USB Type-C

USB Type-C is probably the most promising wired technology developed recently. Small, reversible connector, huge bandwidth (up to 10Gbps), huge power (up to 100 watts via USB-PD or Power Delivery standard) and even high definition video via built-in Display Port (upt o 8K@60Hz).

But today it still shows all signs of immaturity.

Not diving into the high data transfer rates and video over Type-C, the biggest hurdle are chargers and cables. Even official Google Nexus Chargers Could Be Dangerous.

Not long ago I bought the Intel Core m3 - based Compute Stick with the idea to drive presentation projectors in conference rooms. It comes with Windows 10 preinstalled and has plenty of power to run it. It also comes with a very clever concept utilizing Type-C: it is powered via a Type-C cable, while the power supply acts as a USB hub exposing two SuperSpeed (blue) sockets.

The problem with this very smart concept is the cable that weighs twice as much as the computer and is 3x bulkier. So much for the "computer in a stick" idea. The charger itself is also not the tiniest, so I started looking for more portable replacements.

The first idea wast to try the Apple 29W USB-C adapter and Apple cable. While they cost half a kingdom, the set did not work. The Intel Stick kept resetting itself. Later I've realized this is probably due to the fact Intel does not support higher (USB-PD) input voltages to power the stick and Apple cable while thin does not bring enough current. I kept trying variety of combinations and ultimately settled for the trusted Innergie dual-port USB charger (it has always worked beautifully) and a USB-A - to - Type-C cable branded "Benks". This set reduced the bulk and works reliably, but in the process I collected a dozen of failing cables and chargers.

Unfortunately it looks like Type-C, as a standard, is not managed the way it should be. Too little control on what products are being released, too little guidance to consumers on what they should be paying attention to (Intel, for example, should clearly say if the Compute Stick accepts PD voltages higher than 5V or not...). Hope this will be sorted out, as potentially Type-C will be ruling the wired world for the next 10 years.