More don't-miss stories from PCWorld – Page 1
…Get quality charging and data transfers We bought a bunch of USB-C cables and put them through the rigors of daily life to find the best ones for your charging and…
USB-C cables today are used for transferring data, running monitors, and charging everything on the planet from $5 LED trinkets to $2,000 laptops and even power tools now. It is basically the most common type of cable for electronics today and thanks to its universal and open design it has rapidly replaced all other competitors including Apple's Lightning as well as older USB cables. It's appeal is the reversible nature so you no longer have to look for alignment. With its ability to handle 240 watts now, USB-C to USB-C cables will likely begin replacing other proprietary cables as well.
Tested! The best USB-C cables for charging and data transfersThere are a number of different types of USB-C to USB-C cables including: USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 4.The main difference between all of these is their data transfer rates and their charge rates. Basic charge cables give you very slow data transfer speeds and typically only up to 60 watts. For a phone, tablet, and even most small laptops such as a Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro 13 that's fine. As you move up to larger laptops such as a Dell XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16, 60 watts will limit how fast you can charge. The other key differentiator is speed. USB 2.0 is a ploddin
Tested! The best USB-C cables for charging and data transfersNo. It is generally not recommended that you use a cable with a magnetic detachable end due to the risk of shorting out the device or charger it is plugged in to. These magnetic USB-C adapters slot into a USB-C port and connect to the cable using a magnet to reduce the likelihood of damage from a connector being abruptly yanked from its port.But the risk comes from the exposed pins that may short out if a piece of metal rubs against them. Since the adapters use magnets, which attract metal, you can see why most USB-C experts say not to use magnetic connectors.
Tested! The best USB-C cables for charging and data transfers…Get quality charging and data transfers We bought a bunch of USB-C cables and put them through the rigors of daily life to find the best ones for your charging and…
…Further considerations The split between data-only and charging ports is a little weird, especially if you're using a mouse, keyboard, and webcam -- and that extra USB-A port just isn…
…cables on our Prime Day dock discounts for more. Otherwise, this dock has all the basics and then some: 140W charging to the laptop, four USB-A ports, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and…
…of playtime per charge. Yup, not a typo—300 hours! And when time slips by and the battery finally runs out, you just use the included USB-C cable to recharge them…
…Second, you won't get the full 100W charging output via the main USB-C if you're using multiple ports at once—the power output will get split up and distributed…
…They're fantastic, offering deeper bass, longer range, and much longer battery life than earlier models, while still offering a charge up with a standard USB-C cable (very handy on a…
…and still have a plug free for a lamp or a hotel kettle—all from one wall outlet. The 67W total output is what makes this more than a basic USB charger…
…You can plug either the KYY charger, or your own, into the former. And while KYY rates the displays at a 1200:1 contrast ratio and 85 percent coverage of the (undisclosed…
…Besides the USB-C cable, this power bank has USB-A and USB-C ports so you can charge other gadgets at the same time, too. Kamrui Hyper H2 mini PC There…
…You will also need a power source, either a USB charger that supports USB-PD and a USB-C cable or the official charger from Raspberry Pi. If you're going to…