Whats the bulky thing you sometimes get on USB cables in the photo just before the end. Is it important? I noticed only expensive items seem to have them (laptop adapter, digital camera cable, etc). The one in the photo is for my camera - I was thinking of USING a retractable cable without that - Is that risk? What does it do?

[cleaning up - ATTACHMENT deleted by admin]That bulky thing is magnetic and makes sure that you don't have a bat contact.
It has to do with the magnetic field.
If it is a NEW cable its isn't really necessary but if I was you I would keep it.
I just learned it in school.
I can only give you the complete explanation in Dutch since my English isn't that good.maybe it shields the cable Quote from: surrey100 on May 10, 2007, 01:37:49 PM

Whats the bulky thing you sometimes get on USB cables in the photo just before the end. Is it important? I noticed only expensive items seem to have them (laptop adapter, digital camera cable, etc). The one in the photo is for my camera - I was thinking of using a retractable cable without that - Is that risk? What does it do?

I would have never guessed, thanks WillyW......

I'd call it a choke, but I'm old.