USB Drive Extension Cord / Jumpdrive Extension Cord

I believe it may have been Langa Newsletter that mentioned this first, but it deserves additional attention. I have had a couple of close calls.

Instead of plugging thumbdrives directly into the computer, get a short usb extension cord, especially if you use them on a laptop. This would also apply to wireless receivers used for keyboard and mouse setups.

You can choose from a short ordinary usb extension cable, or a fancy retractable one. The one in the picture is multipurpose and comes with additional ends to match any usb connection.

There are stories of breaking off the usb drive due to moving the computer around. I have also found that the cover on one of my laptops can hit the drive while opening and closing the cover if it is plugged into a rear usb port. Even just resting the computer / usb drive on top of an attached cord can put unnecessary stress on the drive connection.

By its nature the plug in part of the usb drive is very fragile.

This is good advice for desktops too. Pretty obvious if you have to use rear connections, but even with a clear front connection it is not hard to see what happens if you or someone brushes against it.

Since these drives are getting into the gigs of data, this is good advice. Even though they are relatively cheap, it is the thought of losing the data or doing without it if you are at a remote location. You of course have backups when you are at home. Right?

Using an extension cord is advised for any of these usb devices on laptops, such as the receiver unit for a wireless mouse.

Related: USB drive