this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2024
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The USB4 protocol can handle 160Gb/s split asymettrically (so, say, 120Gb/s out, 40Gb/s in), wheras the upper limit for DisplayPort's highest bandwidth mode, Quad UHBR 20, is 80Gb/s in one direction. So you can saturate your DisplayPort 2.0 quad-channel with more than enough bandwidth to power three 10K 60Hz 30-bit (i.e. very high-end) monitors in DSC mode, and still only be using half the bandwidth of USB4, all using a single cable which I can also use to charge my earphones.
Most devices only have 40gbps USB4. Which is still enough for almost all sane use cases. Frankly, if you need multiple 4K monitors get a desktop.
Uhm no? There are more than a few use cases that require a mobile set up for demos for example but that you'd also want to use in a desk setting. For example, architects or sw dev.
Like 2 4k60 monitors and literally nothing else? You have a very conservative opinion of what a "sane" use case is. Not to mention that lots of USB-C cable certification is a mess so not even getting the cable is simple (or cheap).
Show me one architect that is actually dragging along two external 4k displays with their laptop.
If you are a professional with specific needs buy a specific laptop. Frankly there are more than enough laptops that have more ports if that's what you need. Except even in your example you don't even need more ports because you can just use the second USB4 port.
You misunderstood. They use those monitors when actually working in a stationary place with their desktop setup. However, it's very common to then have to go to your client's office to show them said work or discuss future steps. At which point having multiple port options comes in handy if you have to plug in to a tv, monitor or projector.
You can't seriously consider asking for hdmi and displayport on a laptop a "specific need".
Almost every laptop does have a dedicated HDMI port
Yeah, **one **HDMI port and no DisplayPort.
If youre in an office you can be expected to use a dock
Why move the goalpost though? I'm not narrowing it down to a specific user in a specific setting. I'm just saying that more flexibility == more better.
Why would you make up a specific scenario to justify getting a inferior product (from a usability standpoint) than we used to?
That's my whole point; No, more ports isn't more better. If you don't need them they're just more cost, more holes where water/debris can get into the machine, and more wrong holes to plug the charger into. If you do need them, then buy a machine that has them - there are plenty.
Yeah, tell me another joke. the cost is negligible. Literally from cents to a few dollars for the manufacturer.
This literally never happened to me or anyone I know.
If you plug in your usb-c/barrel jack charger into an ethernet/hdmi/displayport input, you deserve to have a broken laptop xD
Not really true, but ok. Keep on preaching for companies that screw over consumers :)
K then buddy. Keep buying dongles for your dongles.
My point is that including the ports is extremely simple. I'm not telling you that it's wrong to choose to use a dock because you find it more convenient. I'm just saying that you could have the option instead of that being the only option you have. There's no technical reason to not include the actual physical separate ports.
Also, monitors and your earbuds? That's a very low bar. Lots of different tasks would require far more than that. Devices should be flexible.
Agreed. It's a pity, then, that no-one has invented a single port that can replace USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, propriatary power connectors, Thunderb.... oh... wait...
Yeah, show me a laptop that has 10 of those. Plus, your conveniently ignoring the plethora of adapters you'd have to use if all you had were USB-C ports.