What Happened To Firewire & Thunderbolt?
USB: Universal Serial Bus
The Obvious Connection Choice For All Devices Past, Present & Future.
Connectivity Built for Creators: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
At Kreative Devices, we design creator laptops with one mission in mind: give every creator a fast, reliable, and frustration-free workflow. That’s why we’ve made a clear, future-focused choice: instead of supporting proprietary Apple protocols like FireWire and Thunderbolt, we’re all-in on the world’s most universal, dependable, and future-proof standard—USB.
This isn’t just a technical decision. It’s a commitment to giving creators technology that works anywhere, with anything, for years to come.
USB: The Standard That Moves Creators Forward
For decades, USB has evolved at a pace that meets and exceeds the demands of modern creative work:
USB 1.x: 12 Mbps
USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
USB 3.0: 5 Gbps
USB 3.1: 10 Gbps
USB 3.2: 20 Gbps
USB 4: 40 Gbps
Each generation has built on the last—no proprietary hardware, no learning curve, no platform restrictions. Just progress that keeps your tools compatible and your workflow smooth.
A Surprise to Many: USB 2.0 Still Exceeds Most Audio Needs
Many creators are shocked to learn that USB 2.0’s 480 Mbps bandwidth is already more than enough for professional studio audio. At 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 can handle over 40 channels—far more than what most audio interfaces physically support.
The takeaway? You don’t need a proprietary port for world-class audio performance. USB has been delivering that for over a decade.
Latency Myths, Debunked
There’s a common belief that Thunderbolt automatically means lower latency. But latency isn’t about port type—it’s about:
CPU power
Driver optimization
Real-time signal processing
Monitoring method
Bandwidth is simply how many tasks you can run at once, not how fast each task moves. With a well-optimized system, creators can get exceptional low-latency performance on USB—no special ports required.
Why We Choose USB Over Thunderbolt
Creators want tools that work every time, with every device, in every workflow. USB delivers exactly that—and more.
✔ Universal Compatibility
USB works anywhere: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, audio interfaces, storage drives, cameras—everything.
Thunderbolt? Not even close.
✔ Simple. Reliable. No Dongles Required.
With just USB-A and USB-C, you can connect virtually any device using inexpensive, widely available adapters. Many come free with common electronics.
Older proprietary ports, like those on past MacBooks, forced creators into a life of dongles. USB ends that problem.
✔ The Same Gear, Without the Hassle
Love a specific audio interface brand? Nearly every Thunderbolt interface has a USB counterpart. Same workflow, same power—unlocked by a simpler connection.
USB: The Only Standard Built to Last
Our commitment to USB isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about protecting creators from outdated ports and unnecessary limitations. FireWire faded when USB 3 arrived. Thunderbolt is following that same path as USB 4 expands.
USB is the only connection that offers:
Universal support across all platforms
Guaranteed backward and forward compatibility
Proven reliability in real-world creative workflows
Seamless adoption across the entire tech industry
When you invest in a Kreative Devices laptop, you’re investing in a port standard that’s not going anywhere.
The Future of Creative Connectivity Is USB
Kreative Devices is proud to champion a connection standard that puts creators first. No proprietary lock-ins. No platform restrictions. No surprises. Just straightforward, future-proof connectivity that works every single time.
USB isn’t just a port—it’s the backbone of modern creativity. And it’s here to stay.
