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== notebooks vs laptops USB Cables and Docking Stations ==

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that defines connectors, cables and protocols used for connection, communication and power supply between computers and other electronic devices. It applies to [http://www.cheapest-tablet-computers.com/ computer peripherals] such as keyboards, printers, digital cameras, portable media players, disk drives, and network adapters. It also extends to smart phones, game consoles and PDAs.<br><br> Over 2 billion USB devices are sold every year. This article discusses some of the important tools that help connect them to computers.<br><br><br> USB Extension Cable<br> A USB extension cable is designed to fit into the USB sockets on a computer from a USB compatible device like a printer or scanner. The cable has a male plug at one end and a female one at the other. The male end is plugged directly into the computer while the female end is plugged into the USB device.<br><br><br> Since many older computers come with ports awkwardly located at the back of the machine, a USB extension cable makes it possible to access them easily from the front. A single cable can allow the user to plug in multiple devices,[http://www.android-tablets-buy.com/ android tablet 4g], including a flash drive, MP3 player, cell phone or camera.<br><br><br> Today gaming systems and TV use USB cables for input as well as peripheral connections. Especially when these devices are fitted into media cabinets or shelves, the USB extension cable makes it easy to access their USB ports to swap game controllers and add wireless keyboards and peripherals.<br><br><br> USB extension cables come in varying lengths, usually measured in feet. Passive cables may be used for distances up to 16 feet. Beyond that, a signal booster must be used to avoid losing data or damaging the USB device.<br><br><br> While cables for USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 may be interchanged, using a USB 1.0 cable with a USB 2.0 port will result in a significant reduction in speed.<br><br><br> USB Docking Station<br> A USB docking station serves computers that have extra connectivity demands. It is essentially an expansion unit that needs only one USB port from the computer to access and freely operate LAN, PIO and SIO and PS/2 peripheral devices.<br><br><br> The USB 2.0 docking station allows the user to add multiple, high-performance USB 2.0 peripheral devices and is fully compatible with products using USB 1.1. Besides, it usually consists of PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, serial, and printer ports. VGA (1600x1200) and DVI (1680x1050) are usually supported on the newer docking stations. They also have jacks for headphones and microphones and features plug-and-play.<br><br><br> USB to Micro USB Cable> A USB to Micro USB cable connects a computer to ultra-slim PDAs, smart phones, cameras and USB OTG devices. Usually three feet in length, this cable helps the user synchronize data and transfer files. An additional benefit is that it charges the connected Micro USB device. The data transfer rate can reach up to 480 Mbps.<br><br><br> When purchasing a USB to Micro USB cable, opt for one with quality connectors and durable construction and insist on lifetime warranty. <br><br>