plug your older devices straight into the Type-C port.

WHY WOULDN’T YOU MAKE THE SWITCH?

Now is a great time to get familiar with Type-C, because there’s no doubt that it’s a standard that will be with us for some time. And here’s why:

It’s small and slim

The new USB Type-C port is one third of the height of the standard Type-A and only marginally larger than micro-USB or Apple Lightning connectors. It means even the slimmest devices can comfortably accommodate a Type-C port.

It’s compatible with your devices

Using any one of the low cost adapters now available, users will be able to connect older devices to Type-C ports. That even includes devices that do not even use USB technology, like Ethernet, VGA and DisplayPort.

It’s reversible, so no more flipping

You know how you can never plug in a standard USB without having to flip it at least once? Well, those days are over because USB-C is reversible, so you can plug it in whichever way you like.

It carries more than enough power

USB Type-C carries power as well as data, but crucially it can carry enough power (up to 100 watts) to efficiently charge all of your devices, even laptops.

It’s very fast

With a data transfer rate of up to 10 gigabits per second, USB-C is definitely fast and will make light work of whatever you throw its way.

Here at Colebrook Bosson and Saunders we love a neat and tidy solution, which is why our new connection hub, Ondo, has Type-C connectivity built right in. As we see it, Type-C has a huge role to play in future-proofing your workspace, ensuring it’s not just aesthetically pleasing and clutter-free, but powerfully connected and productive too.