ONE OF THE MOST FRUSTRATING things about new technology is that it inevitably renders old technology obsolete.
One of the most recent innovations is the change from USB-Type A to USB-Type C.
It wouldn’t be quite so annoying if it didn’t mean that all your old USBs now can’t be used in cars (or any other devices, but we’ll concentrate on cars) fitted with USB-Type C slots.
Why the change?
USB-C is the emerging standard for charging and transferring data. You’ll find it in the latest laptops, phones and tablets. Eventually, it will replace the older, larger USB connector completely.
There are a number of benefits of the new USB-C:
- It features a new, smaller connecter shape that’s reversible, so no more fiddling around trying to see which side of your USB is the right way up
- The cables can handle significantly more power, making them better for charging devices like laptops
- They offer up to double the transfer speed of USB-A at 10Gbps
- USB-C cannot be used with USB-A slots, but adapters are available
What’s the answer?
When testing some of the latest cars, I suddenly realised that my USB loaded with all my favourite music, simply wouldn’t fit into the new slot (some models cleverly have both USB-C and USB-A slots).
The same thing happened when we took delivery of my wife’s new car. Her old USB containing her favourite music instantly became obsolete.
I knew there were adapters available, but suspect that running a USB-C via a cable to the USB-A slot would negate some of the advantages. And anyway, I’m thoroughly over having to connect things to other things just to make them work (such as multi-plug adaptors for 12-volt car outlets, for instance) and I hate having a car full of cables and after-market plugs.
However, while out shopping for a new Type C USB onto which I planned to load music for my wife (anything to avoid having to listen to the car crash that is breakfast radio!), I discovered a clever little device.
As always, new technology is more expensive than the older stuff, especially in the early period. While USB-As can be bought for a few dollars, the new USB-C is quite a bit more expensive. But I discovered a Dual Drive USB Type-C (this one is produced by ScanDisk, but there are probably others out there).
The unit has retractable connectors, so simply by pushing the button on top, you can turn it into either a Type A or Type C.
I plugged it into my computer using the Type A connector, downloaded the music, and then plugged it into my wife’s car using the Type C slot.
Simple!
So how much?
The 32Gb unit I bought was $20.00 (oddly, there was also a 16Gb unit marked at $19.00, so check the capacity before laying out your money). That’s still more than double the price of most USB-As with similar capacity, but on a par with USB-Cs.
The adapter cable I bought was also just under $20. I’ll keep it so I can use my USB-A in cars fitted only with USB-C slots.