USB Wall Sockets - Have they Improved?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › USB Wall Sockets - Have they Improved?

1 | 2

Dynamic

4015 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1852

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1770219 25-Apr-2017 15:18

While I love technology, I also see its limitations and failures.

I've learned that a smart TV is a dumb idea because its software is not maintained. I'm better (at least IMHO) with a dumb TV ad adding a smart gadget. I've learned that some things that used to be 'built for life' now barely last 5 years. I've learned that rapidly evolving technology means things are being superseded rapidly.

Would I go for touch sockets and switches? Hmmm.... I would have to think hard about that. The geek in me yells YES. 20 years of commercial technical support rings warning bells. Ever heard of the touch sensor on a device failing? Will you be able to replace like with like in 5 years time?

Would I personally buy wall power sockets with USB2 outlets? I'm hoping the power sockets will be in use for 20+ years. I give the USB2 outlet on these sockets a 2-3 year useful life, so that would be a no from me.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

Ragnor

8279 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 585

Trusted

#1774436 2-May-2017 16:56

Phone and device connection interfaces and specs are likely to continue to change fairly rapidly in the near future (unlike power sockets), imo this make USB wall sockets a poor investment long term.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1774490 2-May-2017 18:30

Ragnor:

Phone and device connection interfaces and specs are likely to continue to change fairly rapidly in the near future (unlike power sockets), imo this make USB wall sockets a poor investment long term.

Pretty much this. We're at the point now where USB-C is the norm - I don't think there will be anything but low end phones that don't use it in a year.

JoJo2

43 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1776041 5-May-2017 09:06

Thanks so much for your awesome feedback. Given changing technology and the somewhat average power of the USB sockets (even though they're rated for more power, they seem to be lacking in actual output) I decided to go for regular wall plugs and get a multi port accessory to plug in. :)

1 | 2