Cables Unlimited Retractable USB 2.0 Mini5 Pin Cable
Jan 10, 2010 in
Accessories
- Connect your computer to a high-speed USB digital camera or mp3 player over 48 Inch away!
- Easily extends by pulling both ends. Simply pull again and it quickly retracts back into its housing
- Durable ABS plastic housing
- Fully backwards compatible with all USB 1.0 and 1.1 devices
- Transfer rates up to 480 Mbps depending on USB version
Product Description
ZipLINQs high-speed retractable USB 2.0 Compatible cable allows you to connect your digital camera or mp3 player to a computer… More >>
Cables Unlimited Retractable USB 2.0 Mini5 Pin Cable
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5 comments
Tony Polito on January 10, 2010 at 9:09 pm
What Flash76 said is exactly correct. This cable will NOT supply sufficient power to more demanding devices such as external drives. It works fine with my older MP3 player however … and does appear to be handing both data and power to the player adequately.
Though the Amazon description does not note this fact, the manufacturer DOES do so right on the back of the back of the product packaging, stating:
“NOTE: Because of wire size limitations, External drives must be self powerd.” [sic]
I’m no electrical engineer, that’s for sure, but I suppose you just need a larger, more ‘regular’ gauge cable to ‘carry’ sufficient quantity of power back to the more demanding devices. When using such a cable with my external drive, I have no problem.
But when using these retractables with the external drive, the power light comes on, then the platters can be heard click-click-clicking away, trying to start up a spin unsuccessfully. Eventually, I get a “device not recognized” message from Windows (since it can’t fire up to send the drivers downline).
I bought three of these retractables and also I have two external drives, and no matter how I pair them, I get the same result. Regular gauge OK — these retractables, not enough power.
Other than that, these Zip-Linqs work well and are of good construction. They retract and extract easily.
So for MP3 players, cameras, cell phones, etc., these retractables are probably going to do you just fine.
Shame they don’t make the same kind of device in the larger gauge for those that want them for travel/portable/temporary use to power up larger devices.
I am going to use this 12-inch ‘Shortys’ cable from Ziotek for now. Wish it were a bit longer, though, maybe 18-inches.
Jerry Saperstein on January 10, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I ordered the Zip-Linq USB 2.0 A to Mini5 because it is five-pin model that will supply power to gadgets like cell phones and it pulls out to 48″, longer than many others.
There are probably only one or two factories in the world that produce these items, with distributors private labeling them. Even if so, the Zip-Linq unit appears better made than many others. This one even has a loop for a keychain or ring.
These cables are great for anyone who travels or is on the go. No tangles, no excess space requirements. Very convenient gadget at a reasonable price.
Jerry
D. Frasco on January 10, 2010 at 11:28 pm
With more and more devices allowing for mini-usb charging and synching… this product is great.
C. OConnell on January 11, 2010 at 12:31 am
These are great. I carry about 5 different cables in a small bag in my briefcase. I travel every week and use these cables constantly. I LOVE them, they have eliminated all the frustrating tangles trying to plug stuff in. I use this to charge my BT headset and PDA/phone plus it gives a trickle charge to my Kindle.
Gardner Cohen on January 11, 2010 at 12:39 am
Works with my usb 2.0 MP3 player (rio forge sport) and my garmin etrex vista color GPS.