View Full Version : Direct cable link via USB
fmueller
3 Feb 2007, 04:38am
Today I took the kids to the Dollar Store, and among all the other junk they had various types of USB cables. What caught me eye was a nifty little cable with a take-up spool in the middle. Retracted it measures only 4", but it expands up to 30". It's a male-male cable meant to provide a direct cable link between two computers. I love gadgets, and for a buck, there was no way I could leave it in the store :bigggrin:
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL268/1923027/4156650/227592329.jpg
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL268/1923027/4156650/227592325.jpg
I just plugged it into my laptop on one hand, and my desktop on the other, hoping that the machines would automatically detect that they were connected, and maybe take me to the install hardware wizard. However, no such thing happened, so I am at a loss now how I would use this cable. Do I need special software to make a direct cable link via USB work. If so, is there any freeware out there? Both computers are running Windows XP Pro.
Many thanks
Frank
If it's a USB cable, it won't build a network like an Ethernet cable would, you'll need something like this (http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Network-Adapters.html) I think.
Also note... I have a couple hotels that have stuff like this, and any kind of cable that's retractable, is a BAD IDEA! I now wonder if they got their cables from the dollar store.
Pterocarpous
3 Feb 2007, 04:55am
Here's (http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-LINK2S&cats=112&catid=112%2C106%2C160) somethin' similar, Frank off the site that RWB posted. According to the write up, it's s'posed t' be plug-n-play.
It's quite possible the critter simply doesn't work....
Frankly, I'd rather use Ethernet for networking.
Pterocarpous
3 Feb 2007, 05:10am
Frankly, I'd rather use Ethernet for networking.
I don't think it's meant to replace networking. I think it's probably a handy device folks can use for quick file transfers between two computers w/out having to fuss w/ network configuration. Most folks don't know how to use a cross over cable to connect two computers. Also, one wouldn't have to worry about joining a network, etc. They can completely skirt the usual networking issues and just connect directly to the computer they want to transfer files between.
In that case Firewire may be best, or USB thumb drives. ;)
Pterocarpous
3 Feb 2007, 05:13am
In that case Firewire may be best, or USB thumb drives. ;)
Thumbdrive adds a step, though. Using a device like Frank has posted gives one the ability to drag and drop files between the computers.
fmueller
3 Feb 2007, 05:42am
Here's (http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-LINK2S&cats=112&catid=112%2C106%2C160) somethin' similar, Frank off the site that RWB posted. According to the write up, it's s'posed t' be plug-n-play. It's quite possible the critter simply doesn't work....
That thing seems to have a chip in there though, which presumable makes sure that the computers recognize each other; ie realize that the other one is there. The cable I have is just a cable without any electronics. The thing in the middle is merely a spring that rolls up the cable plus space for the cable itself when it's rolled up. It also sounds like for $30 there might be some software/drivers included. For $1 I didn't get any of this. Looks like I wasted a buck :wink:
Frank
Pterocarpous
3 Feb 2007, 05:50am
That thing seems to have a chip in there though, which presumable makes sure that the computers recognize each other; ie realize that the other one is there. The cable I have is just a cable without any electronics. The thing in the middle is merely a spring that rolls up the cable plus space for the cable itself when it's rolled up. It also sounds like for $30 there might be some software/drivers included. For $1 I didn't get any of this. Looks like I wasted a buck :wink:
Frank
You'd think so but according to the write up it's plug and play. It does require the smarts in the middle, though. So, I don't see how the one you have would work. :scratch:
I think watcha have there is a (an inexpensive) paper weight... :rolleyes2
Pterocarpous
3 Feb 2007, 05:51am
...In that case Firewire...
I missed that earlier. Yes, firewire would be a lot faster. :smiles:
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