A USB > Miniport cable question -

Some of this type of cable (and other types) will have a round/rectangle
device near the miniport end, about 1 inch in diameter. Question: What
is this device? What does it do?

More importantly, can i use a cable, with the same ends but without the
device, and not do any harm to whatever i'm hooking up?
For example, a Garmin (GPS) to PC?

thanks,
savagcl

 

That's a Ferrite Bead. Your GPS device might not work quite as well using a cable without one, depending upon the extent of any potential RF interference in the immediate vicinity or local environment of your car or PC.

 

Rockster2U,

Thanks for the info.

Best Buy told me it would'nt make any difference. Ican see by your reply
that it may work without it but not as good as having it.

Thanks again,
savagcl

 

Exactly. I'm sure Best Buy was just looking to sell what they had and didn't have anything with a Ferrite Bead.

Of note, on my Nuvo 760, the 12V power adapter that came with it has a built in traffice warning antennae but I wanted it hardwired and was able to buy a 12V cord from Garmin without the traffic warning at a cost savings of over $100.

I've got a wireless bluetooth GPS setup for my laptop that also works with my PDA but since getting my Garmin (which has bluetooth to phone), its the only one that I'm using. Very happy camper on this end.