So you just bought a brand new laptop and you’re looking for those trusty USB ports?
Except you’re lucky if you even have one…
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to help you find the right USB Adapter for you.
Nowadays most modern computers, such as MacBooks, Chromebooks, and tablets, adopt a slimmer and lightweight design to increase their portability, which provides a sleeker look but means your port options become extremely limited. This slim design dramatically favors the use of USB-C ports over your traditional USB-A and this means you’ll need to get a USB adapter in order to use your USB-A devices.
USB adapters are handy little devices that can expand the capabilities of your laptop, allowing you to continue connecting a wide range of external devices, such as external hard drives, cameras, and printers, to your laptop. However, not all USB adapters are created equal, and there are some important things to keep in mind when buying one. In this blog post, we’ll cover the most important things to know when buying a USB adapter for laptops!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a USB Adapter:
USB Type
The first thing to consider when buying a USB adapter is the type of USB port you need to connect to. There are three different types of USB ports: USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. USB-A is the most common type of USB port and is typically found on older devices. USB-B is less common and is typically found on printers and other peripherals. USB-C is the newest type of USB port and is rapidly becoming the standard for new devices. When buying a USB adapter, make sure it supports the type of USB port you need to connect to.
Number of Ports
Another important thing to consider when buying a USB adapter is the number of ports it has. If you only need to connect one device, a single-port adapter will do the trick. However, if you need to connect multiple devices, like your fav RGB keyboard or matching mouse, you’ll want an adapter with multiple ports. The most common number of ports is four, but you can also find adapters with six or more ports.
Data Transfer Speed
The data transfer speed of your USB adapter is also an important consideration. USB 2.0 is the most common data transfer standard and is sufficient for most uses. However, if you need faster data transfer speeds, you’ll want to look for a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 adapter. USB 3.0 can transfer data up to ten times faster than USB 2.0, while USB 3.1 can transfer data up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0. That means you can spend more time doing the things you love and less time waiting for your uploads and downloads.
Power Output
Some USB adapters also have power output capabilities, which can be useful if you need to charge your devices. If you plan to use your USB adapter to charge your phone or other devices, make sure it has a high enough power output to do so. USB 2.0 ports typically provide 500 milliamps (mA) of power, while USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports can provide up to 900 mA. So if you work on-the-go and need to be able to keep your devices charged, keep an eye out for this particular feature!
Brand Reputation
Finally, when buying a USB adapter, it’s important to consider the brand reputation. If you haven’t tried many brands before, stick with reputable brands that have a track record of producing high-quality products. Some of the most popular brands for USB adapters include Samsung, Anker, and TekTurn.
In conclusion, when buying a USB adapter for your laptop, make sure you consider the type of USB port you need to connect to, the number of ports you need, the data transfer speed, the power output, and the brand reputation. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find a USB adapter that meets your needs and works reliably for years to come.
