After Apple unveiled its single Type-C USB output in its 12 inch MacBook, Google was the next company to follow in the same path, releasing the successor to its first generation Chromebook Pixel that carries the same model name. However, the newly released Chromebook features two Type-C USB outputs, slowly beginning a trend that will proliferate in popularity overtime.
USB Type-C comprises up of a tiny physical connector that packs the following:
- USB 3.1 connectivity (for higher data transfer speeds)
- USB power delivery (for charging peripherals)
- Reversible (able to connect in to the port without creating obstruction)
In terms of speed, the maximum theoretical limit for the USB 3.1 connectivity is 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second), which is twice the speed that the USB 3.0 interface brings to the table. However, reaching those levels of transfer speed is currently not possible due to the limitations of current generation hardware peripherals and storage controllers.
Another advantage of using the Type-C USB is the amount of power it can deliver. Modern day USB connectors can deliver up to 2.5 watts in order to power up smartphones and tablets. However, that sort of power will be impractical to power up laptops. The limitation that the Type-C USB has been able to overcome is being able to power up notebooks, something the USB interfaces were not able to achieve before.
In addition, USB connector owners often displayed a propensity of not being able to plug the USB cable properly the first time, which would no doubt cause frustration. With the Type-C USB interface, which features a reversible connectivity option, users will be able to plug it in without facing any form of obstruction or incompatibility issues. While the Type-C USB is new to the technological universe and will be take some time to popularize amongst product vendors, this form of connectivity is able to overcome the limitations of its predecessor, making it the perfect successor for next generation products.
