question about usb cable

[LarryLook]

Some cables that plug into your computer's usb port are rated for usb 2.0.
I'm talking about printer cables and extension cables (for short cables that
go to printer and other peripherals). Can an older cable, such as an
extension cable (that just gives you more length) that was not rated for usb
2.0 really slow things down much? In other words will it work and carry the
information as fast or nearly as fast as a newer cable that says "designed
for usb 2.0 connection"? Or if I have a usb 2.0 rated device (camera,
printer etc) is it important for me to spend more money on a cable that
where the packaging says "designed for usb 2.0 devices"?

 

[VWWall]

Some cables that plug into your computer's usb port are rated for usb 2.0.
I'm talking about printer cables and extension cables (for short cables that
go to printer and other peripherals). Can an older cable, such as an
extension cable (that just gives you more length) that was not rated for usb
2.0 really slow things down much? In other words will it work and carry the
information as fast or nearly as fast as a newer cable that says "designed
for usb 2.0 connection"? Or if I have a usb 2.0 rated device (camera,
printer etc) is it important for me to spend more money on a cable that
where the packaging says "designed for usb 2.0 devices"?

A USB 1 cable will work just fine. I just bought six foot USB 2 cable
for $0.99 at the 99 Cent Store. I've seen many places selling them
with USB printers for as much as $29.95. ;-)

The only difference *may* be in the shielding, unless you get gold
plated contacts, which you don't need!

 

[Paul]

Some cables that plug into your computer's usb port are rated for usb 2.0.
I'm talking about printer cables and extension cables (for short cablesthat
go to printer and other peripherals). Can an older cable, such as an
extension cable (that just gives you more length) that was not rated for usb
2.0 really slow things down much? In other words will it work and carry the
information as fast or nearly as fast as a newer cable that says "designed
for usb 2.0 connection"? Or if I have a usb 2.0 rated device (camera,
printer etc) is it important for me to spend more money on a cable that
where the packaging says "designed for usb 2.0 devices"?

http://www.usb.org/developers/developers/whitepapers/usb_20g.pdf

"Today’s USB 1.1 connectors and full-speed cables will
support the higher speeds of USB 2.0 without any changes.
Characterization that has already been done on these cables
confirms this compatibility."

Be aware that USB has length limits on cabling.

http://www.usb.org/about/faq/ans5/

HTH,
Paul

 

[pjdd]

Some cables that plug into your computer's usb port are rated for usb 2.0.
I'm talking about printer cables and extension cables (for short cables that
go to printer and other peripherals). Can an older cable, such as an
extension cable (that just gives you more length) that was not rated for usb
2.0 really slow things down much? In other words will it work and carry the
information as fast or nearly as fast as a newer cable that says "designed
for usb 2.0 connection"? Or if I have a usb 2.0 rated device (camera,
printer etc) is it important for me to spend more money on a cable that
where the packaging says "designed for usb 2.0 devices"?

I know from personal experience that some USB extension
cables not only slow things down, but they don't work at
all with USB2 devices.

Some of the ones I tried were brought in by friends, and
others were sent in error by my regular suppliers. Some
of them work normally with USB1 devices, but are actually
slower than USB1 when used with USB2 devices. Others also
work well with USB1, but don't recognise USB2 devices at all.

Extension cables from another batch allow the same transfer
rate with a USB2 device as when the device is directly
plugged in (I benchmarked them). Those are also no-label/
no-packing products that cost the same as the useless ones
- about $1 US.

To sum up : yes, there *is* a difference between USB1-only
cables and USB2-compliant cables. But the difference in
construction does not seem to justify the exhorbitant price
tags of some "USB2-compliant" cables.

 

[Noozer]

To sum up : yes, there *is* a difference between USB1-only

cables and USB2-compliant cables. But the difference in
construction does not seem to justify the exhorbitant price
tags of some "USB2-compliant" cables.

Not quite correct. Any cable that is USB1 "Certified" will work just fine
with USB2. There are MANY sub-par quality cables out there that work with
USB1, but aren't manufactured to the USB1 spec.

 

[VWWall]

Not quite correct. Any cable that is USB1 "Certified" will work just fine
with USB2. There are MANY sub-par quality cables out there that work with
USB1, but aren't manufactured to the USB1 spec.

I found out my $0.99 USB 2 cable, made by Belkin, does have gold plated
contacts! My point is, you don't need to pay the ~$30 the printer
sellers try to charge.

 

[Spuds]

I found out my $0.99 USB 2 cable, made by Belkin, does have gold plated
contacts! My point is, you don't need to pay the ~$30 the printer
sellers try to charge.

Computer and audio cable prices are as scandalous as printer ink cartridge
prices.
--

"If hooking a car battery up to a monkey's brain will help find the
cure for AIDS and save somebody's life, I have two things to say...
the red is positive and the black is negative."

- Nick DiPaolo