2.0 USB? Or Not 2.0 USB?

2.0 USB? Or Not 2.0 USB? That is the question someone asked of me. Shakespeare, I am not. Let me share with you some information about this new technology.

You have probably all heard of USB by now. It stands for “Universal Serial Bus”. The technology itself has been around since 1977. It was called USB 1.1 (there never was a 1.0). USB was designed to allow a user to connect multiple devices to a computer all at the same time. This eliminated the need for switch boxes or disconnecting one device, rebooting your computer and connecting another device. It was capable of speeds of about 12 Mbps, or 12 million bits per second. Seems pretty fast, huh? But alas, 12 Mbps proved to be too slow when adding some newer devices like external hard drives or USB speakers.

Enter USB 2.0. This new technology boasts speed capabilities of 480 Mbps. Quite an increase from 12 Mbps, wouldn’t you say? This puts the PC on a level playing field with Apple. Apple computers use something called IEEE1394 (that’s pronounced “Eye Triple E Thirteen ninety-four”). Sometimes you will hear it called Fire Wire. Fire Wire can be found on some PCs as well, but not as prevalent. Fire Wire is rated at 400 Mbps. And while the posted speeds are only true in a perfect environment, USB 2.0 should prove to be quite an improvement over your existing USB 1.1.

There are some things you should bear in mind. First, to take advantage of USB 2.0, you need to have a computer that is USB 2.0 capable. Most new computers have been coming with USB 2.0 for several months. Check your manufacturer’s documentation to see if your computer supports USB 2.0. If you have an older computer, you can add on USB 2.0 support with the installation of a PCI add on card. They average about $50.00, which is far cheaper than a new computer. Any computer tech worth his/her salt could install one for you if your computer has an available PCI slot. Second, your USB devices need to be USB 2.0 devices. If you are considering upgrading to USB 2.0 support or if you are planning to purchase a new machine, you probably should go ahead and buy USB 2.0 devices now. Most of them are backwards compatible with USB 1.1 and will immediately speed up when you add USB 2.0 support to your computer.

Previous Article: How long do DVDs last?

           MSR Technologies
           10928 North 56th Street
           Tampa, FL 33617
           Phone: (813) 868-1129
           Toll Free 1-877-265-4581

We'd like to hear from you.

Send your questions and comments to:
service@msrtechnologies.com