Understanding USB Type-C and Your Newline Flex

03/19/2021

USB connectivity has seen rapid advancements over the years. It can be confusing when determining what your devices can actually do with this connectivity. This post is meant to share some of the basics around USB Type-C, what’s supported on Newline Flex (spoiler: everything), and how to check your device for compatibility. If you are looking for a slightly more technical explanation, read this article from our friends at B&H.

Not All USB Type-C Is Made Equally

You will find various types of USB Type-C but the actual functionality of the ports and cables vary. All the connectors include data transfer (at different speeds) and/or power (at varying wattages), and selectively audio, video, and touch. You can most easily determine the compatibility type on your device with one of these icons near the port:

USB 3.0, USB 3.0 with Power Delivery, USB 3.1, and USB 3.1 with Power Delivery [Source]

With Thunderbolt, devices have full compatibility with speedy data transfer, audio, video, touch, and power delivery. This connectivity is found on all Apple laptops and Dell has standardized their later models with thunderbolt connectivity. More and more manufacturers are starting to adopt Thunderbolt connectivity. You will see a single thunderbolt icon on devices that have this connection.

Not all devices will have an easy-to-read icon near their port to indicate the level of USB Type-C connectivity. Be sure to check your device settings for a clear understanding of its capabilities and Newline Flex compatibility.

Across all levels of USB Type-C, you’ll see differences, so know what you’re getting when you purchase your cables and devices. For example, chargers have different amounts of power outputs, and the same is true for data transfer speeds.

Flex Supports All USB Type-C Capabilities

Newline Flex is a 27” desktop touch monitor with full touchback, an integrated camera and mic array, and 2.1 channel speakers. It lends itself to easy video conferencing, digital whiteboarding, document signing, annotating, and more. Its easy plug-and-play design via USB Type-C makes it compatible with numerous devices.

Flex supports all USB-C connection types, but the functionality you receive is dependent upon your non-Flex device. Flex supports data transfer, audio, video, touch, and power delivery with the appropriate connections.

The great thing about integrating Flex into your workflow is the backward compatibility. Despite the potential limitations of your connected device, Newline will be able to work with those capabilities. So, it’s important to double-check your device settings to get a clear understanding of what those are and if it aligns with your intentions for the Flex.

The optimal connection for Flex is Thunderbolt as it supports the data transfer, video, audio, touch, and power delivery we’ve been talking about. With this on your device, you will enjoy all the features Flex has to offer:

Display mirroring (or extending) to your Flex screen for ease of use and improved workflow.
Full audio and video playback on your Flex display and 2.1 channel forward-facing, integrated speakers.
Full touchback, an industry first, that allows you to control your laptop’s display via P-CAP touch on the Flex.
Up to 60W of power back to your device with the provided cable. You can work on your Flex while simultaneously charging your laptop with just one cable.