Please educate me- Thunderbolt ports

[jshen]

Just bought Dell XPS 13 9305 and it has two ports- thunderbolt 4???? I can't bring my files over from old laptop!!! Are USB C backward compatable ??? Buying new wires and dock..makes this a "return item" I am so out of touch...please I thank you in advance.

Moderator: please feel free to remove this as I spent an hour with Dell tech support and got and education. But the answer is you buy an adapter in which the USB-C port will support an array of USB assessories...

 

[CobraBob]

How do you like the XPS 13 so far. Looks to be a decent laptop.

 

[jshen]

It has not been delivered but I have used Dell for the last 25 years. Customer support is great. This and a "hub" will be delivered Mon/Tues. Twas on sale and got it....for "hurricane evacuation"

 

[matab14]

I use the Dell Precision Laptops for my department and have struggled quite a bit with the Dell Thunderbolt Docks connectivity and random power issues. They use what I believe is the same style connector you reference and will randomly just not work at times / sometimes just blue screen the laptop. I did get a firmware update recently for the docks and it seems to of helped a little but I'm certainly not ready to call it fixed.

 

[jshen]

I did not buy a Dock...but was suggested I buy a hub which the USB-C plugs into 4 regular USB devices. I have all my programs in backup drives. The first blue screen and it goes back to Dell- This unit will have I7 processor and 16 gig RAM, 512 SSD..for just under 1K on sale.

 

[CobraBob]

It has not been delivered but I have used Dell for the last 25 years. Customer support is great. This and a "hub" will be delivered Mon/Tues. Twas on sale and got it....for "hurricane evacuation"

One of my co-workers has a Dell laptop. He likes it. I have a Dell AIO here that I like a lot. They do have good stuff and their customer support is definitely great. Let us know how you like it when it arrives.

 

[jshen]

I am trying to cancel order as it is just too much to fiddle with..It's not really portable when you have to carry around a dock or hub..Heck no ethernet connection either.

 

[Great Asp]

Came in looking for this Thunderbolt

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

dont you carry the laptop in a laptop bag anyway? a small USB hub that plugs int a USB C isn't a huge deal. You can also buy a handfull of USB - USB C adapters on Amazon.

Im not using one at the moment but I've also seen adapters that are Ethernet and USB that run on a USB C port.

I get what you're saying though, the port transition is a pain in the ass

 

[jshen]

I am an old fart. You are right about the hub thing. Dell customer service is great and I am sure they will walk me through everything.

 

[TheOne™]

thunderbolt 4 is the same as USB C/USB 4, these are backwards compatible with older USB C ports (the rounded rectangular looking port used by alot of newer devices). these are just faster usb C ports that can support up to 40gbps.

you should be able to use a usb C flash drive or a usb c to usb A adapter for a usb A style flash drive(the older rectangular port). or you can get a USB C hub which comes with USB C or USB A ports/hdmi/ethernet ports.

 

[jshen]

Thanks TheOne! That info very helpful

 

[black92]

How do you like the XPS 13 so far. Looks to be a decent laptop.

It's been awhile, but I bought your XPS 15 off you years ago when my wife's XPS 13 ended it's life. The 15 treated me well until the HD went out for a second time and then I got her a Macbook, which has been kicking ass flawlessly for 7 years now!