There have been 3 distinct standards in USB development, each backwardly compatible. By this we mean that you can put a USB 2.0 in a 1.1 socket. You should feel free to purchase our USB 2.0 (and next year our 3.0 models) safe in the knowledge that they will work in any computer your client has.

USB 1.0

The USB 1.0 which has been around since January 1996 became redundant when USB 2.0 standard was released in April of 2000. It has still had continuous updates up until September 2007.

USB 2.0

This is the most widly used USH version. This was relased in April 2000. The USB 2.0 version added higher maximum speed of 480mbits (now called Hi-Speed). Youcan use a USB 2.0 device in a USB 1.1 socket, so even if your client has an older computer this wil be a useful gift.

USB 3.0

USB 3.0 was demonstrated in September 2007 at the autumn Intel Developer Forum. It is targeted at 10 times the current bandwidth. USB Direct expects to have the 3.0 version in 2009 or 2010. It is designed to be backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 and employs more efficient protocols to conserve power.