Thunderbolt and USB have had a complex history.
Thunderbolt now is essentially a more polished, tested version of USB.
USB 4 supports those options but doesn’t require them.
Thunderbolt and USB 4 both play an increasingly important role in connecting laptops to peripherals.
That can include large high-resolution 4K monitors, external storage systems, and high-speed web link adapters.
All this port technology is something of a mess, though.
USB 4 version 2 products are expected to begin arriving in the next 12 to 18 months.
That’s essential, since people often only gradually update their hardware.
Why replace that webcam if it still works?
“That’s where Thunderbolt does have its advantages,” Brill said.
