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How do I Choose the Best Universal Laptop Charger?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

To choose the best universal laptop charger, you should consider what type of laptop you have and need to charge, and how you want to charge it. Different chargers typically will have a number of different plugs that can be used for various laptops, allowing you to charge many different laptops with a single device. You should be sure to find one that has the proper plug for your laptop, however, to ensure you can use the charger. There are also different ways in which a universal laptop charger can be connected to a power supply, so you should be sure to find a charger that will suit your needs.

A universal laptop charger is a device that can connect to a laptop computer, and which also connects to a power supply such as a wall electrical outlet or a vehicle charger plug, to provide a charge to the laptop. Despite the term “universal,” these devices typically have a few different types of laptops they can be connected to, though this is often better than other chargers that work with only a single type of laptop. A universal charger usually consists of cord that plugs into a power source, which connects to a charger that has another cord that connects to the laptop during charging.

Man holding computer
Man holding computer

One of the most important things you should look for from a universal laptop charger is the types of laptops with which it can be used. Most chargers should have a compatibility list you can read before purchasing the charger to ensure it will work with your laptop or laptops. The device will typically come with different plugs that can be used with the charger cord, allowing the charger to connect to different laptops simply by changing the connector plug; you should be sure to find a charger with the right plug for your laptop. You should also be sure to see what voltage the charger can provide, as many laptops run on either 15V or 20V; you should find a charger that can be switched between these voltages if necessary.

It can also be helpful to ensure any universal laptop charger you consider can be used the way in which you need to use it. If you plan on using your charger primarily in a home or workplace, then you should look for a charger that can plug into a wall outlet. On the other hand, if you will need to charge your laptop while in a vehicle, then you should find a charger that has a plug for vehicular use. You can even find a universal laptop charger with multiple plugs to function in just about any situation.

Discussion Comments

anon286563

Do you have to have different batteries and chargers for laptops as opposed to notebooks, or can you use the same for both machines?

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