Summary
- Always look for laptops with two USB-C Power Delivery ports for redundancy and flexibility.
- Avoid laptops with a single USB-C PD port to prevent expensive repairs if the port fails.
- Check the laptop’s specifications to confirm both USB-C ports support Power Delivery before buying.
Shopping for a laptop means making a lot of decisions, so it’s easy to overlook a small detail or two. However, one thing you should never overlook is the number of USB-C ports. Skimping here can come back to bite you sooner than you think.
To Be Clear: I’m Talking About USB-C PD
You might be aware that many modern laptops can now charge via USB-C in place of old-school AC barrel chargers. This special port can be used both as a regular USB-C port and for charging, and it’s calledUSB Power Delivery(PD). The latest version (USB-C PD 3.2) can receive up to a whopping 240W of power, so many manufacturers design fast charging algorithms around it.
While fast charging standards can get a little complicated and support isn’t always guaranteed just based on wattage, the important thing is that the port allows you to connect any compatible USB-C charger to charge your laptop. For example, I’ve used my brother’s 67W charging brick on myDell Latitude 5420, and not only did it charge the laptop, but it also supported fast charging.
This essentially means I can use a single charger for both my phone and laptop, as long as it can charge the laptop quickly enough for my needs. It eliminates the need to carry that bulky laptop charging brick (assuming I don’t forget it in the first place).
However, not all laptops on the market have USB-C PD. Cheaper or older models might have an earlier version of Thunderbolt without Power Delivery, a standard USB-C port, or no USB-C ports at all. I’d recommendavoiding such laptopsaltogether, as even many affordable used models can now be found with USB-C PD.
>>>MQ20 Battery for Microsoft Surface Pro 9 2032 1996 1997 2038
One USB-C PD Port Means No Laptop if It Breaks
The main reason why you should avoid buying a laptop that only uses a single USB-C PD port (like theinfamous 2015 Apple MacBook) is that you won’t have a backup if it breaks.
For a laptop, no charging means no laptop until you get the USB-C PD port fixed or replaced. It’s an expensive repair that, in addition to disassembly andsoldering, also involves the use of a hot air soldering station to safely remove the port’s contacts without damaging the PCB. It’s a lot more difficult than replacing a standard laptop power jack.
While USB-C ports are quite durable and can withstand up to 10,000 insertion and removal cycles, there’s no guarantee that they can’t fail sooner. A few instances of rough mishandling, some water and grime in the port, or an unlucky drop or bend while the charger is plugged in, and you could be left with a non-functional paperweight.
A second USB-C PD port provides redundancy and doubles your chances of avoiding an expensive repair. Just check the laptop’s full specifications to confirm that both USB-C ports support power delivery, not just one.
>>>G3HTA071H Battery for Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 1964
Two USB-C PD Ports Make Life Easier and More Flexible
While redundancy is extremely important, another major advantage is functionality. There are all kinds of handyUSB-C hubson the market that can transform your laptop into a workstation machine with several additional USB ports, Ethernet, HDMI, SD card slots, and more.
If you use anexternal GPU enclosurewith Thunderbolt and it doesn’t support power delivery, your only real option is to use the second USB-C PD port to plug in your charger.
However, practicality doesn’t have to involve expensive GPU enclosures and hubs; it can be as simple as wanting to plug in a USB-C flash drive or dongle while the laptop is charging. I frequently use the two USB-C ports on my laptop: one for charging and the other for my 2.4GHz dongle for theSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, allowing me to game without the latency issues associated with Bluetooth.
You can also use the second USB-C port to charge a device such as a phone or headphones while the laptop is charging. All you need is an extraUSB-C cable, and you’re all set for a minimalist travel setup.
Another small but important advantage of laptops with USB-C PD ports on both sides is that you can charge the laptop from either side. It can be more convenient in tight workspaces or if your outlet is far away.
Many Modern Laptops Have Two USB-C PD Ports (But Some Don’t)
The good news is that most thin and light laptops now use USB-C PD for charging, and considering how vital this port is, they come with two USB-C PD ports. Unless you’re buying a budget model, like thisHP Student/Business Laptop (14-dq6012dx), which has a single USB-C port without power delivery, you should be fine. Still, it’s best to check the laptop’s spec sheet to confirm that both USB-C ports support Power Delivery.
Even Microsoft is likely going to phase out its proprietaryMicrosoft Connect Portin favor of USB-C, as seen with thenew Surface Pro.
Another interesting trend is how some gaming laptops are bridging the gap by including both USB-C PD and a (usually proprietary) barrel connector.
While USB-C PD can deliver 240W—far more than what most laptops withintegrated graphicswould ever need—workstation and gaming laptops withdedicated graphicsare a different beast. Their power-hungry GPUs and powerful CPUs demand a more robust charging solution, so in addition to integrating USB-C PD, they also add an AC charger. For example, in addition to having two USB-C PD ports, theAlienware x16 R2 Gaming Laptopuses a proprietary charger that can do up to 330W.
While a second USB-C PD port might not be at the top of everyone’s priority list when shopping for a laptop, it definitely should be. From a longevity and flexibility standpoint, I believe it is even more important than having a nice display, extra RAM, storage, or a more powerful CPU. It reduces the risk of needing an expensive repair down the line and gives you far more connectivity options through the simple and flexible USB-C port. So, be sure to keep an eye out for it when shopping!