Belkin has recently launched a couple of new USB 3.0 peripherals, which include a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCIe card for desktop PCs, a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Express Card for notebooks and netbooks, and a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 A-B cable. These new products are designed to enhance data transfer speeds and improve overall connectivity for users who require faster data transfer rates.
Product Details and Pricing
These new USB 3.0 peripherals seem to be quite pricey, with the PCIe card retailing at $79.99, the USB 3.0 Express Card retailing at $79.99, and the USB 3.0 cable retailing at $49.99. While these prices may seem steep, they reflect the advanced technology and enhanced performance that USB 3.0 offers compared to its predecessors.
The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCIe card is designed for desktop PCs and allows users to upgrade their systems to support USB 3.0 devices. This card is ideal for those who need faster data transfer rates for tasks such as video editing, large file transfers, and backing up data. The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Express Card is tailored for notebooks and netbooks, providing similar benefits for portable devices.
Performance and Speed
According to Belkin, these devices have transfer speeds of up to 180 megabits per second, which is about three times faster than USB 2.0. However, it is important to note that this speed is still significantly lower than the theoretical maximum speed of USB 3.0, which is five gigabits per second. This discrepancy may be due to various factors, including the quality of the devices, the type of data being transferred, and the overall system configuration.
Despite not reaching the maximum potential speed of USB 3.0, the increased transfer rates offered by these peripherals can still provide a noticeable improvement in performance for many users. For example, transferring large files such as high-definition videos or extensive photo libraries can be completed much more quickly, reducing wait times and increasing productivity.
Considerations and Future Prospects
Considering the price of these new USB 3.0 peripherals, it might be better to wait a bit until the prices come down. As with any new technology, early adopters often pay a premium for the latest advancements. Over time, as USB 3.0 becomes more widely adopted and production costs decrease, it is likely that prices will become more affordable.
Additionally, it is worth considering the compatibility of these peripherals with existing devices. While USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0, users may not experience the full benefits of the increased transfer speeds if their other hardware components do not support USB 3.0.
For those who are eager to upgrade their systems and take advantage of the faster data transfer rates, these Belkin USB 3.0 peripherals offer a viable solution. However, for users who are more budget-conscious or do not require the immediate benefits of USB 3.0, waiting for prices to decrease or exploring alternative options may be a more prudent choice.
You can find out more information over at Engadget.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.