The $1.94 reason micro-USB is the new phone charging standard

Yep, we're all gonna get squeezed for accessories again as the member companies of the GSM Association begin standardizing on micro-USB chargers, and while we're happy that the madness is over, we can't help but feel the decision to use micro-USB over the already-ubiquitous mini-USB was purely greed-driven -- sure, micro-USB's supposedly more robust connector can handle something like 10x more disconnects, but if mini is good enough for everything from pro-level DSLRs to rugged portable hard drives, it's probably good enough for your average flip phone, don't you think? Sigh.

[Via Geardiary]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 5:12PM]

there is a simple explanation for this- micro-usb is more future proof than mini.

Since the micro-usb jack is smaller than mini it will be easier for companies to use it in the next wave of cell phones as it is smaller and easier to make a phone razer thin. it also looks more aesthetically pleasing, but im sure manufacturers don't give a crap about that part.

One proposal/addition i have to the standard is to make all the connectors magnetic, or current will flow from the wall to my phone easily without having my phone in crazier positions than a gymnastic, lol

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 24th 2009 5:55AM]

One wonders why they didn't build MicroUSB to begin with. It's far thinner and better for thinner, more mobile devices. If it's more robust, there's another bonus.