Why USB is a Great Standard for Cables

Why USB is a great standard. Lets recap on the different types of usb connectors. First off, there is USB "A" This connector is generally used for pc connection. It's the largest and therefore not a good candidate for many USB peripherals. Digital cameras for instance, are getting small and smaller and in turn will require small ports for connection. The most common connection currently used on digital cameras is USB Mini "b". It doesn't actually look much like USB A or USB B connectors, but it is definitely smaller. (Thus, the "mini" name). USB Mini-B connectors come in both a 4 pin and 5 pin configuration. It's important to know which one your device needs before buying as they are almost never compatible with one another. USB B Connectors are small than "A" and if you get really creative, are shaped like a 'B". Although not really. The "B" Connector in some form or another (Standard B, Mini-B) is used the majority of the time as the device connection. On Digital cameras, mp3 players, etc, you find the Mini-B's. On Printers you find regular "USB B" connections. So now that we understand a little bit about the different types of connectors, lets discuss why USB is a great standard for computer manufacturers and device manufacturers to agree on. Perhaps the first thought that comes to mind is simplicity. There are literally thousands of different cable varieties available. Different variations in connectors, cable type, number of conductors and pinout are used for thousands of different computers and devices. Pin outs alone can be deceiving as two cables that look 100% the same can actually be designed for 2 completely different devices. Narrowing our choices down to "USB B" and "USB A" will help substantially when the average consumer needs a new cable. Many people own special devices for their computers, but not many people can name even 10 different types of cables. The second, and probably the most significant reason that the USB Standard is so great is economical. A basic USB cable can be had for $5-6. However, a more specialized cable (such as those for iPods) may run you $20, $30, or more depending on where you go. Had Apple decided to use the standard USB cable it's patrons would be able to buy the needed connectivity at a fraction of the cost. However, the Apple maybe would have lost out on the extra profit. Dustin Twiggs, TCA usb cables.