3 ms·

> If I ever design a laptop it's going to have: An array of different charger inputs, so I can skip all of these silly shenaneggins and just use whatever laptop

> If I ever design a laptop it's going to have: An array of different charger inputs, so I can skip all of these silly shenaneggins and just use whatever laptop charger I pick up off the street. For various older models, Cooler Master sells a "universal" AC adaptor with interchangeable plugs. It works for most older kit, although Dell has the deplorable detection circuit (noted by the OP) that may cause problems. For modern laptops, USB-C makes it possible[1] to charge with any USB-C AC adaptor.[2] [1] Edited to recognise that my experience is limited to a set of three Chromebooks and three "smartphones". [2] Edited to USB-C AC adaptor, not just any USB-C adaptor.

gambiting 5y ago
>>For modern laptops, USB-C makes it possible to charge with any USB-C adaptor. That's.....hmmmm.....a very generous interpretation of the current situation. Yes, a laptop might be physically compatible with any USB-C charger....but whether it will actually charge is a different matter. In my testing with a Razer Blade 13: Working: - Apple USB C 45/65W charger - Random Amazon 45W USB-C charger - UGreen 45W USB-C charger Not working: - Apple USB-C 20W charger - None of the 4 USB-C PD-compatible power banks I tried work, despite 45W minimum PD output -Samsung 25W PD Charger - Nintendo Switch Charger - Any charger that's not PD-compatible, even if it ends with a USB-C port - USB-C to USB-C cable from another device
- heresie-dabord 5y ago
  USB-C does indeed make it possible, but I may not have the same kit and use-cases as you. ^_^ Shall edit my original post to clarify.
- cesarb 5y ago
  The trick is probably the voltage. It's very probable that all the "working" chargers in your list can supply 15V or 20V, while the chargers on the "not working" list probably top at 9V or 5V. Unless the laptop has a circuit to boost the voltage to the battery voltage, it will not be able to charge. The statement works better if it's restricted to "for modern laptops, USB-C makes it possible to charge with any laptop USB-C charger".

gambiting 5y ago

>>For modern laptops, USB-C makes it possible to charge with any USB-C adaptor. That's.....hmmmm.....a very generous interpretation of the current situation. Yes, a laptop might be physically compatible with any USB-C charger....but whether it will actually charge is a different matter. In my testing with a Razer Blade 13: Working: - Apple USB C 45/65W charger - Random Amazon 45W USB-C charger - UGreen 45W USB-C charger Not working: - Apple USB-C 20W charger - None of the 4 USB-C PD-compatible power banks I tried work, despite 45W minimum PD output -Samsung 25W PD Charger - Nintendo Switch Charger - Any charger that's not PD-compatible, even if it ends with a USB-C port - USB-C to USB-C cable from another device

heresie-dabord 5y ago
USB-C does indeed make it possible, but I may not have the same kit and use-cases as you. ^_^ Shall edit my original post to clarify.
cesarb 5y ago
The trick is probably the voltage. It's very probable that all the "working" chargers in your list can supply 15V or 20V, while the chargers on the "not working" list probably top at 9V or 5V. Unless the laptop has a circuit to boost the voltage to the battery voltage, it will not be able to charge. The statement works better if it's restricted to "for modern laptops, USB-C makes it possible to charge with any laptop USB-C charger".