A sensible EU directive for a change.

[onyx(John)]

"It applies to devices ranging from handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras and headphones, to headsets, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, keyboards and mice."

MSN

 

[Roger]

But not in the UK.

 

[Marianna]

Nor in the US.

 

[maltrab]

How many of us get the USB-A plug in the right way round the first time

 

[onyx(John)]

How many of us get the USB-A plug in the right way round the first time

Not me

 

[maltrab]

Not me

Also the same for me John, I do get a medal if I do manage it

 

[mashibinbin]

Regardless of the cables used these companies simply charge too much in my opinion.

 

[Brian Johns]

Errrrr....????????

 

[theatrically_inclined]

While standardisation is 'nice' - particularly essential for interoperability at a technical level for equipment from different manufacturers to communicate - limiting the type of connectors used (which is often a 'standard') is likely to stifle innovation. Imagine if, years ago, the standard defined the 3.5mm jack plug as the standard - you wouldn't be able to have an iPhone, cos the plug assembly could never be made small enough to fit in the phone form factor. Standards can have wide tolerances, e.g.: my radio mics have attenuator switches in the transmitter and receiver. I have to set them for one set of values when connected to the camera, but another set of values when connected to my laptop. But that's still a standard. One socket type is too restrictive.

 

[Roger]

I know we shouldn't get political on this forum but I've never been in favour of the EU or the so called 'Nanny State' where politicians restrict our personal choices. Manufacturers should be able to use whatever connector they chuffing well like and if consumers don't like it, they won't buy it, there's no need for superfluous legislation. Unfortunately, despite leaving the EU, we are still affected by their decisions.

 

[mashibinbin]

Regardless of the cables used these companies simply charge too much in my opinion.

This joke went flat then

 

[theatrically_inclined]

This joke went flat then

you should have put it in a Christmas cracker

 

[Barrychuckle]

It's a difficult one really as Leigh is correct it may well stifle innovation, but on the other hand manufacturers used to change their connections regularly just to force people to upgrade. Also it saves lots of incompatible wires/power cables having to be sent to landfill.

So I'm going to annoyingly sit on the fence for this one!

 

[theatrically_inclined]

It's a difficult one really as Leigh is correct it may well stifle innovation, but on the other hand manufacturers used to change their connections regularly just to force people to upgrade. Also it saves lots of incompatible wires/power cables having to be sent to landfill.

So I'm going to annoyingly sit on the fence for this one!

watch out for splinters!

 

[Barrychuckle]

watch out for splinters!

Like all the men in the series, I've learned to be pragmatic