Laptop PSUs - I just don't get it!

[Drew Stephenson]

GaN is just a semiconductor technology that produces less heat, making it useful in chargers (and LEDs)... but using GaN doesn't guarantee PPS compatibility.

The Belkin website lists these chargers as PPS compatible (and I dont think it includes the one you found):

https://www.belkin.com/uk/products/char ... rt=0&sz=24

A frustrating lack of detail in the specs. Typically the only one that appears to meet the Elf's line-lump requirement appears to be the most expensive one.

The Anker site is no better.

[The Elf]

Thanks all. Input appreciated, as always.

I think I'll head for Drew's suggestion. If it works it's the one that appeals to me most.

I'll leave it for now until past Christmas...

[The Elf]

Ah, I missed the two posts above.

This is a pain. I really don't have space at the back of my rack power strips for anything other than a 'normal' UK plug. That has to be my starting point - or I'm looking at ghastly power extensions.

I'm going to have to sit and think about this. At least now I understand the issue in part.

It's ridiculous to think I have perfectly capable PSUs that this new 'clever' system makes useless. Crazy.

[Hugh Robjohns]

This is just the never ending march of technology — in this case for more efficient battery charging with a longer working life.

I'm sure we've all got perfectly capable PSUs from old technology in drawers or boxes that can't be plugged into new technology...

It must be possible to get hold of the LG original as a replacement part, or a similar style unit under a different brand name... albeit at some expense.

[tea for two]

I'm going to have to sit and think about this. At least now I understand the issue in part.

I'm just not getting the head scratching. Hugh and I both mentioned two named 100W PPS chargers. I even quoted our posts so that's 2x mentioned.

[BWC]

...or I'm looking at ghastly power extensions.

but...

The box in the middle is less of a problem to ne.

Why is a wall wart with a short extension worse than a line lump?

[Wonks]

Elf said above that this has got to fit into a socket strip facing forwards at the back of his rack. There’s space for a standard 13A UK plug, but anything much deeper will interfere with the rack equipment/XLRs and TRS jacks plugged into the equipment.

[BWC]

Right, but why would the plug on a short extension be any deeper than a standard plug?

[James Perrett]

Right, but why would the plug on a short extension be any deeper than a standard plug?

I'm guessing that, if Elf's rack is anything like some of mine, there's a 1U high gap where he could fit a power supply but anything higher won't fit. Wall warts on a socket tend to take up 3-4U.

[BWC]

Right, but why would the plug on a short extension be any deeper than a standard plug?

I'm guessing that, if Elf's rack is anything like some of mine, there's a 1U high gap where he could fit a power supply but anything higher won't fit. Wall warts on a socket tend to take up 3-4U.

That makes sense, but all Elf said about it (so far) was that a box in the middle is less of a problem, so can only guess about space available for the "box" (or needed length of extension).

[illegal colors]

It's ridiculous to think I have perfectly capable PSUs that this new 'clever' system makes useless. Crazy.

LG claims that your laptop can play video for 20 hours on a fully charged 80Wh battery. It doesn't need that much power to work. It didn't work with your Dell charger for some reason, it doesn't mean it won't work with your other chargers. At least try to be nice to the environment. Save the planet. It depends on people like you to do the right thing.

Good luck.

[James Perrett]

This one looks possible if you use a Euro extender lead as the Euro connector doesn't stick out so effectively turns it into an in-line PSU.

https://cpc.farnell.com/verbatim/32203/ ... dp/PW05804

used with its European connector connected to

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394802590906

with one of the UK to European adaptors like this

https://cpc.farnell.com/unbranded/pcp-b ... dp/PW00900

[The Elf]

It's ridiculous to think I have perfectly capable PSUs that this new 'clever' system makes useless. Crazy.

LG claims that your laptop can play video for 20 hours on a fully charged 80Wh battery. It doesn't need that much power to work. It didn't work with your Dell charger for some reason, it doesn't mean it won't work with your other chargers. At least try to be nice to the environment. Save the planet. It depends on people like you to do the right thing.

All of my chargers are identical. I bought them as a batch.

I'm trying to do the right thing, but PPS seems intent on forcing me to do otherwise!

[The Elf]

This one looks possible if you use a Euro extender lead as the Euro connector doesn't stick out so effectively turns it into an in-line PSU....

Thank you. Not my ideal, but will keep in mind...

[Hugh Robjohns]

All of my chargers are identical. I bought them as a batch.

So the real issue here is that you bought a new laptop which is completely incompatible with your existing chargers...

[The Elf]

And you may recall that my previous (sadly demised) laptop was incompatible with the PSUs I had before that. Which is when I bought this last batch...

Isn't it good that PSUs have been standardised to USB-C to prevent wastage and land-fill?!

Lovely, lovely PSUs. I like them so much that I now own around 40 of them in a tub, plus a 'universal' kit that has everything I could ever need - apart from USB-C...