4 Factors To Consider When Buying A Laptop Charger

Thanks to their portability and sleek design, it is unsurprising that many in Singapore prefer using a laptop over a desktop for their personal and professional endeavours in recent years. However, a laptop is only as good as its power supply. Without a reliable power supply to charge the device quickly and efficiently, the laptop’s primary draw – its portability – is negated.

While the charger provided with your laptop is usually sufficient and does a competent job, there are more options you can explore if you wish to maximise your device’s functionality and charging capabilities. Let us share how you can purchase a suitable wall charger to enhance your laptop’s charging capabilities.

Factor #1: Electrical specifications
 

When buying a wall charger for your laptop, the electrical specification should always be your most important consideration, as using a power adapter with incorrect voltage can damage the laptop’s battery and internal components. Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to ascertain the required specifications – check the charger output data printed on the device.

Keep this information in mind when shopping for a brand-new charger, as the voltage and wattage of the adapter must match the required voltage of your laptop. Most wall chargers compatible with smartphones only transmit a current of 1A to 2A, making them unsuitable for laptops. Instead, you will want a GaN wall charger that supports fast charging of up to 65W.

Learn More: Why You Need A GaN Charger And How To Find The Right One

Factor #2: Connector type
 

Different laptop models come with different types of charging connectors. Thankfully, most modern laptops now have a separate USB-C port to charge the device. Therefore, a USB Type-C cable with matching wattage should work perfectly with the wall charger to power your laptop, whether you are using a Windows laptop or a MacBook.

Factor #3: Compatibility
 

Different laptop brands may have proprietary charging technologies and protocols – see Apple’s Lightning connectors for its older devices. Therefore, it is wise to research the product to ensure it is compatible with your laptop before purchasing it. However, for simplicity's sake, we recommend sticking to USB-C charging, as its universal specifications ensure most USB-C wall chargers will fit your laptop’s charging needs, thus providing you with more options.

Factor #4: Adapter format
 

Some laptop models, like the MacBook Air, allow users to connect their devices directly to the power source. Conversely, others may require an adapter to connect the laptop and the power source. Some adapters even come with additional USB ports, allowing you to charge other devices simultaneously, adding versatility to your charging setup if you so desire. So, at the end of the day, choosing your ideal adapter format comes down to how you set up your workspace and whether you plan to use other devices together with your laptop.

As you can see, purchasing a brand-new charger for your laptop is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. By investing time in understanding your laptop's charging needs and choosing a wall charger that meets those requirements, you can safeguard your device and ensure it continues functioning perfectly for years!

Reference: News, Energea Tech, 09 May, 2023