(Old Thread) RANT: What idiot designed the USB standard?

[DanDaManJC]

This.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Sounds like someone has problems inserting things once the light goes out...


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Seriously, though, I totally agree with all of the above posts. Standards FTW!

 

[QueBert]

This.

You know, the sad thing is I do this every time thinking I'll finally get it. I might actually do it without looking 1/5 times. But the other 4 I'll spend a good 10 minutes trying while cussing at myself. I just never learn cos I always think "I can get it this time..."

 

[DougoMan]

once I tried to put a firewire cable in backwards (a socket just like the one in your picture) and it broke it. at least that does not happen with usb.

 

[Aikouka]

I have this problem with optical audio... toslink or whatever it's called. Even with the notches, I never get it right >_<.

http://www.tufts.edu/programs/mma/mrap/analogdigitalhistory/TOSLINK.jpg

 

[Locut0s]

Agree with op. Funny I thought of posting something similar before but thought I would get flammed for it. Another issue with them other than just the fact that they are not notched is that the tollerances are too small so even when you have it the right way around you STILL have to fiddle. And often the ports seem to be installed backwards so that the little USB icon on the cable ends up pointing away from you when the cable is inserted. The hub on my monitor is like this and it makes no sense.

 

[Bill Brasky]

I give your rant a 10/10 because I've thought the SAME EXACT THING FOR YEARS.

 

[destrekor]

PC connectors were all uniquely shaped all the way up to USB. And before some ass brings up minijack audio ports, they were not designed by PC people so they had no choice but to use it.

I hate the USB connector too, you can actually jam it in the wrong way. But to be fair, the standard does call for the usb symbol being on the up side so at least you can look at your cable and plug it in that way.

That's exactly what I do, and I haven't had one problem when plugging in USB devices since I figured that out. Because every single USB cable I've ever used has had the USB symbol on a specific side.

Most USB ports, on a standing tower, are vertically oriented, so there might be some confusion there. On the back, the USB symbol is facing "up" on the motherboard. Picture the PC lying down (unless you lay a computer in such a way that the motherboard is suspended at the top of the case, all the components hanging down).

Since desktop cases sometimes come in weird orientations, and the USB ports can be almost anywhere, basically just figure out which way is "up" after one try you'll have it figured out.

But in general, your rant is certainly fair, as USB is the only connector that is retarded.

Well, take that back, as the pin layout is what makes it keyed. DVI cables are also only keyed based on pin layout, iirc.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Sounds like someone has problems inserting things once the light goes out...


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Seriously, though, I totally agree with all of the above posts. Standards FTW!

I do...that's why I encourage her to help me

 

[TwinsenTacquito]

It is annoying because electrical connections of all types are too delicate to just jam in. So if it doesn't go in easy, flip it around. Hey it doesn't go in easy that way either. Flip, add more pressure, not going in. Flip, add MORE pressure, not going. Son of a bitch, I know I could accidentally break this tiny POS at any time. Flip, add more pressure... wiggle.... sigh.

 

[sdifox]

That's exactly what I do, and I haven't had one problem when plugging in USB devices since I figured that out. Because every single USB cable I've ever used has had the USB symbol on a specific side.

Most USB ports, on a standing tower, are vertically oriented, so there might be some confusion there. On the back, the USB symbol is facing "up" on the motherboard. Picture the PC lying down (unless you lay a computer in such a way that the motherboard is suspended at the top of the case, all the components hanging down).

Since desktop cases sometimes come in weird orientations, and the USB ports can be almost anywhere, basically just figure out which way is "up" after one try you'll have it figured out.

But in general, your rant is certainly fair, as USB is the only connector that is retarded.

Well, take that back, as the pin layout is what makes it keyed. DVI cables are also only keyed based on pin layout, iirc.

err, DVI cable is D-shelled.

 

[sdifox]

I have this problem with optical audio... toslink or whatever it's called. Even with the notches, I never get it right >_<.

http://www.tufts.edu/programs/mma/mrap/analogdigitalhistory/TOSLINK.jpg

Clearly the problem is the operator

 

[Fingolfin269]

I wish we could get this kind of unified hate behind all things that are universally stupid.

 

[destrekor]

err, DVI cable is D-shelled.

oh, so it is.

It seems rather subtle compared to other keyed connectors. I've always paid more attention to where the pins were when connecting DVI devices.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

While we're at it, let's rant about optical audio ports. Same thing really - sure, they have that little notch in the socket, but it's tiny and the connector is delicate.

I actually agree with you for once...VERY STRONGLY.

Every once in a while my PS3 drops it's connection and I have to unplug my cables, and the optical ALWAYS fucks me over.

 

[LumbergTech]

I don't see why there should even be a right way...just put it in there without having to look directly at the socket / usb device

i also think that the way that the little tabs (yes i know a technical term) inside the ports are exposed for no reason and are very easy to break..It should just be circular and be able to go in any way

 

[spidey07]

USB came before fire wire and they needed the surface area of the connection. History fail. Dsp wasn't as advanced when USB showed up.

I bet you get frustrated by not taking off the dust cap with TOSlink as well or properly orienting the cable?

Fail all around.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

USB came before fire wire and they needed the surface area of the connection. History fail.

When did anyone say otherwise? Stop posting spidey, you're embarrassing yourself again.

 

[pcgeek11]

Whereas, the folks at Apple or where ever had the right idea with Firewire ports. It only fits one way. Duh.

Firewire only fits one way = USB only fits one way.

What is your point?

 

[sandorski]

USB came before fire wire and they needed the surface area of the connection. History fail.

I bet you get frustrated by not taking off the dust cap with TOSlink as well or properly orienting the cable?

Fail all around.

:\

IIRC, Firewire was years ahead of USB. It was being used on the Mac, us PC Users had nothing like it and got all excited when USB came around.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

IIRC, Firewire was years ahead of USB. It was being used on the Mac, us PC Users had nothing like it and got all excited when USB came around.

In fact Wikipedia says USB came out 1 year later. So not only did spidey incorrectly accuse the OP (?) of making a false claim, but the "false claim" was in fact true.

 

[Tsavo]

They should have put the little doodad in the middle so it wouldn't matter how you plugged it in.

 

[l0cke]

USB is fine, you know what sucks? IDE.

You force this motherfucker in wrong, you get bent pins. USB you can just try again.

 

[sandorski]

In fact Wikipedia says USB came out 1 year later. So not only did spidey incorrectly accuse the OP (?) of making a false claim, but the "false claim" was in fact true.

Hmm, interesting. Apple started Development in 1986 and USB development began in 1994. That's likely why I thought it was years before USB, would have heard about it forever.

 

[Tsavo]

USB is fine, you know what sucks? IDE.

You force this motherfucker in wrong, you get bent pins. USB you can just try again.

Ribbon cable for floppy is the worst EVER. I've never gotten those installed on the first try.