The USB-C port placement of your laptop matters more than you think. By having two USB-C ports, both support power delivery-how do you work, travel, and connect the connect device. Nevertheless, most manufacturers still cut corners at this necessary facility.
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Not all USB-C ports are the same
While there are many benefits of USB-C, not each USB-C port is made equal. Many laptops now come with many USB-C ports, but their abilities may vary widely. Some can deliver up to 240W for fast charging, while others provide just 15W. Some ports only handle data, while others only handle power; Many support both, with different speeds and glasses. Data transfer can range from basic USB 2.0 to high-speed Thunderbolt 4, so it is worth knowing what each port is capable.
To be clear, I am advocating laptops with two USB-C ports that both support full power delivery charging. Not a charging port and a data port. Not a full-managed port and a limited accessory port. Two similar ports, each is capable of handling the full charging needs of your laptop.
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A defective port means a dead laptop
If your laptop has only one charging port, and it fails, the device becomes unusable. While the USB-C port is officially rated for minimum 10,000 insertion and removal cycles, they face more wear than traditional barrels chargerrs as they handle many tasks- charging, displays, storage and peripherals. Connection is emphasized by each insertion and removal, and that single port tolerates all this.
Even when USB-C ports are repaible, doing so is expensive. They require special equipment and expertise to fix and to replace the port, which is much more complicated than the repair of traditional barrel jack. If the damage affects the motherboard marks or power delivery chips, you may require a full motherboard replacement at a lot of cost.
My $ 160 Charger Cemetery
I learned this for the first time with my HP pavilion gaming laptop. The original 150W charger failed after two years. I felt that I would only buy a new – besides HP no longer sells it. Now I am stuck with third-party replacement that lasts for only six months if I am lucky. Four dead chargers later, my only option keeps buying these flimsy replacements or spends more on 200W charger, which the company can stop selling at any time.
Four replacement charger at $ 40 is equal to $ 160 below each drain. This is enough for two quality USB-C chargers who will strengthen every tool with me. If my laptop had dual USB-C charging ports, I could use any compatible high-wattage charger. Even if a port fails, I will have a backup and will not need to be hurried to fix it.
Connected
Do not buy USB-C laptop charger without considering these 5 things first
The USB-C is incredibly useful, but there are some quirks to know about laptop chargers.
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The ports of both sides make life easier
It is very good to have two USB-C ports, but where they are kept in cases. When your laptop has port charge on both sides, it makes life much easier. On your desk, whatever you can plug out of the side is close to the outlet, so you do not have a cable in your field. If you are in a cafe or on a plane, you can use the side that reaches the plug without spreading the cable on your lap or in place of someone else.
It is not just about the convenience; It also keeps your setup cleaner. You can charge one side and plug into your mouse, keyboard, or hub on the other, so the cables do not get entangled in one place. Even it helps your laptop ports to last long, because you are not wearing only once. If you rely on the USB-C for charging, data and accessories, the having ports on both sides simplifies life.
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Why laptop manufacturers stay cheap at ports
Manufacturers avoid installing USB-C ports on both sides for three main reasons: cost, design preferences and benefits.
First, adding a second full-operated USB-C port in the opposite direction is not as simple as cutting another hole in the chassis. This requires the entire motherboard to be re-designed to properly root high speed, high-power connections on both sides. It is also necessary to copy expensive power delivery controllers and protection circuits, as well as manage additional heat from the components spread in the device. It all combines complexity, engineering time and cost.
Second, the brands chase ultra-spring designs at the cost of practicality. Every port needs space from inside, not only outside. Instead of balancing the form and function, companies choose slimmer profiles on useful features because they know that people will buy the most smooth laptop on the shelf, even though it means to gather the dongle and treat the dongle and treat it with strange cable runs.
Third, additional ports are advertised as a premium feature. Basic models obtain strip-down port layout, while some premium lines back to clear features such as double-sided USB-C. If you want more than one USB-C port that supports charging, you are pushed into buying a $ 2,000 Pro version. It is intentional, and it works – people pay more for the characteristics that must be standard already.
One of the reasons for the framework to love the modular laptop is that it gives the nail that everyone else finds it wrong about the ports. A small company discovered how the USB-C should be placed on both sides with swapable modules, while the Arab-dollar’s R&D budget technical giants claim that it is very complicated to add very important flexibility. The modular approach spends more, of course, but it highlights the excuse of large brands what they are: laziness designed as a lack of engineering.
Environmental cost
This is an environmental cost associated with all this corner cutting. The piles of ownership chargers ending in the landfill can be replaced by universal USB-C chargers that work with all your devices. A charger for your laptops, tablets, phones and accessories-this is a USB-C promise. However, this will only be effective when the manufacturers stop catching back.
Two power delivery ports, one on each side, should be standard on each modern laptop. We need backup options for important charging and flexibility to be suited to any scope. When you are shopping for your next laptop, check that both USB-C ports, not only one, can handle full power distribution. It is a simple feature that makes everyday use very easy.
In an era where we can fit supercomputer into our pocket, ask for two similar charging ports should not be seen as a large innovation, but general knowledge.
