geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: Lastpilot on Sun, 17 March 2013, 20:21:03
Title: Flat cables
Post by: Lastpilot on Sun, 17 March 2013, 20:21:03
I'm thinking about plopping down $8 for this flat USB cable from lacie: http://www.adorama.com/VDLAFCBL.html?gclid=CJiSr62LhbYCFQmFnQod7i4Aqw
But before I do, I'm have to ask what are your experiences with flat cables? Do they have a long lifespan?
Title: Re: Flat cables
Post by: bavman on Sun, 17 March 2013, 20:52:32
I don't think lifespan would really be an issue since cables don't really get moved around to cause tearing unless its really old (plus I doubt flat cables would wear faster for just the reason they are flat unless your twisting them a lot). I think your main problem would be that if it gets twisted it won't look good, which isn't as big a deal with rounded cables.
But I don't think you'll have any problems with decreased lifespan.
Title: Re: Flat cables
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 17 March 2013, 20:55:14
(http://i.imgur.com/1sJc93o.png)
Wat?
Title: Re: Flat cables
Post by: Leslieann on Sun, 17 March 2013, 20:58:01
While I don't have flat USB cables, I do have a bunch of flat cat5e cables.
I tend to think the flat ones are just as good if not better for durability (the wires can't pinch each other if crushed), but there is a tradeoff.
At 10 feet on Cat5, they seem to work just fine, but on longer runs, I would be concerned with interference as I suspect flat cables typically aren't shielded as well. On USB though, you have shorter runs and less cross traffic, so you can get away with less shielding it seems, as some usb cables are pure junk but still manage to function.
Title: Flat cables
Post by: Lastpilot on Mon, 18 March 2013, 10:38:51
Thanks for the responses guys. Will order :)
Title: Re: Flat cables
Post by: Neal on Mon, 18 March 2013, 17:47:18
My old in-ear earbuds had one, and I quite liked it. still somehow tangles up in your pockets though. :/
Lasted for 3 years or so of every day use, still works. But I changed earbuds.
Title: Re: Flat cables
Post by: Michael on Mon, 18 March 2013, 18:32:42