If you have a modern laptop like a Macbook Pro or Dell 2-in-1 then you can only Access to USB-C ports. Typically, you then plug in a dongle that gives you USB-A, HDMI, etc. So far so good. You can now use all the cables you need to connect to USB-A as before. For example USB-A to USB-Mini. However, some devices do not work properly with this connection. The presence of a key midway between the device and the computer breaks the chain of data. A good example is a Garmin GPS navigator like the Nuvi. It has a USB mini connector. When you connect it to the dongle with the cable that came with it, it charges but doesn't connect to your computer as a data transfer device. Enter this cable type to save the day. This allows you to connect a USB-C (your computer) directly to a USB-Mini (your device). There is no key between them. Now you can have a clean, reliable data connection straight to your device. I am very satisfied with the function and durability of this cable. I've personally observed it transfer data at 90MB/s, which is pretty fast. BTW, I also bought a corresponding USB-C to Micro USB cable for another device with the same problems. Final note: When shopping, make sure to buy a cable that carries both power and data. This series does. Others don't and just charge the device without a data connection. It would not be good for this scenario. So if you need it, this is the cable you need.