USB 3.0, also called Superspeed USB, is the latest generation of the ubiquitous USB port, typically available today as USB 2.0. It brings a 10x improvement in transmission speed, and is backward-compatible with USB 2.0. It consumes less power during data transfer operations. It accelerates battery recharge times by providing more current to peripheral devices.
A this time, however, neither Intel nor Microsoft support it in the present releases. It is a real pity because we all are yearning for faster transfer speeds. Gigabyte and Asus have, in the past month, introduced new motherboards that support USB 3.0, and a small number of devices are just now becoming available.
Should you make the jump now? Unless you are a true early adopter, you are better off waiting for much larger device availability, and, if possible, support by Microsoft and Intel. Right now, Intel and Microsoft are roadmapping USB 3.0 support in 2012 - this just seems really late. It is possible that they will be rushed into earlier adoption if the market shows strong customer support, in which case we might all be able to upgrade easily next year.
More resources
- a good primer from techspot
- another one from everythingUSB
- an intro by PC World
- updated timing by everythingUSB
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