USB is PC standard that is utilized for attaching other devices to a personal computing device, like computer, a tablet PC or PDA. Although USB ports and connectors come in various shapes and sizes, USB port can also be utilized to power or recharge an electronic device, like an iPod or a cell phone.

USB 1.1 versus USB 2.0

1. Although USB ports utilize similar connectors on PC side, there are some differences between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compliant ports.

USB 1.1 compliant port is able of data transfer at a rate of 12 Mbit/second, while a USB 2.0 port can move data at 480 Mbit per second. Because of this faster transfer rate, USB 2.0 able devices need more power to work. Thus, when charging a device using a USB port, device will charge at a quicker rate from a USB 2.0 port than it will use a USB 1.1 port.
Connectors and Power Tips

2. Generally, USB cables use USB male "A" connector at one end to attach to PC or AC adaptor. Though, there are many USB connectors that attach to device end of USB cable, many of which are utilized as "power tips" for charging or powering a device.

General connection for charging cell phones and other tiny USB devices is USB male Mini "B" connector. This connector is trapezoid shaped, and connects into a small USB port on device. This connector is generally utilized as data cable from devices like digital cameras.

As USB connection can be utilized as both a charger and a data transfer connection, it is likely to do exchanges of data between PC and device and charge device together.