Is there such a thing as a USB 2.0 cable?

John Pine · 04-29-2004, 09:26 AM

I'm purchasing a new Canon i960 printer and I need to buy a USB cable to take advantage of it's USB 2.0 capability. I've already installed a USB 2.0 hub. Or should the cable just be a generic USB?

Patrick Sun · 04-29-2004, 10:18 AM

It can't hurt to make sure it's been rated for USB 2.0 (Hi-speed).

SethH · 04-29-2004, 10:23 AM

Is it just a printer or is it a scanner/fax/copier thing also? If it's just a printer then don't worry about it because you will never need to send anything to a printer at faster than 12Mbps (USB 1.1). Now, if it is a scanner then USB2.0 would certainly be useful. With all that said, I don't think there's any difference between the cables, but as mentioned it couldn't hurt to buy one that specifially says USB2.0.

John Pine · 04-29-2004, 01:25 PM

Thanks guys!

Tekara · 04-29-2004, 02:46 PM

Oh I suppose I'll muck things up a bit. . . in theory there is a difference in the inductance of the cable, it's very similar to the ratings for ethernet cables. But since the runs on the cables are typically very short (5-6ft) there's no practical difference.

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Diallo B · 04-29-2004, 03:54 PM

just for giggles, i used a generic usb cable on my external dvd burner to see if there was any difference. (i.e. would i have any problems) lo and behold, for a mere 3.95 this cable works just as good as the 21.95 and up usb 2.0 cable.

i really think the cable makers put 480 mb/s (the usb 2.0 spec) on the exact same cable and price it higher. i have told everyone i know to just buy a regular usb cable and no one has had any problems that i know of.

Christian Behrens · 04-29-2004, 04:24 PM

Where do you get a USB cable for $3.95? I haven't seen anything for less than, say, $15. Of course online they can be had for a few bucks, but if you just wanted to go into a store and buy one, what would be your best bet?

-Christian

Diallo B · 04-29-2004, 04:41 PM

there is a mom and pop computer store up the street in lathrup village,mi on southfield rd. that sells all kinds of cables for cheap. also if you have a microcenter around you can pick up a 6' usb cable for around 6-8 bucks.

at the mom and pop store i got a 25' vga extender for 9.99. a male to male vga cord for 4.95 and many 6' usb cables for 3.95 or 4.95 depending on the manufacturer.

JohanD · 05-05-2004, 10:11 PM

I have hooked up dozens of USB devices.. and I have not seen any difference in USB cables.. of course most of the cables I have used have been "newer" so it may not be a good sample

JohanD · 05-05-2004, 10:14 PM

10ft AM/ BM USB 2.0 Beige Cable -OEM

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...116-105&depa=1

$2.05... $4 shpping.. but man that's cheap.. might want to browse their other USB cables if that's not what your looking for..