Feb 10, 2019, 10:52 am
Last edit by: cheltzel
If you want to use USB C for more than charging, then these two posts are useful: 1 2.
When planning your charger loadout, do note the charger your laptop shipped with is not a requirement, a lower one will be fine. For example, https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/25/60w-u...-all-macbooks/ says
On the other hand, most laptops are not built to use higher wattage even if available. It won't hurt your laptop, though.
Buy chargers on Amazon at your own risk, they are known to commingle stock from every third party sellers. But, the chargers here do not have fakes (yet?) so even Amazon might be safe.
The smallest USB C chargers:
Cabling wise, AmazomBasics and Monoprice is your friend. Do not use female USB C to USB A / micro USB adapters, these are explicitly forbidden by the USB C standard. Male USB C to USB A / micro USB is fine.
When planning your charger loadout, do note the charger your laptop shipped with is not a requirement, a lower one will be fine. For example, https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/25/60w-u...-all-macbooks/ says
the 87W charger filled up my 15-inch MacBook Pro battery more quickly than the 60W charger, but not by very much. After an hour and a half, the 87W charger added 76% battery while the 60W charger added 72%.
Buy chargers on Amazon at your own risk, they are known to commingle stock from every third party sellers. But, the chargers here do not have fakes (yet?) so even Amazon might be safe.
The smallest USB C chargers:
- Mu One. 45W. Comes with UK, US, EU folding plugs. 96 x 55 x 14mm, 82g with the UK plug attached. 3.78 x 2.17 x 0.55 inch, 2.89oz. Manufacturer shop, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N1PK1RP https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N1PK1RP
- RAVPower GaN 45W : 72 x 54 x 14.9mm / 2.83 x 2.12 x 0.59inch, 75g / 2.65oz. This is a similar charger to Mu One only without the nifty plug heads. It is marginally cheaper, but without the unique multi-region folding plugs it isn't as good of an option for international travelers. Manufacturer shop, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9WMW6N
- Innergie 60C (nee 55CC): 65W 60 x 30 x 30mm / 2.3 x 1.2 x 1.2 inch, 85g. While much thicker than the previous two, when the socket is hidden in a recess this has a much better chance to fit. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBYVF4Q Also, a cable is available to charge legacy laptops https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBYL5KZ only compatible with the Innergie 60C. This makes the Finsix Dart fully obsolete, it started as a legacy laptop charger and a USB C cable was planned and reviewed two years ago but never shipped.
- Satechi 75W: USB C 60W, USB C 18W, two USB A share 12W. 4" x 2.63" x 1", 11.14 oz. Manufacturer shop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078864F15
- LVSUN LS-PD87-2C sold as Hyperjuice 87W charger: two USB C and one USB A all three share 87W. 4.33" x 3.86" x 0.79", 8.32oz Aliexpress Hyper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KLWDY9C
- Hyperjuice battery: 27000 mAh USB C 100W, USB C 60W, USB A 18W. 7.2" x 3" x 0.84" / 183.2 x 77.1 x 21.3 mm Manufacturer shop (although it goes through indiegogo, it is not crowdfunding, it's just a shop)
- Maru & Masa Kickstarter: Maru is a 82mm/3.23" diameter bagel, 28mm/1.1" thick, 7.4oz, USB C 45W, USB C 18W, two USB A share 15W, three international AC sockets, nifty interchangeable international plugs. Masa is a battery 80 x 80 x 28 / 3.15" x 3.15" x 1.1" , 11.3oz 18000 mAh, USB C 45W, USB C 15W, Qi 7.5W, kickstand. Promised shipping: April 2019 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...e-yet-powerful
- SuperTank & SuperPort 4 Kickstarter: SuperPort 4 is a 114 x 100 x 24 / 4.5" x 3.95" x .95" charger, weight not disclosed, USB C 100W, USB C 18W, two USB ports share 18W. SuperTank is a 27000 mAh battery w/ lots of features, 4.7" x 2.8" x 1.6", 17oz USB C 100W, USB C 60W, USB A 18W, USB A 15W all ports share 138W Promised shipping: May 2019 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...ek-recharge-in
- AlsterPlus Kickstarter: 7.4" x 3.28" x 0.85", 20oz / 568gr, 27000mAh battery with 2 x 100W USB-C + 2x 18W USB-A, lots of features. All ports share 156W.
- Anker Atom PD4. Two USB C, two USB A all share 100W, USB A per port is 12W max. 4.1" x 3.3" x 1.3", 13.5oz. https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Chargin.../dp/B07VSMK849
- MagicFox PD180. This is a DC-DC unit, it takes 12-28V 180W via a 5.5mm x 2.5mm jack or 100W max via USB- C input and provides three ports: USB C 100W, USB C 40W, USB A 40W. Size 3.15" x 2.76" x 0.53", 3.44oz. Possible interesting AC-DC choices: Lenovo 4X20Q88542 at 135W either from Encompass with very long ship times or from Japan via Rakuten, Lenovo-to-5.5mm plug adapter here. 4.65" x 3" x .83", 15.24oz. If that's not enough Razer has a 180W which, AFAIK has the right plug. Notably light at 14.82oz, 5.98" / 152mm x 2.87" / 73mm x 0.93" / 23.5mm. The MagicFox PD180 itself is, so far, China only, I had good experiences with Superbuy as proxy so https://www.superbuy.com/en/page/buy...832086035.html While the MagicFox PD180 itself is cheap, high wattage, quality, lightweight AC-DC adapters are anything but.
Cabling wise, AmazomBasics and Monoprice is your friend. Do not use female USB C to USB A / micro USB adapters, these are explicitly forbidden by the USB C standard. Male USB C to USB A / micro USB is fine.
Outfitting your travel kit for USB-C
Jun 24, 2018, 10:11 pm
#76
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Jun 24, 2018, 10:18 pm
#77
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Considering that I have a laptop with only USB-C/TB connectors and recently switched from iOS to Android (and to an Android phone with USB-C at that), it might be time to invest in cables that are solely USB-C at both ends. I presume it's harder to run into cables that can damage hardware than it used to be, right?
Jun 25, 2018, 1:33 am
#78
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,304
Honestly, it is easier just limiting yourself to independently tested cables and/or USB-IF certified. It may cost a few dollars more and the 3.1 100W 3 ft cables usually aren't that flexible, but I consider that a tradeoff due to the amount of wiring inside. USB-C IRL is still a bit of a mess https://www.androidauthority.com/sta...type-c-870996/ I label the standards on my usb-c cables & adapters but would probably just buy the multiples of a high quality 100W capable usb-c/thunderbolt 3 cable which can power a 15" MBP if I were starting again from scratch. I wouldn't need to wonder if a particular usb-c cable is ok to charge a laptop.
Last edited by freecia; Jun 25, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Jun 25, 2018, 2:16 am
#79
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Man they need to rebrand, call it something other than Type C connector but whatever the new name is, there's only one kind that works on anything with that port. So either be compliant to get the new name or just have a certification program but certify a universal cable.
Jun 26, 2018, 7:39 pm
#80
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,381
Man they need to rebrand, call it something other than Type C connector but whatever the new name is, there's only one kind that works on anything with that port. So either be compliant to get the new name or just have a certification program but certify a universal cable.
it definitely did not help when USB-C PD categories are not advertised properly, AND some voltages (12V) are optional.
Jun 27, 2018, 12:19 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Many of those recalls by major manufacturers are due to class action lawsuits or threats thereof. They'll just blow it off as long as possible. Apple's well-known for having major design flaws in their products and they usually drag their feet, even blame the user ("You're holding it wrong"). Sadly, in this day and age, companies are most concerned with bottom line rather than customer experience. People still buy Samsung & Apple phones despite multiple reports of them exploding. People are still buying Apple Macbooks, even knowing about the defective and expensive-to-repair keyboard design flaws. The companies know this and know that the public's memory is short.
This is why I'm not too afraid of the off-brands for the vast majority of products. I keep an eye on the Amazon ratings, as you'll hear about product issues there first, long before there's ever a recall...if there ever is a recall. Now, when it comes to LiPo/LiIon batteries, I *do* make sure to get genuine, major manufacturer batteries and quality chargers.
In some cases, the aftermarket parts are superior to OEM. Take Apple charging cords for example. Apple's long valued style over substance and their chargers & charging cords are a perfect example. Thinner-than-usual cables, cheap wire, minimal strain reliefs. Frayed/burnt Apple cords are common. I've not had one Anker cord fray or burn, despite heavy abuse from the users in my office.
Jul 14, 2018, 6:14 am
#82
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Monoprice has a sale, this 45W charger https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=116&cp_id=10851&cs_id=1085102&p_id=21 674&seq=1&format=2 and https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030319&p_id=14 992&seq=1&format=2 this cable is 13.37 together, I sincerely doubt that's a coincidence 
I have the charger, it's both USB IF and ETL certified under the original manufacturer name and model (Aquilstar ASSA73A-05091520300), so it's safe on both ends, so to speak.
For my phone, ereader, toothbrush https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=116&cp_id=10851&cs_id=1085102&p_id=15 517&seq=1&format=2 this USB C + 2 USB A charger works well.
Finally, I must note while the Finsix Dart C is not happening, http://www.myinnergie.com/sg/product/136 this is of similar size and is USB IF certified. I can't find it in the UL database but Innergie is a Delta brand and the Kickstarter page claimed UL certification so I am ready to believe it actually is so certified. I didn't buy it because the price is too high. I am waiting for the Mu One rather excitedly.
I have the charger, it's both USB IF and ETL certified under the original manufacturer name and model (Aquilstar ASSA73A-05091520300), so it's safe on both ends, so to speak.
For my phone, ereader, toothbrush https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=116&cp_id=10851&cs_id=1085102&p_id=15 517&seq=1&format=2 this USB C + 2 USB A charger works well.
Finally, I must note while the Finsix Dart C is not happening, http://www.myinnergie.com/sg/product/136 this is of similar size and is USB IF certified. I can't find it in the UL database but Innergie is a Delta brand and the Kickstarter page claimed UL certification so I am ready to believe it actually is so certified. I didn't buy it because the price is too high. I am waiting for the Mu One rather excitedly.
Last edited by chx1975; Jul 14, 2018 at 6:24 am
Jul 14, 2018, 7:16 am
#83
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,381
Monoprice has a sale, this 45W charger https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2 and https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2 this cable is 13.37 together, I sincerely doubt that's a coincidence
I have the charger, it's both USB IF and ETL certified under the original manufacturer name and model (Aquilstar ASSA73A-05091520300), so it's safe on both ends, so to speak.
For my phone, ereader, toothbrush https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2 this USB C + 2 USB A charger works well.
Finally, I must note while the Finsix Dart C is not happening, http://www.myinnergie.com/sg/product/136 this is of similar size and is USB IF certified. I can't find it in the UL database but Innergie is a Delta brand and the Kickstarter page claimed UL certification so I am ready to believe it actually is so certified. I didn't buy it because the price is too high. I am waiting for the Mu One rather excitedly.
I have the charger, it's both USB IF and ETL certified under the original manufacturer name and model (Aquilstar ASSA73A-05091520300), so it's safe on both ends, so to speak.
For my phone, ereader, toothbrush https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2 this USB C + 2 USB A charger works well.
Finally, I must note while the Finsix Dart C is not happening, http://www.myinnergie.com/sg/product/136 this is of similar size and is USB IF certified. I can't find it in the UL database but Innergie is a Delta brand and the Kickstarter page claimed UL certification so I am ready to believe it actually is so certified. I didn't buy it because the price is too high. I am waiting for the Mu One rather excitedly.
The 60w 3port (1 type c, 2 usbb A) supports 12V
Jul 25, 2018, 1:42 pm
#85
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I always find something interesting! https://www.computercablestore.com/u...-to-usb-c-male here, this is USB C male to micro USB male, 2.0 speed, 5.75 inches long from the end of the one connector to the end of the other connector. The cable length between the connectors is 3.5 inches. Very short, very useful. They also have the smallest micro USB - to - USB C adapter I've ever seen. https://www.computercablestore.com/u...-to-usb-c-male
Jul 25, 2018, 5:25 pm
#86
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,304
Monoprice also has C male to Micro A male USB 2.0 0.5ft cable in different colors with a braided cord cover
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=14957
I've picked up a few on sale and they seem fine, but I usually use a USB-C to USB-A USB 3.0 adapter + micro cable instead since I pack the micro USB cable for other gear.
A slightly larger adapter without the lanyard hole
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18628
The Anker 5-in-1 ethernet, HDMI, & USB-A to USB-C adapter has a petite form factor
https://www.anker.com/products/varia...a-hub/A83310A1
Seems like a reasonable "in case needed" USB-C dongle to leave packed in the travel cable bag along with a short USB-A extension cable if you'd want to use USB-A & eth at the same time (reviews note a little interference).
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=14957
I've picked up a few on sale and they seem fine, but I usually use a USB-C to USB-A USB 3.0 adapter + micro cable instead since I pack the micro USB cable for other gear.
A slightly larger adapter without the lanyard hole
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18628
The Anker 5-in-1 ethernet, HDMI, & USB-A to USB-C adapter has a petite form factor
https://www.anker.com/products/varia...a-hub/A83310A1
Seems like a reasonable "in case needed" USB-C dongle to leave packed in the travel cable bag along with a short USB-A extension cable if you'd want to use USB-A & eth at the same time (reviews note a little interference).
Jul 29, 2018, 2:25 am
#87
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You are right -- strange I couldn't ever find that one, I have bought two USB C chargers and various cables from Microprice just a couple month ago and I missed it. Although the one I linked is much cheaper. Good to know they have it.
Aug 1, 2018, 3:19 am
#89
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laptops
i never kept track of actual current draw but within context of use-case on flight ive not had an issue of net negative charge.
i never kept track of actual current draw but within context of use-case on flight ive not had an issue of net negative charge.
Aug 1, 2018, 3:24 am
#90
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I just bought a new laptop with 65W USB-C charger. The previous Aukey unit I have wouldnt cut the mustard.
Looks like this Monoprice is a great all purpose tool and well priced.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2
Looks like this Monoprice is a great all purpose tool and well priced.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2