USB C Laptop Charger, 65W Chromebook Charger Compatible

 

An increasing number of laptops seem to have the ability to be powered – and have their battery charged – via a USB-C socket, usually marked with a lightning bolt symbol. I previously found out, the hard way, that these USB-C power supply sockets are not all they seem. Connect a 5 volt USB power bank (such as those used to give your phone an extra charge when out & about) and the PC will either complain “Incorrect charger connected”, or just continue to run down its internal battery.

The reason is that the laptop requires a heady mix of voltages – 20 volts, 18 volts, 15 volts, 12 volts, 9 volts and 5 volts – and all with 65 watts of power available. So much for the “U” in USB standing for “Universal”! This charger provides that curious mix of voltages and charging currents, and my laptop is no longer saying “incorrect charger connected” but quietly running and charging at the same time.

The charger comes with an optimistically-titled “Manual”, which doesn’t really tell you much about using the product, but instead warns the user against doing things that could be dangerous. I sensed a degree of covering their backs, and not really a “manual”.

I was also slightly alarmed by the statement (in the manual) that the charger may get hot… that used to be a sign of unhappy electronics when I was a lad, but maybe it’s OK now. Suffice to say that mine has not heated up so far, even after a full day connected to a laptop.

Does the job, and quite a bit cheaper than the official manufacturer’s replacement product in most cases.