topic Re: Cables and adapters in Discussions & Feedback

Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:04:25 GMT

It seems as though almost all of the new (Android) phones now have the new USB Type C connection instead of the old style micro USB (type C appears more round, while micro USB is more square).

As micro was the old standard, I have several of these leads in varying length, but most are about 30cm/1ft in length.

I am looking at getting a few longer leads (3-3.3 ft / 0.9-1m) to give a little more flexibility and reach from the charging point.

My question is thus: Would I be better buying leads that are USB Type C and getting an adapter for that, or would I be better buying micro USB leads with Type C adapters?

I have done the normal google search and come up with a few articles, but most are 1.5-2 years old and probably out of date.

Given that I will (probably) update my phone in Feb/March I think it would be better to get a Type C lead and an adapter but was wondering if anyone has any experience/recommendations in this area.

Many thanks for your time and opinions!

Re: Cables and adapters

MI5 — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:15:45 GMT

I’ve done the same as in buy usb c and have a few adapters for devices requiring a micro usb.
They’re dirt cheap on Amazon.

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:26:36 GMT

Do you need to look out for anything in particular? Any one that you would recommend?

Re: Cables and adapters

MI5 — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:29:48 GMT

I've bought good quality cables and adaptors from a seller called Rephoenix. Good CS too as I had one get damaged and they sent me 3 new ones

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:36:31 GMT

Cheers for the (as usual) good advice!

Re: Cables and adapters

Cleoriff — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:48:29 GMT

Thanks for the interesting post @gmarkj and responses @MI5

Every day is a school day on here

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:55:36 GMT

I am fully aware that others have better understanding of and experience with newer/different technology so thought I would ask the question.
No point buying a cable this week and needing another different one in a couple of months!

Re: Cables and adapters

Cleoriff — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:01:10 GMT

@gmarkj wrote:
I am fully aware that others have better understanding of and experience with newer/different technology so thought I would ask the question.
No point buying a cable this week and needing another different one in a couple of months!

Totally agree, which is why I thanked you for posting. Family members have much newer phones than me and I wouldn't know what to answer if this question arose. Due to me posting on a mobile phone forum I get asked all sorts of questions (which confuse the heck out of me.) .

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:44:20 GMT

Surely you have (figuratively) sucked the brains from several forum members by now though?
While I am (relatively) knowledgable about technology, if there are others that know more I will always ask the question. Especially when it comes to mobiles as everything is moving so quickly!

Re: Cables and adapters

Cleoriff — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:07:30 GMT

Of course I always ask. Privately or openly and have always been given excellent advice.

I wasn't highlighting my 'technophobia'....I was simply thanking you for posting a question which has helped me and others. .

Re: Cables and adapters

Bambino — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:19:55 GMT

And don't call her Shirley....

Re: Cables and adapters

Cleoriff — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:25:36 GMT

@Bambino wrote:
And don't call her Shirley....

No indeed... Beginning to wish I hadn't posted anything now....

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:59:33 GMT

I was trying (failing) to point out that by now you would think that Cleo has picked apart the brains of the resident experts and had nothing else to learn.
Guess that is another nail in the coffin of the stand-up dream. Oh well, back to the spread-sheet...

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:00:08 GMT

...and just to add, this is on course to become another hardware of the cable scenario...

Re: Cables and adapters

jonsie — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:02:31 GMT

Nah, that one has its own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame!

Re: Cables and adapters

Cleoriff — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:07:35 GMT

@gmarkj wrote:
...and just to add, this is on course to become another hardware of the cable scenario...

I was going to mention hardware of the cable but thought no Cleo...this is a sensible thread, so just read and learn...

Re: Cables and adapters

gmarkj — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:13:52 GMT

It can't be that sensible: I started it and have (predictably) wandered rather off-topic.
In an attempt to recover, has anyone had any experience with wireless chargers? A large number of the new phones also support wireless charging but there is a wide spectrum of devices with various reviews and I was hoping for more advice...

Re: Cables and adapters

MI5 — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:19:54 GMT

Yes I can help there too.
But a decent make such as Belkin and make sure it supports fast charging protocols.
You can get one off Amazon for around £30.
The cheap ones (available for about a fiver) do work but you will be dead before your phone reaches 100%

Re: Cables and adapters

a_hcir — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:37:43 GMT

@MI5 wrote:
The cheap ones (available for about a fiver) do work but you will be dead before your phone reaches 100%

I'd slightly disagree with you here. I've got a bunch of cheap ones I bought from AliExpress (£1.56 each :-)) and they're awesome! You are talking of about 5-6 hours for a full charge, but for the price and the simplicity I really can't complain. I have one at my desk, one on my bedside table and soon one for the living room. The ones I've got use your old Micro USB cables as well...

The only pain is that because they're cheap and don't come with their own power supply, your computer or USB wall plug needs to deliver 1500mA or more current to get them working properly.

Re: Cables and adapters

MI5 — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:42:11 GMT

Yeah, that’s the biggest problem for those used to plugging into your laptop to charge but your old phone charger should do the job.
How do you find the alignment with the phone on the cheap ones?