USB: Universally Altering Your Peripherals - Negative Charges
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It's fun to think of all the possibilities in store for the USB port. However, the bus isn't quite ready to carry so many passengers. As it stands now, USB is revered for its simplicity. Overwhelming the bus or the host computer with extra peripherals defeats some of the purpose. Developers are sweet on USB because of its simplicity and low-development costs, but have overestimated the capabilities in some cases. Yes, USB can handle high bandwidth devices such as CD burners and hard drives adequately. But adequate isn't enough for audiophiles or users who expect the highest quality possible from their equipment. For some devices like DVD drives, CD-RW, and hard drives, it's best to crack open the case and invest in the internal versions. Stick to low bandwidth items if you want to fully appreciate the speed and dexterity of the USB.
Another issue to be aware of is power. One of the benefits of USB is that it powers the devices that are plugged into it. But that electricity has to come from somewhere and usually that's the host computer. Pulling power from a stationary wired computer may not be too much of an issue when the electric bill comes around, but for laptop users, high-powered USB devices can drain as much as 10% of the total battery time.
To the casual observer, the positives far outweigh the negatives on USB usage. As the year progresses, we'll likely see more inane devices developed for the bus. If you're a fan or collector of technology, you may want to purchase the noodle strainer or electric toothbrush if for no other reason than to have a little piece of USB history. Fifty years from now, when whole households are controlled from a USB hub, some museum will want that toothbrush for archival purposes. That's one way to recycle old technology.
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