Ask Slashdot: Is It Time To Shrink the Ethernet Connector?

Posted by timothy on Sunday March 20, 2016 @11:26AM from the use-more-magnets dept.

New submitter jimwelch writes: HDMI has shrunk to mini, then micro. USB has shrunk to mini, then micro. The wired Ethernet connector has not changed since 1988! On the Raspberry PI, it is the largest of the standardized connectors. Is it time to come up with a new version? What if, anything, would you like to see replace that suddenly clunky RJ-45 port? I rather like that (in theory) RJ-45 cables can't be easily dislodged, but at the same time dislike that its locking mechanism can be awfully fragile. And for that matter, I'm glad that on most of my computers so far there's been full-sized USB ports as well as full-size ethernet jacks.

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Terminator? by AF_Cheddar_Head · 2016-03-20 12:44 · Score: 4, Funny

What do you mean I need a terminator, the cable just plugged right in?
Re:Yes by Outtascope · 2016-03-21 01:05 · Score: 4, Funny

Do you mean to say that somehow a patent has managed to stifle innovation and retard economic growth? The hell you say.