Power Adapters

USB-C laptop power adapters in Kenya

Laptops now charge over USB-C, and this collection of power adapters covers USB-C chargers for Dell, HP, Lenovo and MacBook laptops, plus a generic universal Type-C charger. Wattages run from 30W to 87W, and the key decision is choosing the right wattage for your machine.

How USB-C charging works

USB-C chargers use USB Power Delivery (PD). The charger and laptop negotiate a voltage from a set of fixed levels, commonly 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V, and 20V is what laptops typically use. Power is voltage multiplied by current, so a 65W charger delivers about 3.25A at 20V. A USB-C cable normally carries up to 3A; reaching 5A (100W) needs a cable with an e-marker chip. Newer PD 3.1 extends the range to 240W, but the chargers here are 30W to 87W.

Choosing the wattage

• 30W to 45W: thin and light laptops, ultrabooks and tablets.
• 60W to 65W: most mainstream business and student laptops.
• 87W: larger 15-inch class laptops, as retailers pair it with 15-inch MacBook Pros.

Check your original charger's label or Apple's technical specifications for your exact model. A charger with the same or higher wattage will work; a lower-wattage one may charge slowly or not keep up while you work. Older laptops that use barrel-pin chargers are in laptop chargers and adapters.

Wattages available

Popular adapters

• Dell 65W USB-C power adapter for mainstream Dell laptops.
• HP 65W USB-C power adapter for HP laptops that charge over USB-C.
• Lenovo 45W USB-C power adapter for lighter Lenovo models.
• MacBook Type-C 30W USB-C power adapter for small MacBooks.
• MacBook USB-C 87W power adapter for larger MacBooks.
• Generic universal Type-C 45W adapter as a general-purpose spare.

If your battery no longer holds charge, see laptop batteries.

Why use USB-C for a spare?

One USB-C charger of enough wattage can often charge a laptop, a tablet and a phone, which is handy for travel and for offices that mix brands.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge a laptop with a phone charger?

Only slowly, if at all. Most phone chargers supply far less than a laptop needs.

Does the cable matter?

Yes. Use a cable rated for the power you need; 100W needs an e-marked 5A cable.

Can a Dell charger power an HP laptop?

USB-C PD chargers are generally interchangeable if the wattage is enough, but check the manufacturer's guidance.

Adepta Technologies delivers in Nairobi and across Kenya. Tell us your laptop model and we will help you pick the right adapter.