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Trackball - why its worth to return to them

  Kensington Trackball Orbit® Optical Trackball The return of the trackball as an alternative to the standard mouse After decades as a niche peripheral, trackballs are enjoying a quiet renaissance. Designers and users are rediscovering their compact footprint, ergonomic benefits, and precision — and modern technology (optical sensors, Bluetooth multipoint, configurable software) has made them far more pleasant to use than the ball-bearing devices many remember from the 1990s. When trackballs first appeared The trackball predates the modern computer mouse. Early trackball concepts appeared in military and industrial systems in the late 1940s and early 1950s; the device evolved from large, mechanical control balls used to position indicators on radar and battlefield displays. Over time the idea migrated into commercial computing and specialized control consoles, then into consumer peripherals as personal computers and graphical interfaces became common. How a trackball works (simple ...
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The evolution of USB-C capabilities and why its amazing


Picture above of USB-C cable with dissplay from TOOCKI company 


Introduction

USB Type-C, commonly known as USB-C, has revolutionized the way we connect and power our devices. This versatile connector has become the standard for many modern gadgets, offering a range of functionalities from data transfer to video streaming. Let’s dive into the history, types, and capabilities of USB-C.

History of USB Type-C

The USB Type-C connector was developed by a consortium of companies, including Intel, Apple, and Microsoft, under the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). The specification for USB-C was first published on August 11, 2014. It was designed to replace the older USB connectors (Type-A and Type-B) with a more versatile and user-friendly option.

Data Transfer Capabilities

USB-C supports various data transfer protocols, making it incredibly versatile. Here are the key versions and their data transfer speeds:

  • USB 2.0: Up to 480 Mbps

  • USB 3.0 (also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1): Up to 5 Gbps

  • USB 3.1 Gen 2: Up to 10 Gbps

  • USB 3.2: Up to 20 Gbps (with two lanes of 10 Gbps each)

  • USB4: Up to 40 Gbps

Table above from PCMAG.com

These speeds make USB-C suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple file transfers to high-speed data communication between devices.

Types of USB Type-C

USB-C is not just a single type of connector but a family of connectors that support different functionalities. Here are the main types:

  1. Standard USB-C: Supports basic data transfer and charging.

  2. USB-C with Power Delivery (PD): Allows for higher power delivery, up to 100W, making it suitable for charging laptops and other power-hungry devices.

  3. USB-C with Alternate Mode: Supports video output through protocols like DisplayPort and HDMI.

  4. Thunderbolt 3 and 4: Uses the USB-C connector but offers higher data transfer speeds (up to 40 Gbps) and supports video output and power delivery.


Video Streaming Capabilities

Not all USB-C cables support video streaming. For a USB-C cable to carry video signals, it must support Alternate Mode. This mode allows the USB-C connector to transmit video signals using protocols like DisplayPort or HDMI. Here are the key points:

  • DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode): Enables the USB-C cable to carry DisplayPort signals, allowing for high-resolution video output.

  • Thunderbolt 3 and 4: These standards use the USB-C connector and support video output, data transfer, and power delivery simultaneously.

Conclusion

USB Type-C has become the go-to connector for modern devices due to its versatility and high performance. From fast data transfers to video streaming and power delivery, USB-C covers a wide range of functionalities, making it an essential part of today’s technology landscape.


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