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USB inventor explains why the connector was not designed to be reversible (www.pcgamer.com)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] 20 points 2 years ago (1 child)

I'm happier with how long usb c last before they start getting finicky than I am the reversiblity.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (3 children)

    In theory, USB-C should be better, but in practice, the quality control is all over the place.

    All of my micro USB cables and ports have lasted just fine. I used one daily with my phone for 10+ years with no issues, and I've only had maybe two cables ever actually fail. Meanwhile, I've already had at least 5 USB-C cables or dongles that have fully failed, and plus the primary USB-C charging port on a laptop just completely die. I wish it was better, but it just isn't.

    Also if USB-C was just replacing just micro USB I'd be ok with that. But the problem is they're also replacing USB-A, and Type C is not nearly as durable as Type A since it's so small, it's just physically impossible. I wish they made a larger version of the Type C port. Same shape, same pins, just bigger in every dimension. As large as Type A, for durability.

    I'm not a big fan of Apple, but the lightning connector is just better, physically. It's way more durable in practice since it's just a solid piece. I wish USB-C was designed that way instead of what we actually got.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago

    USB C was designed so that the spring contacts that wear out/get damaged are in the relatively cheap cable, and the solid, more durable tang that the contacts slide on is in the expensive device.

    Now let's have a look at Apple's design for their lightning connector...... hmm I wonder why they designed it like that?

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