USB plugs - is it just me...?

alfa beta

....or do other people find that when connecting standard sized usb plugs to a computer, the whole 50/50 probability thing goes out the window.

I almost invariably choose the wrong way to insert em.

And even on the rare occasions when I apparently get it right I sometimes lack the confidence to push the plug in, thinking I must (of course) be wrong, then I turn the plug around, try to insert it, fail miserably and turn it back the way I had it in the first place.

....ok, it's just me. Sorry.

No, seriously. Sorry.

MonstaMash

alfa beta wrote: »

....or do other people find that when connecting standard sized usb plugs to a computer, the whole 50/50 probability thing goes out the window.

I almost invariably choose the wrong way to insert em.

And even on the rare occasions when I apparently get it right I sometimes lack the confidence to push the plug in, thinking I must (of course) be wrong, then I turn the plug around, try to insert it, fail miserably and turn it back the way I had it in the first place.

....ok, it's just me. Sorry.

No, seriously. Sorry.

It's just you, nothing to worry about, you'll suss it out in the end...bless

mad muffin

Not just you. That's why Apple went with the lightning connector and the USB consortium are creating a USB that plugs in either way too.

I've plugged in the printer USB cable into the eithernet port a couple of times and wondered why the printer wasn't working.

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

Frank Black

alfa beta wrote: »

....or do other people find that when connecting standard sized usb plugs to a computer, the whole 50/50 probability thing goes out the window.

I almost invariably choose the wrong way to insert em.

And even on the rare occasions when I apparently get it right I sometimes lack the confidence to push the plug in, thinking I must (of course) be wrong, then I turn the plug around, try to insert it, fail miserably and turn it back the way I had it in the first place.

....ok, it's just me. Sorry.

No, seriously. Sorry.

Is this post a euphemism about sex?

Hacuna Matata

http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2388

wexie

http://blogs.synopsys.com/tousbornottousb/files/2013/08/USB-4-Dimensional-Space.jpg

I don't think it's just you

Zillah

You are delivered!

http://itnewstech.com/the-new-generation-of-usb-ports-type-c-is-symmetric/

Kintarō Hattori

I find that looking at the plug before putting it into the socket alleviates any issues that I could have

danniemcq

Little known fact,

USB connectors actually exist in an indeterminate quantum state until directly observed. They are both the right way up and upside down until you look at it.


Bit like Schrödinger's cat. Its both alive and dead until you observe the cat by opening the box.

Tzardine

bring back cereal / parallel connectorz

biko

RS232 ftw

danniemcq

biko wrote: »

RS232 ftw

until you bend the god damn pins

J_E

They're working on the next USB standard, it's going to be double sided so no more of this invariable wrong way worry!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57614456-76/with-new-usb-connector-no-more-wrong-way-up-cables/

Daqster

Have you ever noticed that if you take a USB plug and look at it flush on, with the two holes pointing upwards and then ever so slightly tilt it downwards.. it's looks just like Muttley from the Dastardly and Muttley cartoons.

alfa beta

alfa beta wrote: »

....ok, it's just me. Sorry.

Me too, to the extent that I feel slightly triumphant whenever I get it right first time.

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I find that looking at the plug before putting it into the socket alleviates any issues that I could have

Nah, too much work.

Stainless_Steel

Nah...

You're just more aware of the number of times you get it wrong because annoying things stick in your memory easily.

Keep a record and you will approach 50/50 as the sample grows.

Alun

For horizontally mounted sockets it isn't that difficult, as they're all mounted the same way up, so you either put the plug in with the USB symbol facing upwards, or if there isn't a symbol put it in with the side of the connector with the 'join' on it facing downwards. For USB memory sticks, the equivalent is usually for the writing side to face upwards.

Having said that, the USB symbol is usually just embossed on the plug, and isn't very visible, especially in the dark groping around a mess of cables at the back of a PC on the floor under a table (!), so for any that I'm likely to be plugging / unplugging a lot, I put a little blob of tippex on the plug to indicate which side is up.

Vertically mounted sockets are another thing altogether though.

AtomicHorror

Stainless_Steel wrote: »

Nah...

You're just more aware of the number of times you get it wrong because annoying things stick in your memory easily.

Keep a record and you will approach 50/50 as the sample grows.

Oh sure, if you're going to think about it logically and ruin all our fun.

jester77

Hate this. Most of my cables have a little logo on one side, so I always assumed I was pretty safe inserting with the logo facing up. And it worked up until recently where I now have a few devices that are the wrong way round.

Qi ftw, it might be a bit slower but I charge a lot my gadgets this way now, no messing with cables. If only all my devices would support the standard.

Seedy Arling

I was sitting on the toilet this morning considering this very issue. It was a protracted affair, exorcising the ghosts of Christmas exuberance but it gave me time to wax philosophically on this affair.

I think it is down to human impatience. The first time putting it in is usually the right one, but people in their infinite rush try and jam it in hastily to no success, expecting failure.

Humans propose, fate disposes, so you need to rethink your approach.

Now, you wouldnt try doing this with a lover, you need to treat the socket with respect and take your time. Rub one side of the plug where the usb symbol is, become familar with that feeling and then you will know the right side up. You won't even need to look, insertion can be done through touch alone.

If this issue is getting you down, i suggest some meditation, practice some mindfulness in the morning or perhaps take up a hobby such as basket weaving or candle making to take your mind off it.

Best of luck OP.

danniemcq

Seedy Arling wrote: »

Now, you wouldnt try doing this with a lover, you need to treat the socket with respect and take your time. Rub one side of the plug where the usb symbol is, become familar with that feeling and then you will know the right side up. You won't even need to look, insertion can be done through touch alone.

Or maybe you are trying to get it into the wrong hole?

Seedy Arling

DannieHasAFanny wrote: »

Or maybe you are trying to get it into the wrong hole?

Maybe you want to put it in the wrong hole and you are in denial. Thinking outside the box, so to speak.

MadsL

Dot of red/green whatever nail varnish on the top of all of them works a charm...

suicide_circus

How about that aeroplane food!?

Skylinehead

I get it right every time. Not hard to look at which way is up, and remember what way the USB ports are aligned.

Seedy Arling

Skylinehead wrote: »

I get it right every time. Not hard to look at which way is up, and remember what way the USB ports are aligned.

It's a reflection on modern society. Everybody wants instant gratification. No one wants to stop and smell the roses. There's a lesson in this for all of us.

Deep.

kjl

usb logo on top side

mystery solved.

Capt'n Midnight

DannieHasAFanny wrote: »

Little known fact,

USB connectors actually exist in an indeterminate quantum state until directly observed. They are both the right way up and upside down until you look at it.


Bit like Schrödinger's cat. Its both alive and dead until you observe the cat by opening the box.

http://www.redditpics.com/4th-dimension-through-usb,331653/

alfa beta

Daqster wrote: »

Have you ever noticed that if you take a USB plug and look at it flush on, with the two holes pointing upwards and then ever so slightly tilt it downwards.. it's looks just like Muttley from the Dastardly and Muttley cartoons.

in a word....no

Annasopra

I used to do that

Then recently I noticed the usb symbol on it.

When you have the usb symbol facing upwards then you plug it in