Microsoft's latest Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 devices won't come with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, the latest and fastest standards for connecting accessories and charging your computer. Meanwhile, Apple's recent MacBook Pros have taken the opposite approach by only including USB-C ports - alienating those who don't necessarily adopt the latest tech the moment it rolls out. Neither company has the right idea.

USB Type-C, or simply USB-C, sounds fine in theory -- a single port to handle charging, data transfer, video output, and more, and one that's reversible too. Three years down the line from its introduction, you'll find it on most smartphones and many laptops, but its apparent simplicity isn't the whole story. Here's what you need to know about USB-C in 2018.

From the new iPhone to drones and smartwatches, there's a ton of cool tech out there. Unfortunately, these devices rarely share the same charging cable, forcing us to lug around a few sets of cables if we're hoping to keep them all powered up on the move. The 3-in-1 USB-C, Lightning, MicroUSB Cable puts an end to this with all the cables you could ever need — all conveniently located on the same cord!

We hate to break it to you, but the traditional USB ports you've used to connect your cameras, controllers and other gizmos for the past 20 years aren't long for this world. The whole squad's getting replaced by a few great alternatives, though they each come with their own pros and cons. If you're thinking of upgrading your devices this year, here are the ports you'll need to get familiar with to keep up with today's tech.

If you're an owner of a new Apple MacBook, HP Spectre or Samsung Galaxy Note 7 you'd be familiar with the slim, high-speed, high-power USB Type-C connector. It's set to become the new standard, with its reversibility (that's right, there's no wrong way up with the USB-C) just one of the advantages. It can power laptops, transfer data and solve world hunger (okay, maybe not that last one).

Now Intel have hailed it as the ideal -- and superior -- alternative to the headphone jack.