USB 1.1 vs. 2.0?

catskillian85 · 03-08-03, 12:07 PM

My new toy is due to arrive Monday (YAAAAAY!), and it just occurred to me to ask about the USB synching. I'll be connecting the Axim to my Dimension 8200, which has 2 USB ports in the front and 2 in the back, plus an extra 4 (I think) in the back that I know are USB 2.0 -- I paid extra for those when I ordered the system.

I know USB 2.0 is faster than 1.1, but obviously I'd rather connect the cradle to one of the front ports for convenience -- and I believe those are the 1.1 variety.

Can anyone enlighten me on this? Does the USB speed make that much of a difference?

And if anyone else has a Dimension 8200, do you recall if the USB ports on the front are indeed the older USB flavor? I'm pretty sure I'm right about that, but would appreciate confirmation.

Thanks!

Samim · 03-08-03, 12:14 PM

It does not matter, axim is usb 1.1.

Sam

catskillian85 · 03-08-03, 12:30 PM

Aha, thanks Sam. Where did you find that stat? I looked at the Axim info on the Dell site but didn't see it.

Synth · 03-08-03, 01:08 PM

I would use one of the rear USB ports for the cradle; keep the front ones free for temporary things like cameras.

Samim · 03-08-03, 02:35 PM

Too slow to be USB 2.0. not really that big of deal unless you are transfering large files.I use a card reader for large data transfers, as it is much faster.

Sam

catskillian85 · 03-08-03, 02:57 PM

Forgive me, I've never used a card reader. How does that work for transferring files?

Wayfinder · 03-09-03, 02:43 PM

Axim USB is 1.1? Now I'm really disappointed in that... USB 2 is about 10 times faster than 1.1. I kept wondering why it was taking so long to sync and transfer files.

USB 2.0 has been out for a long time. Anyone know why Dell decided to go with 1.1? That's a major durn factor.

BxBoy · 03-09-03, 04:21 PM

My only guess would be compatibility, but then again, 2.0 is backwards compatible with 1.1

WindWalker · 03-09-03, 06:05 PM

I would guess that they made the decision for 1.1 versus 2.0 for consumer awareness, cost, and availability.
[list=1][*]2.0 is only widespread in new PCs. People who have not bought new computers in the last year (and the numbers would say it comparatively isn't that many), the vast majority don't have the gumption to crack open a case and put in a card.[*]As far as most people are concerned (not the high tech people on this board) could find some confusion in the decision between the two. Dell (and all other PDA manufacturers at this time) is going by the least common denominator, 1.1.[*]Finally, I would imagine the licensing is a touch cheaper for the older tech of 1.1. Hence your stunningly low price[/list=1]

Wayfinder · 03-09-03, 06:11 PM

Just as a thought: if I'm correct, USB 2.0 is backward compatible, so it doesn't matter whether people have new or old systems, or whether they're comp literate or not. It woulda still worked.

In addition, if I'm right, USB 2.0 is not a "licensed" technology, but is a market-wide agreed specification that anyone can use without licensing.

Maybe I'm wrong on both o' these things... but I dinna think so.
;)

As far as cost vs value... in almost every aspect the Dell is a high quality unit. I have never believed in cutting corners just to lower cost. "The pleasure of low price is forgotten long before the pain of poor quality." -- Me

WindWalker · 03-09-03, 06:57 PM

I would beg to differ on one idea....not to say that Dell cuts corners, but one thing that normally works in Dell's favor, that being the build to order, minimum inventory process, does not work with the PDA model. Since they do not build them themselves, I figure there is some cost cutting that has to happen for the Axim to hit the proper price points. No SDIO, for instance. Or the lower spectrum output of the headphone jacks. These are not major things, but if they bring a unit cost down by cents at build time, they make a difference over the span of hundreds of thousands of units.

I imagine that one of the biggest factors in not going with 2.0 was no one else is doing it. Dell has never been a bleeding /leading edge vendor, but poise to capture market share once technology gets to a certain level of acceptance.

The Axim is a fine product, and I am certainly pleased with what I received. I just think that Dell had to find ways to cut costs in hwat they were providing without the benefits of their legendary business model.