laptop that can be charged by USB-C?

[LakeRat1]

I use my HP Chomebook and Laptop USB-C chargers between both devices as well use it to charge my Samsung Phone

 

[hotwired]

I need to replace my 2017 Dell XPS-13, which has served me well. The size and weight are perfect for schlepping in my backpack to libraries, coffee houses, etc.

Looking ahead, I want to replace it with another WINDOWS lightweight laptop/notebook/ultrabook (below 3 lbs). Perhaps an Asus Zenbook....

However, it has been suggested to me that I get a laptop that can be charged by USB-C and a 65W or higher wall charger as this will be less cumbersome than the traditional charging brick and cords.

Thoughts? This is new to me.

2nd on the x1 carbon. Weighs no more than a book of matches, brutally fast. Little bloat ware. Get to know the potential discounts ... You can pay or $900 or $1,900 depending on how much you are paying attention

 

[hotwired]

I need to replace my 2017 Dell XPS-13, which has served me well. The size and weight are perfect for schlepping in my backpack to libraries, coffee houses, etc.

Looking ahead, I want to replace it with another WINDOWS lightweight laptop/notebook/ultrabook (below 3 lbs). Perhaps an Asus Zenbook....

However, it has been suggested to me that I get a laptop that can be charged by USB-C and a 65W or higher wall charger as this will be less cumbersome than the traditional charging brick and cords.

Thoughts? This is new to me.

I will also say that my local 40 year veteran computer builder recommends IBM or Lenovo or Asus. And to absolutely start away from Dell / HP. I don't think anyone but the typical "check email and casual browser" would be happy with Chromebook. Just the fact that they're a product of what I consider to be the most mediocre organization on earth would be enough for a "no" for me.

 

[FIREarly]

I need to replace my 2017 Dell XPS-13, which has served me well. The size and weight are perfect for schlepping in my backpack to libraries, coffee houses, etc.

Looking ahead, I want to replace it with another WINDOWS lightweight laptop/notebook/ultrabook (below 3 lbs). Perhaps an Asus Zenbook....

However, it has been suggested to me that I get a laptop that can be charged by USB-C and a 65W or higher wall charger as this will be less cumbersome than the traditional charging brick and cords.

Thoughts? This is new to me.

Simple, get USB-C, it's the "new" norm for charging and charges faster.

Also, get a USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) Dongle. This Let's you use the old USB cables and connect them to your newer/faster USB-C port.

Lots of good options. Anker makes great changing cables and dongles.

Amazon dongle example by searching "usb-a to usb-c dongle": Amazon.com

 

[SecondAttempt]

I bought a Dell XPS 14 in March that is awesome for travel and home. It charges from USB-c and I have a single Anker charger brick from my laptop, tablet, phone, and other devices. I also have 2 port car adapter to charge it from in a pinch.

While I have no experience with any breakage, I can generally agree that USB-c is probably more fragile than a barrel connector. But there are 3 USB-c ports on my XPS and I have a 4 year warranty so I am not overly concerned. One of the reasons I like Dell is their warranty service. For 4 years you will pay roughly double the cost of the bare laptop but will have no worries for at least 4 years. Something goes wrong and a guy is at your house (or whereever) the next day (or second day in many cases because of parts shipping) to fix it! I've had this done several times on several computers over 20 years and it is awesome!

 

[JoeWras]

I'm a Lenovo guy since we used them at work and we abused them to death with no issues. My 7 year old is going great, but won't run Win 11, so I'll be in the market soon. This USB C charging issue is something to take into consideration.

I got DW a Dell a few years ago and the screen hinge broke after only 8 months or so. Disappointing. However, as SecondAttempt mentions, their service was outstanding as this occurred in the 1 yr warranty window. Repaired at house within 2 days. I'm not sure I want another after that mechanical issue. DW now keeps it open all the time, even carrying it around the house, and only closes it for travel.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

I bought a Dell XPS 14 in March that is awesome for travel and home. It charges from USB-c and I have a single Anker charger brick from my laptop, tablet, phone, and other devices. I also have 2 port car adapter to charge it from in a pinch.

While I have no experience with any breakage, I can generally agree that USB-c is probably more fragile than a barrel connector. But there are 3 USB-c ports on my XPS and I have a 4 year warranty so I am not overly concerned. One of the reasons I like Dell is their warranty service. For 4 years you will pay roughly double the cost of the bare laptop but will have no worries for at least 4 years. Something goes wrong and a guy is at your house (or whereever) the next day (or second day in many cases because of parts shipping) to fix it! I've had this done several times on several computers over 20 years and it is awesome!

If you're worried about the durability of USB-C ports, I'll repeat my recommendation for FrameWork laptops. Extra USB-C expansion cards are $19 each, and although the 65W power brick has a USB-C port, I replaced the rubber-sheathed USB-C to USB-C cable with one with a nylon braided cover, which is much more durable (see below), which is so much nicer than a power brick with a built-in cable. I removed the expansion card below to demonstrate how they work.

 

[mak99]

I have a couple year-old HP Spectre (bought via Ebay) that can charge via either of the two USB-C ports. I have a small 65w adapter that works great. Plus for longevity I've added the magnetic USB ports to the laptop and cable so minimal stress on the laptop port. Plus it also has a regular barrel connector for the slightly larger HP-provided AC adapter.

4K OLED screen was the main reason I bought the laptop, and the used price was reasonable and for being in perfect condition. Weighs about 4 lbs which is light enough for me.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I bought a Dell XPS 14 in March that is awesome for travel and home. It charges from USB-c and I have a single Anker charger brick from my laptop, tablet, phone, and other devices. I also have 2 port car adapter to charge it from in a pinch.

While I have no experience with any breakage, I can generally agree that USB-c is probably more fragile than a barrel connector. But there are 3 USB-c ports on my XPS and I have a 4 year warranty so I am not overly concerned. One of the reasons I like Dell is their warranty service. For 4 years you will pay roughly double the cost of the bare laptop but will have no worries for at least 4 years. Something goes wrong and a guy is at your house (or whereever) the next day (or second day in many cases because of parts shipping) to fix it! I've had this done several times on several computers over 20 years and it is awesome!

Quoting myself...

My 5 month old Dell has developed a screen or possibly graphics card issue. Disappointing after such a short time but I'm confident they'll make it right. They would undoubtedly send someone to my house but I will probably opt for the send-in option for logistical reasons.

 

[segfault]

I was shopping for a new laptop in 2023 and found that the lower priced ($500 range) models did not include this functionality, which was a dealbreaker for me. I ended up spending closer to $1,000 for a newly introduced Asus Zenbook which also had the latest generation Intel processor, which should be good for some future-proofing. Given that I use it nearly every day (connected to an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor) and will probably keep it 6+ years, the added expense was pretty easy for me to justify.