Of all the different ports that are built into computers today, none is more prominent than the USB port. Every computer, from the most budget-friendly laptop to a high-end liquid-cooled desktop, has at least one USB port somewhere on it. The trouble is when you have a computer with USB ports and not much else. Luckily, USB adapters can be used when you need to change USB into another format.

 

USB to Ethernet (RJ45)

 

 

A lot of modern laptops and even some desktops are built with wireless transceivers for WiFi but no ethernet port for a hardline. So what happens when a wireless connection is too slow while you are trying to stream a TV show or download a movie? A simple USB to Ethernet Adapter can make the computer ethernet ready, giving users much faster download speeds via a reliable hardline connection. Simply plug the adapter in, connect the ethernet cable, and you will be good to go. There is even a version supporting the newer USB Type-C, seen on the latest cell phones and computers.

 

USB to HDMI

 

 

Streaming on a phone works fine but sometimes you want to take that app and put it on the big screen. Every television today is built with an HDMI port for audio/video, so the trick is connecting your phone through there. Most Android phones use Micro USB, although some newer phones use USB-C instead. iPhones use Lightning connections, but Lightning adapters are generally not available from third parties and must be purchased from Apple directly.

 

USB to VGA

 

 

Newer computers do not always have ports for connecting to older equipment like VGA monitors or projectors. Using a USB-C to VGA adapter allows older and newer electronics to work together.

 

USB to DVI

 

 

Like VGA, DVI is typically not built into new computers anymore. But there are still plenty of functioning DVI-equipped electronics out there, so a USB-C adapter can connect older monitors and projectors to brand-new computers.

 

USB to 3.5mm (Headphone Jack)

 

 

Sometimes an audio port just breaks and you need to replace it. While you could rip open the computer and start tearing out internal components, using a USB to 3.5mm converter is a simpler solution. This adapter includes two 3.5mm ports, an input for microphones and output for headphones. No software is required for installation; just plug the converter in and it is ready to use.

 

USB to PS/2

 

 

Before USB became a mainstay, computer keyboards and mice used to connect via PS/2 ports. Plenty of old keyboards and mice are still around and can be converted over to USB with this simple adapter. Even though PS/2 connectors look the same on a keyboard and mouse, they are wired differently on the inside. The teal colored connection will only work for mice. Likewise, the purple connection only works for keyboards.

 

USB Card Readers

 

 

Many smaller electronics on the market use memory cards to store data. From digital cameras to gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, memory cards are used when you need to store more data than the built-in hard drive can hold. A USB card reader allows pictures, videos, and other data from those cards to be put onto a computer for editing, sharing, and more.

 

USB Hubs

 

 

Sometimes the issue is not that you do not have different ports, but that you simply do not have enough USB ports. What happens if your laptop has just one but you need to plug in an external hard drive and charge your phone at the same time? That is where USB hubs come into play. Basically, a hub works for a USB port the same way a power strip works for a wall outlet. You plug the hub in and it turns one port into several.

 

Buy Your USB Adapters Today

 

ShowMeCables offers an assortment of USB adapters/converters. This includes the handful mentioned in this article plus some other items like USB 3.0 a cables. Even if you do not see the exact item you need on our website, give us a call or send over an email and we can see about getting it ordered.

Each and every product at ShowMeCables is tested to federally regulated standards to ensure quality and backed up by warranty. Have questions? You can reach our Sales team at 888-519-9505 or Sales@ShowMeCables.com