Written by dgoldring on Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The New Micro USB Standard: Good, Bad or Ugly? You Be The Judge


image One of the things I like about this little community we call the mobile blogosphere is watching the disparity of reactions to what would otherwise be some pretty mundane news (I’m not talking about fights here, just differing opinions of the same event).  Take yesterday, for example, when the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) — an organization which many of you have probably never heard of — announced a new recommendation that micro USB be used as the new standard for sync and charge connections in mobile devices, portable media players, and other devices and accessories. 

Jack Cook over at Experience Mobility was practically jumping off the sand dunes of Maine in excitement over this news, stating, “If this is accepted by all device makers, there would be a lot of very happy consumers.”  (Of course, there is no requirement that any mobile device manufacturers adopt this standard.

Kevin Tofel at JKontherun, on the other hand, seemed considerably less excited.  To him, this would be just another hassle in a long line of adaptor inconvenience.  Kevis states, “The only good news in all of this is that Nokia appears on board with the new micro-USB format; as much as I like their phones, their chargers have a small and thin plug that’s way too easy to break off.”

So, what do you all think?  Should the new micro USB be used as the new mobile standard?  Should we stick with mini USB?  Or should we let each manufacturer continue to design their own proprietary adaptors?  Chime in and let us know where you stand on this one.

[If anyone asks, the picture came from JKontherun as well]

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Joo Shepherd
Sep 20, 2007

I have a O2 Orbit (HTC P3300 equivalent) which already has this. I like this very much because not only that I can sync the phone with the PC over the cable, I also get it charged at the same time. Very convenient!!!
HTC additionally uses the Head Set Cable as a FM Radio Antenna. Generally also a great idea, only that the FM Radio does not work if I have a bluetooth Headset, but thats minor to me. I just use the media player instead.
Thats my thought, I am in favor for this approach!!!
JS


dgoldring
Sep 20, 2007

Thanks, Joo. Good thoughts. My personal opinion is that any kind of standardization is a good thing. They just need to choose the standard and stick with it. The problem here is that mini USB just became the standard not long ago. I just wonder if they are switching to the new standard too quickly,

Doug


gunawantop
Sep 30, 2007

Mini Usb certainly is a good solution, if only HTC stopped using their own version of mini usb ( sync/charge/earphones in 1 plug ).

anyway, mini usb is definitely the way to go, byebye to proprietary charger/sync cables.

why I choose mini usb ? my pdaphones (windows mobile 6 and nokia symbian based phone) can be charged using : phone car charger/laptop/phone charger/Playstation 3, YES, I CHARGE MY PHONE ON MY PS3, because ps3 wireless controller also used the same mini usb cable.

especially when you’re always equipped with self rolling/winding mini usb to usb cable, doubling as key chain.

I can charge almost anywhere, my home, my car, internet cafes, friend’s notebook/ps3, you name it.

Yes, I’m in favour of mini usb, keep up the good work.


gunawantop
Sep 30, 2007

oh, my mistake, it’s MICRO USB, not mini usb, what the heck….

mini usb as standard = big yes yes!!!
micro usb as standard = I have to agree with kevin tofel here, it’s too small, unsecure plugs, just like micro sd is bull$h1T.

dunno why all those consortiums/associations/etc bodies keep popping out and make all sort of useless things as world standards bla bla bla thingy.


dgoldring
Sep 30, 2007

I personally have had no problems with micro USB, except that they are not as easy to come by right now as mini USB. I understand the theory of smaller is better, but really I was perfectly happy with mini USB. Like I said, though. Any kind of standardization is good for me. :)

Doug


pedah
Oct 1, 2007

Standardisation is the key, I’ve got so many cables it drives me batty. Make all the connectors the same!


dgoldring
Oct 1, 2007

I agree, Pedah. I don’t care if they say hook it up to a bologna sandwich. As long as all of my devices use the same bologna. :) And as long as they don’t switch to salami in a year or two.

Doug

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