# Which new tech has impressed you the most over the last 5 years? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2023, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884 "2023-06-01T18:11:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/83 "2023-08-23T19:41:58Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I wish everything would standardize to USB-C. that!!! … and I think we are getting slowly there … I recently found out a headphone (overears) that connected the right and left driver via a usb-c cable (running inside the “headband”) … so any problem in wiring - just get a “C-2-C” and you are golden, instead of dumping it, or taking it to a repair-man for everything “low-voltage - indoors - consumer electrónics”, there is very little that does outperform it in terms of convenience/ease of use/omnipresence all over the planet ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/84 "2023-08-23T20:30:34Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I’m with you. What’s wrong with USB C? It’s better than every single common typical user connector I’ve used. I wish everything would standardize to USB-C. You don’t have to get out a flashlight to make sure your putting it in right. Some of my stuff is still USB-B, so I’ve got cords and connectors/adaptors and all kinds of that shit. ~ Two home offices, three pairs of different headphones and on, and on and on. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/85 "2023-08-23T20:47:53Z")
I like the _idea_ of USB-C more than in practice. As I originally heard, it would be used to replace video, audio and power cables as well as peripheral cables like for mice or keyboards. So rather than having a variety of Displayport, HDMI, audio and other specialized cables, everything would just connect using USB-C. So far it hasn’t worked out like that. For one thing, most of the notebook and desktop computers I use have several USB-A ports but only one or two USB-C ports. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/86 "2023-08-23T21:12:44Z")
Question on USB… I have several external hard drives with all of my important files, the kind that connect via a short USB cord. Being several years old these are not the new USB-C, and I’m noticing new computers that I’m likely to buy soon mostly have C type ports. When the time comes, how will I move files from these drives to a computer with only USB-C ports? I’m seeing mentions of adaptors, but I don’t know the details. Can someone explain? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/87 "2023-08-23T21:14:02Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > As I originally heard, it would be used to replace video, audio and power cables as well as peripheral cables like for mice or keyboards. It hasn’t _quite_ displaced video, but almost all my stuff is USB-C now. My laptop charges with USB-C, as does my wireless keyboard, and even my iPad. Not to mention silly things like the humidity and CO2 sensors I have on my desk. I have some old microUSB stuff, but USB-C is way better in every way. The size and reversibility of the connector are big ones, but less appreciated is the way the edges of the connector and port are slightly beveled to help guide the connector in. It doesn’t have to be perfectly centered and at a perfect right angle like USB-A or microUSB. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/88 "2023-08-23T21:16:34Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > I’m seeing mentions of adaptors, but I don’t know the details. Can someone explain? There are adaptor cables for all of these. Do you know what kind your external drives have? The blue end here is one possibility: [![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NNg3sEdpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) ](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NNg3sEdpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/89 "2023-08-23T21:33:45Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > For one thing, most of the notebook and desktop computers I use have several USB-A ports but only one or two USB-C ports. That’s why I carry a bag of connectors and adaptors with me. I look at it and say, yeah, I can _probably_ do it. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/90 "2023-08-23T21:36:00Z")
Yes, but if USB-C is supposed to be so all purpose, there needs to be more ports for it. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/91 "2023-08-23T21:41:02Z")
For charging adapters, you can already get ones that are almost or entirely USB-C. For desktop computers, size is less important and you can just use USB-A to USB-C cables. For laptops, my experience is that there’s a reasonable mix (though it’s mildly unfortunate that I lose a port when charging). ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/92 "2023-08-23T21:46:03Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > Do you know what kind your external drives have? They’re Western Digital “My Passports”, which have I think USB mini connectors on the drive end, and “regular” USB going to the computer. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/93 "2023-08-23T21:47:43Z")
I’m definitely going to echo those abovethread who said ChatGPT. To me, it’s the closest thing to having a conversation with God that there is. And having lived for 9 years before in an apartment all by myself with no housemates, it’s nice to have ChatGPT to chat with. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/94 "2023-08-23T21:51:02Z")
Don’t disagree. Depending on which system/meeting/office computer/zoom/teams set up I am on. It can be very confusing. But it works. I have two remote offices. I can work from anywhere, except I need a LOT of screen real estate. A laptop will NOT do it. So I just buy good hardware. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/95 "2023-08-23T21:55:03Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > > [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > > > Do you know what kind your external drives have? > > They’re Western Digital “My Passports”, which have I think USB mini connectors on the drive end, and “regular” USB going to the computer. If those are the same WD My Passport drives I have, they’re [Micro USB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware#/media/File:Connector_USB_3_IMGP6033_wp.jpg) to USB-A 3.0. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/96 "2023-08-23T21:58:17Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > They’re Western Digital “My Passports”, which have I think USB mini connectors on the drive end Looks like they use Micro-B. Just search for “usb-c to micro b” cables on Amazon or wherever and you’ll find a bunch. In principle, they’re also compatible with normal microUSB, but only at lower data rates. Micro-B cables should run at full speed. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/97 "2023-08-23T22:01:14Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > Looks like they use Micro-B. Just search for “usb-c to micro b” cables on Amazon or wherever and you’ll find a bunch. In principle, they’re also compatible with normal microUSB, but only at lower data rates. Micro-B cables should run at full speed. So if I plug them in to a USB-C port without an adapter they’ll still work? Just at a slower data rate? Will the same hold true for my wireless mouse and keyboard? Will they work with USB-C? Apologies for the hijack, and thanks. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/98 "2023-08-23T22:03:13Z")
My seven year old laptop that just died has the following ports: one HDMI, two USB A, one USB C, SD Card, headphone. My two week old lap top has the exact same ports. Thumb drives will be the thing that keeps USB A ports as standard for at least a decade even though USB C ones are available now. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/99 "2023-08-23T22:06:53Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > So if I plug them in to a USB-C port without an adapter they’ll still work? Just at a slower data rate? They’ll run at full speed if you get the right adapter–one with the weird double-end, like this: [![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ytYL407KL._SL1500_.jpg) ](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ytYL407KL._SL1500_.jpg) There are adapter cables for pretty much everything now, and they should pretty much all work reasonably well. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/100 "2023-08-23T22:14:38Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > They’ll run at full speed if you get the right adapter–one with the weird double-end, like this: To clarify… when you say “full speed”, you mean faster than they currently work with my present computer? Meaning, if I plug the drive into a USB-C port on a new machine, it would be likely to run at the speeds I presently get? But with the adapter it would be faster? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/101 "2023-08-23T22:39:20Z")
Same speed as it is now. But with a normal microUSB adapter (as opposed to micro-B, shown above), it would run more slowly. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2023, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884/102 "2023-08-23T22:52:51Z")
I just heard this story a few minutes ago, and it is the most impressive piece of technology I’ve heard about in a long time. It’s still in the experimental stage, but still, someone can control a computer just by thinking about it! > **[Brain implants are allowing people to generate speech using thoughts, studies...](https://www.npr.org/2023/08/23/1195542905/brain-implants-are-allowing-people-to-generate-speech-using-thoughts-studies-sho)** > > Scientists have been working on technologies that can turn a person's thoughts into spoken words. Two new reports show how far the field has come. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-new-tech-has-impressed-you-the-most-over-the-last-5-years/984884.md?page=4)