Articles and Information on Cooling and Computers Reviews of Computer and Cooling Products About a True Review, Why we got Started Contact Information for A True Review Check out our affiliates.
 
 
 

Computer Specials
 

 

ConexUSB Lighted USB Cables

Provided By: ConexUSB
Retail: $7.95
Review Date: Dec. 15th, 2003

The other day I was at Best Buy looking for USB cables. They wanted $20 to $40 for plain old USB cables. Well the cables did have gold ends, but who would ever pay $20 for a USB cable because it has a gold plated housing. For less than half, ConexUSB's USB cables perform the same function and add a cool modding effect, lighted color ends.

ConexUSB Lighted USB Color Cables
Click on image for larger picture

Packaging:

Conex's lighted USB cables are OEM packaged. An OEM USB cable implies that the cable is sealed in a plain clear plastic bag. The lighted USB cable is rolled up with wire ties holding it.

Specifications:

The following specifications for the lighted USB cables were taken from ConexUSB's web site.

  • USB 2.0 (1.0 compatible)
  • Fast transmission speed
  • High performance power wires ensure maximum USB performance
  • Molded strain relief and PVC over-molding to ensure a lifetime of error-free data transmissions
  • Supports up to 127 devices on a daisy-chain configuration
  • Hot Pluggable
  • Cable jacket is extremely flexible for use in tight areas
  • Foil and braid shield complies with fully rated cable specifications reducing EMI/RFI interference
  • Impedance matched twisted pair construction helps to minimize cross talk, ensuring high-speed, error-free transmission
  • Undermold shield helps to prevent radio frequency and electro-magnetic Interference (EMI/RFI). Hood shielding eliminates antennae excitation

ConexUSB Lighted USB Color Cables
Click on image for larger picture

The outside jacket of ConexUSB's lighted USB cable is clear. An LED is in each end of the cable allowing for light to spread out in all directions. Light is only visible from the ends of the cable. Clear PVC reveals a metal shield for the rest of the cable. Wouldn't it be cool if light shown through the entire cable? That might be a little hard to do and would probably cost $40.

ConexUSB Lighted USB Color Cables
Click on image for larger picture

ConexUSB's lighted USB cables are only available at this time in 6 foot lengths. Hopefully, in the future they will produce a variety of lengths. The cables have a standard A to B connection. Most cameras and MP3 players use a mini connection, another good area for ConnexUSB to enter.

The pictures show red, green, and white. Those are the colors I was sent. There is also a blue color that was not sent to me.

Testing:

How does one test a USB cable? To make sure the signal was good, I tested the transfer rates of my NetDisk. I tested each LED cable against a plain old USB cable I had. Each cable was tested three times and the best score was taken. Below is one of the ConnexUSB cable.

ConexUSB Lighted USB Color Cables
Click on image for larger picture

Next, I tested my standard USB cable. The results are shown below.

ConexUSB Lighted USB Color Cables
Click on image for larger picture

Each of the ConnexUSB lighted cables were close in transfer speed, a shade over 19.5 MBps per second. The standard USB 2.0 cable that came with the NetDisk was around the same speed as well. Therefore, the ConnexUSB cable is a solid choice as a cable.

For a durability test, I wiggled the ends of the cable to put strain on them. I was looking for the connection to fail and the light to short out. Neither happened.

Conclusion:

The days of the plain old USB cables are over with. If you are into computer lighting I recommend these cables. The cost is inexpensive compared to many retail stores and the lighting is a nice effect for your room.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Cool lighting effect

Cons:

  • Only available in 6ft lengths
  • Lights only on ends of cable

Rating:
Very Good

(Ratings Possible Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent)