Easy Transfer Cable
The Easy Transfer Cable is a USB 2.0 device which is used to connect two computers together. The connectors are both USB-A male connectors to connect to each PC, but the cable also has a small box in the middle which contains the needed electronics and chipset to allow the two connected computers to communicate with each other, and controls current flow between the two computers (a direct USB-A to USB-A cable between each computer should not be used due to a short circuit risk).
History
The Easy Transfer Cable was originally designed for Windows Easy Transfer, a program that comes with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Its internal hardware chipset is made by Prolific Technology Inc.
Software
Currently, there are only a few software products which are designed for this cable. They include:
- Windows Easy Transfer, by Microsoft[1]
- Easy Computer Sync, by Bravura Software[2]
Manufacturers
There are several manufacturers of the Easy Transfer Cable. A frequently updated list is available here.
As of August 25, 2009, they include:
- APC
- BAFO
- Belkin
- Cables To Go
- Cables Unlimited
- Dynex
- IO Gear
- Star Tech
- Tripp Lite
- ST Lab