silly usb question

[Recon]

If I bought a USB2 printer, would it still would it still be compatible with
my 1.0 USB ports on my computer?

Thanks

Pete

 

[Lewis Engel]

If I bought a USB2 printer, would it still would it still be compatible with
my 1.0 USB ports on my computer?

Thanks

Pete

Yes. USB2 is backward compatible, however only at USB1 speeds.


Lewis

 

[Recon]

Thanks for that Lewis

You have put my mind at ease

Pete

 

[gr]

There really is no such thing as a USB 2 cable. A properly made USB1
cable will work at USB2 speeds. It's just marketing hype and a chance to
make a quick buck.

To make it even more confusing, USB 1 speed is now called 'Full Speed',
and USB 2 speed is called 'High Speed.' Unless your printer says 'USB 2
High Speed', it will not make use of the higher USB 2 speeds anyways. Any
printer that could push a standard USB or parallel port to it's max would
probably be used with a network connection instead.

A normal USB cable has the flat connector at one end and the hexagon at
the other end. A flat connector at both ends is not a normal cable.

Oh, okay. I guess I'm thinking of a USB extension cable. I've got one that
plugs into my USB port at the back of the computer, and I brought it up to
give me a plug-in right on top of my desk. I use it for things like
smartcard readers. I guess those devices are designed to be plugged directly
into a USB port, and not use a "real" USB cable. IIRC, this USB extension
cable only cost a few bucks, as compared to $25 for a "real" cable that I
required for my printer.

 

[Andrew Rossmann]

Oh, okay. I guess I'm thinking of a USB extension cable. I've got one that
plugs into my USB port at the back of the computer, and I brought it up to
give me a plug-in right on top of my desk. I use it for things like
smartcard readers. I guess those devices are designed to be plugged directly
into a USB port, and not use a "real" USB cable. IIRC, this USB extension
cable only cost a few bucks, as compared to $25 for a "real" cable that I
required for my printer.

Shop around, especially in regular retail stores (WalMart, Target,
etc..) and on-line. You can find regular USB cables for MUCH less than at
office and electronics stores. Also, don't waste money on gold plating
unless your connections are also gold plated.