USB Charging Cable question

[humayunl]

I thought the who benefit of being able to change using the USB cable was reduction of the number of different types of cables one had to carry.

But everytime I get a new device (digital camera, PPC Phone, SmartPhone, Blackberry, MP3 player(iriver) etc. etc.) the manual specifically states "Make sure you ONLY use the USB cable that was supplied with the device".

So are we really supposed to use only the cable that came with it? in which case, the defeats the purpose of a standardized interface.

Are the cables different in any way? Some kind of gauge or grade that control what level of current flows through them while charging or how quickly data and travel or something?

What do you guys do? Why hasn't anyone else asked this? Am i missing something obvious?

[LWesson]

Are the cables different in any way? Some kind of gauge or grade that control what level of current flows through them while charging or how quickly data and travel or something?

What do you guys do? Why hasn't anyone else asked this? Am i missing something obvious?

They are not all the same. The motorola Razr is a Mini-USB 5, but will toast some Windows Mobile devices due to a pinout difference.

With that said, most Mini-USB 5 pin are standard. But there are a few out there that are different.

[humayunl]

They are not all the same. The motorola Razr is a Mini-USB 5, but will toast some Windows Mobile devices due to a pinout difference.

With that said, most Mini-USB 5 pin are standard. But there are a few out there that are different.

I tried a regular mini USB cable in my Dash today and the interface (though looks deceptively similar) is completely different. it won't even go into the dash.

This is not good. I have to carry at least 2 "usb" cables now.

[LWesson]

They are not all the same. The motorola Razr is a Mini-USB 5, but will toast some Windows Mobile devices due to a pinout difference.

With that said, most Mini-USB 5 pin are standard. But there are a few out there that are different.

I tried a regular mini USB cable in my Dash today and the interface (though looks deceptively similar) is completely different. it won't even go into the dash.

This is not good. I have to carry at least 2 "usb" cables now.

Did you try the 5 pin or 4 pin? The Dash will work with a standard mini-usb 5 pin for syncing.

[humayunl]

I tried a regular mini USB cable in my Dash today and the interface (though looks deceptively similar) is completely different. it won't even go into the dash.

This is not good. I have to carry at least 2 "usb" cables now.

Did you try the 5 pin or 4 pin? The Dash will work with a standard mini-usb 5 pin for syncing.

I dont know how to tell the difference. I tried the Mini USB cable i use to charge my Blackberry 8800 but it didnt work. As far as I know the mini USB on the blackberry is standard, but i'm not sure how to tell if its a 4 pin or a 5 pin. I don't see ANY pins at all on the connector. How do I tell?

[LWesson]

I dont know how to tell the difference. I tried the Mini USB cable i use to charge my Blackberry 8800 but it didnt work. As far as I know the mini USB on the blackberry is standard, but i'm not sure how to tell if its a 4 pin or a 5 pin. I don't see ANY pins at all on the connector. How do I tell?

The Blackberry is 5 pin. But I believe it has a different pinout.

[humayunl]

I tried the BB standard mini usb PIN and it fits just fine. I was just being too careful and at the first hint of having to force it just even the slightest bit, i hesitated assuming the thing didn't fit. it actually does. :) thanks a lot for your help. Much appreciated.