The radio in my car has a full size USB Type-A socket so I can plug in a memory stick or connect my phone or PMP to it with a standard USB Type A to mini or micro connector lead so the radio can play the music on it.

But our new vans at work come with a radio with a mini-USB socket and I have not a clue as how they are intended to be used. Anyone know?

Was in a different van today and found a short mini to Type A adaptor lead in the glove compartment. So why on earth have a mini socket in the radio? Surely cheaper to design the radio to have a Type A socket in the first place? There is room to move the preset buttons over to make room on the fascia.

My pickup's radio had a mini usb socket. Ended up getting a short mini usb male to full size type-a female. Then plug your standard micro usb to full size usb lead to plug phone in or plug a usb memory stick straight into the first lead. Was an idiot going on as there was plenty of space for a full size usb socket in the first place as the head unit was effectively a double din unit.

Replaced the head unit with a double din Pioneer with android auto compatibility. Not only did the original have the silly mini usb socket but you could only pair one phone at a time via bluetooth. By that I mean when the mrs used it she would have to go into settings and delete my phone off before pairing hers and of course I'd have to do the same when I next used the truck.