The Explorer 100 can be a handy source of portable power if all your equipment can run from USB-C PD. These days that includes a lot of cell phones and laptop computers. It the maximum capacity allowed on airlines – 99.2 watt-hours, so it can be taken with you almost anywhere.
With the introduction of the latest USB-C, USB PD and USB 3.0/ 3.1/ 3.2 specifications there are a lot of optional features that can be implemented by USB devices, but these features only work if you’ve got the right cable. Here’s how to recognize the cable you need. Remember that transfer speeds and power delivery is determined by the equipment on both ends of the cable, but the wrong cable can be a limiting factor.
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I tested a smattering of USB-C cables and USB PD chargers with a Lenovo Thinkpad E480 which uses USB-C PD charging. I was specifically looking at equipment for off-grid use for solar charging of laptops in a village situation. Is USB-C charging going to be the next big thing? Do different products interoperate well? Is the technology ready for the real world?
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Laptop computers are now being produced which use a USB Type-C connector to charge the laptop. Laptops need more power than phones or tablets, and the new USB PD protocol (PD = Power Delivery) makes much higher power levels possible; up to 100W can be passed over some USB-C cables. The USB specs and terminology keep getting revised and now contain a smorgasbord of optional features, and the marketing terminology is totally confusing. Here’s my summary of what you need to know about USB-C laptop charging, cables and chargers.
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