USB-C laptop chargers: What you need to know

What are USB-C chargers?

Over the past few years, laptops as well as most smartphones have started using USB-C for charging and data transfer. 

The advent of these chargers is one step in the direction of standardization, which we strongly hope will help reduce e-waste. 

While all Type-C ports look the same, they may not all provide the same capabilities. This is due to the way the manufacturer has connected the ports. In theory, technologically they allow you to connect them with DisplayPort or HDMI, but in practice it all depends on how they are connected at the motherboard. 

Older USBs could carry enough power to power smaller batteries, such as those of smartphones and smart devices. By contrast, Type-C enabled devices can provide enough power to power an even larger laptop battery.  

You have likely currently utilized USB associations with charge more modest gadgets either from your PC or from an outlet. That functions admirably on the grounds that past USB associations had sufficient wattage to control up those more modest batteries effectively. Earlier forms of USB could deal with a restricted measure of force, which is the reason PC chargers have normally held their bigger, bulkier links.

Advantages

The connector shape

One of the key advantages of USB-C chargers comes from their oval shape. There’s virtually no way to plug them in wrong or wonder which side is on top. 

Data transfer rate

As mentioned already USB-C is used for data transfer. The difference between it and older USB variants is the transfer speed. 

The newest standard is USB 4, which allows data transfer up to 40 Gbps. 

You should note that the technology that sits underneath mainstream USC Type-C devices is 2 or 3.0, which doesn’t allow nearly as high speeds (USB 3.0 allows up to 5Gbps). 

Fast charging

The technology that is attracting both manufacturers and consumers to USB-C is so-called Power Delivery Charging (PD Charging). It allows ultra-fast charging of certain devices (e.g. smartphones). 

USB-C PD can provide up to 100 watts of power, which is quite enough to charge your laptop. 

The USB-C to USB-C cable is bi-directional. This means your device can send and receive power at the same time, which depends on your preference.  

Disadvantages

Compatibility with devices

USB Type-C is in reverse viable with USB 2.0 and 3.0 gadgets. Notwithstanding, you’ll require a connector in light of the fact that the USB Type-C connector has an alternate shape to the connectors on USB 2.0 and 3.0 links. Also If you need to buy a new laptop charger for example, check your device power requirements. 

For example, 12-inch MacBooks use a 61-watt charger. 13- and 15-inch devices can use up to 87 watts of power. Therefore, a weaker charger will not have enough power to power your laptop. 

Slightly more expensive

As a disadvantage, we can not help but note the price, as USB-C chargers are also more expensive than standard ones. Also not all USB type C ports perform the same – so if you have USB Type C port on your laptop doesn’t mean that you can use it for charging other devices for example. It might works, but not for every device.

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