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USB-C Ports: Are they here to stay?

USB-C can be described as a way to simultaneously save space and money with just one feature-rich solution at an attractive price. High-quality monitors are now always featuring this innovative connectivity option: for example, the Philips 45B1U6900CH makes the daily life of professionals easier with its 5 MP webcam and a USB-C docking station with Power Delivery, high-speed data transfer and RJ45. But what does it mean? How can USB-C be so life-changing?

1. Why is USB-C so special?
USB-C solves many daily problems with just one single cable, completely changing the user experience and the way users work. This one-for-all solution delivers all users’ needs – freeing the experience from chargers, power, and signal cables. With a USB-C, it is also possible and easy to extend the laptop autonomy without additional external power supplies: the monitor USB-C port out delivers up to 90W to the laptop in use or other smart devices. Users can even charge their phones, while also transferring data at once.

USB-C can support any user but can specifically change the way professionals work. With the Philips 49B2U6900CH, a 49” powerhouse redefining workflow productivity, professionals all around the world can now get the best tool for increased productivity and remote collaboration, clearing the home office of unnecessary bulk and distractions while getting the fastest and easiest data and power delivery. All that just by using UCB-C technology. If you would like more information on the Philips 49B2U6900CH monitor, please click here.

2. What is the USB-C port?

The USB-C port is a compact but marvelous innovation. USB-C (DisplayPort alternate mode) transfers the display signal, as well as high-speed data, while powering and charging the laptop at the same time (USB Power Delivery). All through one compact port and a slim, reversible cable.

2.1 Is USB-C the future?

Due to its success, almost all modern devices feature USB-C, making it the essential connectivity option for professional monitors, laptops, home appliances, wearables, and many others. Given its wide application and the number of new devices that relies on this specific connectivity option, USB-C is also becoming cheaper and cheaper.

3. Is Thunderbolt the same as USB-C?

ThunderboltÔ and USB-C are not the same, although often they are mistaken by the untrained eye. They are not synonyms, but they are compatible. The main difference between Thunderbolt™ and USB-C is speed.  For example, Thunderbolt™ 4 devices can transfer data at a rate of up to 40 Gbps, whereas the fastest USB-C connection can only transfer data up to 20 Gbps. This speed is ideal for those who need to transfer large amounts of information at high resolution. 

4. What is the difference between USB-C and USB 2?

Please note that USB-C refers to the physical shape of the USB connector, not to its speed. Do not confuse it with the USB standard (like, USB 2, USB 3.1 end so on). So, USB-C has been replacing the old USB-A, the most known rectangular port that all laptops had in the 2000s, that had a distinct top and bottom to be properly oriented in order to be plugged in.

USB 2 is, indeed, a USB standard – and a pretty old one. Right now, the majority of devices feature a variety of standards raging from USB3.2 Gen 1×1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 (offering transfer speeds of 5Gbps and 10 Gbps respectively), up to USB4 and USB 4 Version 2 (up to 40Gbps and 80Gbps respectively).

Some Philips business monitors offer a large variety of USB ports, along other options, to better answer the need of professionals – and we discussed about that a couple of times (here and here) in the past. For business, corporate and office environment, the Philips 34B1U5600CH offers a unique solution to leverage the comfort and ease of USB-C connectivity to a new level with a USB-C docking that combines USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, RJ45 and DP-out for added convenience. Users can now surf the web without the need of a LAN port on the notebook, but they can also easily daisy-chain multi monitor set-ups with a cable-management-friendly solution. This perfectly replaces any external bulky docking standalone, reduces the number of cables needed on the desks, and assures high connectivity. If you would like more information on the Philips 34B1U5600CH monitor, please click here.