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USB2.0 - What do you need to know
What is
USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is the next generation USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface technology
which enables you to connect multiple devices (such as hubs, printers, mice,
joysticks, keyboards, etc.) to your computer. This technology is also referred
to as Hi-Speed USB.
How fast is USB 2.0?
You can transfer data between the computer and peripherals 40 times faster than
original USB. Hi-Speed USB technology offers transfer rates up to 480Mbps
(megabits per second) compared to USB 1.1 devices, which transfer at speeds of
12Mbps. For example, it would take 1.1 minutes to download a 100 MB file with
USB 1.1 devices in a sustained, optimal condition, while with USB 2.0 it only
takes 1.6 seconds to transfer the same file.
Why do I need it?
USB 2.0 will become the standard for future peripherals using the USB interface
connection. However, it will not replace original USB technology in all
products. Next generation USB allows users to transfer data faster between
peripherals and the computer. Users are also able to connect up to 127 devices
to a single computer by adding hubs to create more USB 2.0 ports.
What products offer USB 2.0
technology?
USB 2.0 technology will be integrated in a vast amount of peripherals. Some
products that will incorporate this technology include storage devices (such as
external hard drives and CD burners), hubs, printers, scanners, digital cameras,
PDAs, speakers and Web cams.
Will USB 2.0 improve the speed of other devices connected to my computer?
No. In order to take advantage of the faster speeds, you must plug in a USB 2.0
device into a USB 2.0 compliant computer (or a computer that has been recently
upgraded to USB 2.0). However, as USB 2.0 is fully backward compatible, you will
be able to use a USB 1.1 device in a USB 2.0 compliant system.
What does ‘backward
compatible’ mean?
This means you can upgrade your computer to this next generation USB technology,
Most (not all) today’s current USB 1.1 devices would be used until you upgrade
the device.
How does USB 2.0
compare in speed to FireWire®?
It’s faster. USB 2.0 offers transfers rates up to 480Mbps, while FireWire® has
speeds up to 400Mbps.
How do I know if it will
work on my system?
USB 2.0 will work with Microsoft Windows XP by downloading the software from its
Web site. A version will be available soon for Windows 2000; however, you will
have to rely on third-party USB 2.0 support for Windows 98. As for Macintosh, it
is available with Mac OS X.
When will USB 2.0 be available?
USB 2.0 peripherals are available today. USB 2.0 requirements are finalized and
manufacturers are integrating this increased speed into next generation
products. You can take advantage of its benefits immediately.
Can I simply
plug in the device and use immediately?
USB 2.0 inherits the similar Plug-n-Play specifications of its predecessor,
enabling you to easily connect peripherals and use immediately without
configuring the hardware. It also provides hot-swapping capability (move from
computer to computer). The only other products required are a USB 2.0 cable and
USB 2.0 port. Ports are currently being sold for laptops (USB 2.0 PCMCIA
Cardbuses) as well as PCs / Macs (USB 2.0 PCI Cards).
Where can find more
information on the subject
To find out more information on USB
2.0 technology, please visit www.usb.org, the official Web site sponsored
by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc.
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