The way you connect devices to one another has changed. No longer are you required to aim for the USB Type-A port and hope for the best, only having to switch it around because you have it pointing the wrong way. USB Type-C solved this issue by allowing you to connect the cable into the port whichever way you desire. The port itself is also smaller, no longer requiring a bulky cable head. Still, we use USB Type-A today. So just how long will it take for the new to oust the old completely?
Community member GreaseMonkey255 asked this very question on our forum:
This is a question that has just been raised due to the "bleeding edge" computer devices on the market today. As of now, most computers have at least twice as many USB-A ports than USB-C ports (one for every two). Only some manufacturers have jumped ahead and replaced all USB-A ports with USB-C ports. These manufacturers include Apple and Dell (albeit only with their XPS lineup). Regardless of...
GreaseMonkey255
I believe it's going to be some time before we see USB Type-A assigned to the dustbin of technological history. Think of VGA and DVI, which are still around, and while more devices are making full use of USB Type-C, and I'd be more than happy to see the entire connector replaced overnight, it's just not going to happen with the sheer number of consumers who still rely on USB Type-A cabling. Laptops are leading the way, with some only sporting the smaller USB ports, while desktop PC motherboard vendors are slowly making progress.
We've also provided some recommendations (and some USB Type-C hubs!) for bridging the gap between the two connector systems. It's going to take a number of years, but we'll likely reach a point where USB Type-A is no longer used in newer components and PCs.
What say you?
Rich Edmonds is a word conjurer at Windows Central, covering everything related to Windows, gaming, and hardware. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a device chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
