How Does USB 3.0 Compare With USB 2.0?

Most new devices sold today will include USB 3.0 connectivity. At home or work, many of your older devices will have USB 2.0 (or even 1.0!). So how does USB 3.0 compare with USB 2.0?
USB 3.0 is faster – mush faster! USB 3.0 data transfers have a theoretical maximum speed of 5 gigabits per second. This compares to a theoretical maximum speed of 460 megabits per second for USB 2.0 devices. Of course, you won’t get close to 5-gbps transfers during regular daily use, but you will find that you can move files significantly faster between USB 3.0 compatible devices. Transferring data between USB 3.0 devices is also more efficient as USB 3.0 permits simultaneous data transfers in both directions. USB 2.0 devices transmit data in only one direction at a time.
To take advantage of USB 3.0 you’ll have to have USB 3.0 capable devices and USB 3.0 cables. USB 3.0 is backwards compatible and an USB 3.0 device will work with older USB 2.0 devices, but you must use a USB 3.0 cable if you want your newer USB 3.0 devices to exchange data at full speed.