Vaio Pocket: Cradle USB Question

[cyclonerunner]

Hey, I just ordered the VAIO Pocket via TigerDirect for $249 plus a replacement plan and shipping. It is replacing a nearly three-year-old MZ-N10 10th anniversary NetMD I had imported from Japan when it was first released. It makes you think how far we've come in portable audio the last three years. I am certainly an ATRAC fan and I went w/ the VAIO Pocket over the HD5 b/c of the color screen, dock w/ line out (I still prefer a docking station, and reminisce back to the time when I first docked my Sprint TouchPoint celly in 1998), and 40GB capacity to load most my collection in 256 bitrate glory.

Anyways, to my question... I also ordered a 15 foot A-to-A USB cable thinking that I will just put the cradle by my stereo so I can use the line out with a quality 1 1/8" to RCA cable but still have the ability to transfer files from my computer (via the long USB running to my box) when I need to.

However, I then read in a PDF manual for the VAIO Pocket that they say the A USB jack is for connecting to cameras and other devices for transfer and that the B (mini) USB jack is for connecting to a computer. I assume that it shouldn't matter which jack I use when I do my transfers but I was wondering if anybody uses an A-to-A USB cable from their cradle to their computer.

Thanks, guys. Very informative threads here. I'm glad somebody finally got around to compiling all of Sony's ATRAC devices into a comprehensive site. Kudos!

[atrain]

dammnit. i was just about to check for you & found i don't even own an A -> A anymore.

i take it you've also upgraded to sonicstage 3.2 to take advantage of the drm removal on new imported music & have also downloaded the newest firmware for the pocket?

[lindijones]

Hei!!

It´s right, you cannot use an A to A cable to fill up your player with music or to use it as a HDD.

It´s just for the cams.

I think it is like that because of any docking stations or cables of the camera.

The vaio pocket plays the role of a "Pc" so have a normal USB plug for the cams....

U need mini usb to A. (included but short)

I´m not shure if could make it longer with another cable...

Tom

[cyclonerunner]

Shoot. That was not what I wanted to hear but at least I know. Thanks, Tom. And yes, I have SS 3.2 and will put the new firmware on the Pocket when it arrives.

[Christopher]

Please be sure to give us your impressions! And thank you for your kind words about ATRACLife.

[MDX-400]

For your reference a USB A to A cable is only ever used in special circumstances. Ususally the only A to A cable you will find is with a male end on one side and a female end on the other side--this works as an extension cord.

An "A" cable end is NEVER used to connect a "device"--that would be a violation of the USB specification. Under the USB specs, only PCs/HUBs/hosts are ever connected using the "A" end of a cable. Devices will always have a "B" connection on them (whether it be a standard B or a mini-B variant, it will still always be "B" connection on a device). If there is an "A" connection on the VAIO Pocket's stand, as mentioned, that can only be for connecting devices to the VAIO Pocket, not for connecting it as a device to a computer--that connection may only be made via a "B" connection.

Incidentally, connecting two PCs or HUBs via an "A" to "A" male/male cable is also a violation of the standard. Doing this would only serve to short out and destroy the controller(s) on one or both PCs. There are cables meant to link two PCs via USB that do have A male connections on both sides but they have a special box in the middle of the cable to negotiate data transfer.