09-20-2021, 10:48 AM
(09-19-2021, 07:28 PM)KC9UDX Wrote: Somehow we survived using them all those decades until someone wanted to make more money. The next USB connector might be in use half as long before it's obsolete.
If you don't like your barrel jack, fill it in with epoxy. I guess I can still install one when it's gone. Wouldn't be the first time.
They were already making ridiculous money by releasing all kind of different sizes, voltages and currents with the barrel chargers, and charging people way too much money when they needed to replace their chargers.
When a USB-C charger dies, you can get a replacement very cheap and there is only a minute risk that it isn't compatible.
Perhaps one exception, trying to charge a laptop with a cheap phone charger.
For me it was a joy, in I think 2015, to get the HP Spectre X2 laptop with a USB-C charger, and soon after I got the LG G5 phone and I no longer had to worry about my phone charger, as the HP charger worked just fine with the LG phone.
And now I even have an electric shaver with a USB-C charging port.
We don't know how long USB-C will stay the dominant connector, but judging from the life span of USB-A, I'm willing to bet at least 10 more years.