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
Jan 10, 2019, 7:10 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,324
Satechi released a 2 usb-c PD + 2 usb-a 75W charger for $69.99
https://www.redmondpie.com/satechi-a...rger-ces-2019/
I'm looking forward to Anker's Atom PD chargers, especially the two and four port versions. The single port Atom PD 1 charger is slated to go on sale in January https://www.anker.com/deals/powerport_atom It looks like the plug might not be foldable based on stock photos? RavPower also released a single port GaN usb-c PD charger https://theinventory.com/ravpower-fi...war-1831265460. The Atom 1 would probably fit into bedside sockets on weirdly shaped decorative lamp bases while the RavPower might not.
There were also a few usb-c PD power banks announced at CES 2019. I've been waiting for a PD enabled one which is around 10,000 mAh or less ( or < 6 oz) which charges & discharges with usb-c (a few only charge the power bank with usb-c and send power out via usb-a). Mophie's Powerstation PD (XL) is close but max is 18W which limits it to phone and tablet http://uk.mophie.com/shop/powerstation-usbc-pd and looks a little bit chunky for a hand bag.
Fans of Qi have a few charging mat announcements including one on a power bank. Could be useful for those who travel with Qi compatible devices like the discontinued Sonicare Qi toothbrush.
https://www.redmondpie.com/satechi-a...rger-ces-2019/
I'm looking forward to Anker's Atom PD chargers, especially the two and four port versions. The single port Atom PD 1 charger is slated to go on sale in January https://www.anker.com/deals/powerport_atom It looks like the plug might not be foldable based on stock photos? RavPower also released a single port GaN usb-c PD charger https://theinventory.com/ravpower-fi...war-1831265460. The Atom 1 would probably fit into bedside sockets on weirdly shaped decorative lamp bases while the RavPower might not.
There were also a few usb-c PD power banks announced at CES 2019. I've been waiting for a PD enabled one which is around 10,000 mAh or less ( or < 6 oz) which charges & discharges with usb-c (a few only charge the power bank with usb-c and send power out via usb-a). Mophie's Powerstation PD (XL) is close but max is 18W which limits it to phone and tablet http://uk.mophie.com/shop/powerstation-usbc-pd and looks a little bit chunky for a hand bag.
Fans of Qi have a few charging mat announcements including one on a power bank. Could be useful for those who travel with Qi compatible devices like the discontinued Sonicare Qi toothbrush.
Jan 10, 2019, 7:38 pm
#107
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,324
Oh there is a huge development: you can now get USB 3.1 to M.2 key M (NVMe) adapters. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB3...904347018.html
https://www.anandtech.com/show/13824...-ssd-goes-nvme
Could be an option for those who would prefer not to DIY. I hope they include a compliant A male to C male cable instead of the non-compliant C female to A male adapter (at least I haven't see a compliant C female to A male adapter, afaik https://plus.google.com/+BensonLeung/posts/UFCHbSDRa2o ) they bundled with the current version.
Jan 11, 2019, 12:25 am
#108
Join Date: May 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 731
Newest addition to my travel kit is a 65W charger made by one of Xiaomi's brands. Excellent build quality at unbeatable price, as per usual:
Looking forward to getting this as well, with a MSRP of $30.
https://www.gizmochina.com/2019/01/0...fast-charging/
Looking forward to getting this as well, with a MSRP of $30.
https://www.gizmochina.com/2019/01/0...fast-charging/
Jan 11, 2019, 12:37 am
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,552
Satechi released a 2 usb-c PD + 2 usb-a 75W charger for $69.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M97XGNZ
https://www.redmondpie.com/satechi-a...rger-ces-2019/
I'm looking forward to Anker's Atom PD chargers, especially the two and four port versions. The single port Atom PD 1 charger is slated to go on sale in January https://www.anker.com/deals/powerport_atom It looks like the plug might not be foldable based on stock photos? RavPower also released a single port GaN usb-c PD charger https://theinventory.com/ravpower-fi...war-1831265460. The Atom 1 would probably fit into bedside sockets on weirdly shaped decorative lamp bases while the RavPower might not.
There were also a few usb-c PD power banks announced at CES 2019. I've been waiting for a PD enabled one which is around 10,000 mAh or less ( or < 6 oz) which charges & discharges with usb-c (a few only charge the power bank with usb-c and send power out via usb-a). Mophie's Powerstation PD (XL) is close but max is 18W which limits it to phone and tablet powerstation PD and looks a little bit chunky for a hand bag.
Fans of Qi have a few charging mat announcements including one on a power bank. Could be useful for those who travel with Qi compatible devices like the discontinued Sonicare Qi toothbrush.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M97XGNZ
https://www.redmondpie.com/satechi-a...rger-ces-2019/
I'm looking forward to Anker's Atom PD chargers, especially the two and four port versions. The single port Atom PD 1 charger is slated to go on sale in January https://www.anker.com/deals/powerport_atom It looks like the plug might not be foldable based on stock photos? RavPower also released a single port GaN usb-c PD charger https://theinventory.com/ravpower-fi...war-1831265460. The Atom 1 would probably fit into bedside sockets on weirdly shaped decorative lamp bases while the RavPower might not.
There were also a few usb-c PD power banks announced at CES 2019. I've been waiting for a PD enabled one which is around 10,000 mAh or less ( or < 6 oz) which charges & discharges with usb-c (a few only charge the power bank with usb-c and send power out via usb-a). Mophie's Powerstation PD (XL) is close but max is 18W which limits it to phone and tablet powerstation PD and looks a little bit chunky for a hand bag.
Fans of Qi have a few charging mat announcements including one on a power bank. Could be useful for those who travel with Qi compatible devices like the discontinued Sonicare Qi toothbrush.
Jan 11, 2019, 1:33 am
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,552
Jan 11, 2019, 1:55 am
#112
Join Date: May 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 731
In this case, wouldn't the more important factor be Chinese-manufactured instead of solely Chinese-branded?
You'd be hard-pressed to find many major brand that are neither. Given their dominance of power banks and cables on Amazon, it's easy to forget Anker is Chinese.
You'd be hard-pressed to find many major brand that are neither. Given their dominance of power banks and cables on Amazon, it's easy to forget Anker is Chinese.
Jan 11, 2019, 1:41 pm
#113
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
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All electronics are manufactured in China.
Remember the claim by Bloomberg that the Chinese had implanted spy chips in Apple products which Apple vociferously denied?
You can expect an American company to audit and make sure nothing is implanted.
But a Chinese company? More likely to be accomplices.
Remember the claim by Bloomberg that the Chinese had implanted spy chips in Apple products which Apple vociferously denied?
You can expect an American company to audit and make sure nothing is implanted.
But a Chinese company? More likely to be accomplices.
Jan 14, 2019, 3:12 am
#116
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
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My latest addition is a Surface Pro-to-USB-C charging cable:
J-Go Tech Surface Connect to USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KY31Q4Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I can confirm it does, in fact, do what it says on the tin - it fully charges my Surface Pro 4 just like you’d expect. The cable quality is... acceptable. I’m not going to say it’s premium, and I plan to keep a close eye on it for a while. But even if it just serves as a backup charger while traveling, I’m excited about adding it to my bag; once I get enough confidence in it, ditching the Surface brick once and for all will be amazing.
J-Go Tech Surface Connect to USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KY31Q4Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I can confirm it does, in fact, do what it says on the tin - it fully charges my Surface Pro 4 just like you’d expect. The cable quality is... acceptable. I’m not going to say it’s premium, and I plan to keep a close eye on it for a while. But even if it just serves as a backup charger while traveling, I’m excited about adding it to my bag; once I get enough confidence in it, ditching the Surface brick once and for all will be amazing.
Jan 14, 2019, 8:57 am
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,552
Received the Innergie 60C yesterday. While it's powering my laptop with no issues, I'm a bit disappointed that it seems to move around in the socket very easily. In fact, it's already gotten unplugged several times. Did I get a dud or are they all like that? 
Jan 15, 2019, 2:06 am
#120
Join Date: May 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 731
https://www.zmiusa.com/products/zmi-...e-wall-charger but I'm based in HK so I'm not sure what stateside availability is like.