Number 214 - March 2001

USB 2.0
from TipWorld, via QBits Quad Cities Computer Society Dec 2000
The specification for version 2.0 of the USB {Universal Serial Bus) standard has been finalized and released. This new spec defines a 480-Mbps data transfer rate, as opposed to the relatively creeping version 1.1 rate of 12 Mbps, currently the standard in many PCs.     What does this new specification mean to the end user'? First, know that you have a little time to plan your next USB move. Demonstrations of working USB 2.0 controllers and transceivers are just beginning to happen at conferences this fall. Expect the first USB 2.O-capable PCs and products toward the end of this year and the beginning of the next. Because the new USB 2.0 specification calls for new controller chips, your current USB-ready PC will not operate at USB 2.0's faster data rate over the USB bus.     You may be able to purchase a separate USB controller add-on product that overrides your current USB controller, but that product only exists in theory at the moment.     If USB 2.0 is something you feel you need, consider a new PC purchase toward the end of this year and the beginning of the next when new USB 2.0 controller chips will be backward compatible with the USB 1.1 specification, meaning that current USB peripherals you purchase now will still operate on USB 2.0-capable systems. Thus, you won't be wasting money if you purchase a USB 1.1 interface device now.     However, you should keep in mind that USB 2.0 products can operate at data transfer rates 40 times faster than USB 1.1 devices. For low-bandwidth devices like mice and keyboards, the improved performance of USB 2.0 will make no noticeable	difference. But with high-bandwidth devices like DV cameras, you will see a significant difference. If you plan to buy a high-bandwidth device now, consider going with a high-performance alternative interface like Fire Wire, or consider waiting for a USB 2.0 version of that product to arrive.     USB 2.0(480 Mbps) now competes directly with Fire Wire (400Mbps) in terms of performance. Although we all originally heard that USB would be designated for low-bandwidth devices like keyboards and mice, and that Fire Wire would target higher-bandwidth devices like video capture products, this is no longer the case. Perhaps fortunately, Fire Wire still hasn't become widely available as an interface choice, at least for the Wintel world of products. Many PCs users therefore have no choice to make. Waiting for a USB 2.0 version of a product is the best performance choice for those whose systems are not FireWire-ready.     However, in the world of Apple Computer products like the iMac, both Firewire and USB ports are available. Currently, for best performance, a Firewire interface would be the correct choice, as USB 2.0 systems won't come out until the end of the year. After that, you'll likely have an interface choice for many products. If you currently use USB peripherals on your PC, you should probably keep up to date on the latest happenings on the USB 2.0 front. One good source of information is the USB Implementors Forum Web site at www.usb.org Here you'll find the latest USB news items and product information.     Reprinted from the Sept 2000 issue of the Macomb PC Users Group newsletter.
Number 214 - March 2001