Working from the boat - laptop charging

[lustyd]

How about charging your USB-C compatible laptop using a boat USB (rectangular) socket? Will that work?

Not usually, no. USB-A can be compatible with PD which delivers more current, but it isn't compatible with the higher voltage higher current stuff that USB-C adds generally, so doesn't offer enough to charge a laptop in a meaningful way.

 

[lustyd]

The standard USB C socket works on 5v. That is nowhere near enough for a laptop battery.

No, USB-A was originally 5V whereas USB-C runs on various voltages for fast charging and power delivery. The voltage can be "negotiated" between devices, of which the charger can be one, but could just as easily be two laptops.

 

[KompetentKrew]

How about charging your USB-C compatible laptop using a boat USB (rectangular) socket? Will that work?

Use one of these:

• https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075R8Q1FY
• https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GUVNHS4
• https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GUVNHY8

I think most people would prefer the 27W one, but my MacBook charges off the lower power ones too, drawing less current off the boat's bank.

There are other brands, but having killed one laptop in the past by using it with a cheap USB-C peripheral, I'll stick to Belkin and their connected-equipment warranty.

 

[Poignard]

Ring Mini Inverter 12V

That's what I use.

 

[KompetentKrew]

Ring Mini Inverter 12V

That's what I use.

I'd have thought that converting to 240v and back down again would be less efficient for a laptop that can charge off USB-C.

A USB-C adaptor might be converting the 12v to 20v (although perhaps not?) but surely converting to 240v would take more work?

 

[Poignard]

I'd have thought that converting to 240v and back down again would be less efficient for a laptop that can charge off USB-C.

A USB-C adaptor might be converting the 12v to 20v (although perhaps not?) but surely converting to 240v would take more work?

I'm sure you're right but I bought the inverter more than 20 years ago when I hadn't the faintest idea what USB was and, while it does the job satisfactorily, I have no real reason to do away with it.