If you have bought a laptop recently, you may have noticed a growing change in the market. Some newer laptop models now arrive without a charger included in the box.
The manufacturers like Dell and HP, now offer selected laptop models without a charger in the box. Apple UK has some MacBook configurations where the power adapter is optional.
With some current laptop purchases, the charger is no longer automatically included, so if you want one, it may be added as a separate item or its cost may be built into the supplier’s quote. Dell says that since June 2024 it has offered an option to buy some laptops and tablets without an AC adapter, and HP says some notebook and Chromebook models are also available without an AC power adapter.
So the practical answer is:
- If you buy from a supplier, they might include the charger cost in the quotation.
- If you buy directly, you may have to add the charger separately.
- If the laptop is sold without one, you should always check exactly what is included before ordering.
Why Are Some Laptops Sold Without A Charger?
More laptop manufacturers are beginning to offer certain models without a charger included in the box. Firstly, many users already own compatible chargers, especially with the widespread use of USB-C. Including another charger in every purchase can lead to unnecessary duplication.
Secondly, there is also an environmental reason behind this change. Supplying a new charger with every laptop can lead to waste, especially when users already have chargers at home, at work, or in their bag. Over time, this creates more unused accessories, more packaging, and more electronic waste than necessary.
Finally, by separating the laptop from the charger, businesses and users have more freedom to choose only what they actually need. For some, that may be a dedicated charger for travel. For others, it may make more sense to use a docking station at work and avoid receiving an extra charger that may never be used.
What to Look for in a Laptop Charger
If you need to buy a charger separately, it is worth checking more than just whether the plug fits.
The first thing to look at is wattage. Your laptop needs a charger that can supply enough power for normal use and charging. A charger with too little power may still work in some cases, but charging can be slow, inconsistent, or may not keep up while the laptop is in use.
It is also important to look at both the total wattage of the charger and the wattage available from each port. For example, a charger may be rated at 100W overall, but that does not always mean a single port can deliver 100W to the laptop. On multi-port chargers, the available power is often shared between ports. If the laptop needs 65W or more, this is especially important to check.
You should also make sure the charger supports the right charging standard, such as USB C Power Delivery, if your laptop uses USB C charging.
In practice, it is worth checking:
- The total wattage of the charger
- The maximum wattage available from a single port
- Whether the wattage is reduced when multiple devices are plugged in
- Whether the charger supports USB C Power Delivery
- Whether it is suitable for the laptop model you are using
USB C Cable Compatibility Matters
Choosing the right charger is only part of the story. The cable matters too.
Many modern laptops and phones now charge through USB C, which is helpful because it creates more consistency across devices. But not every USB C cable performs the same way. Some cables are designed mainly for basic charging, while others support higher power delivery or faster data transfer.
That means:
• A cable may fit but still not perform correctly
• Charging may be slow or inconsistent
• Some laptops may not charge at all with the wrong cable
• A cable may not be able to carry the wattage your charger can provide
This is especially important for users who want one charger for multiple devices. The charger, laptop, phone, and cable all need to be compatible with each other for the setup to work properly.
How to Decide Whether You Need a Charger, a Dock, or Both
Not every user needs the same charging solution. The best option often depends on where and how they work each day.
Office based users
Someone who mainly works at a desk in the office may benefit more from a docking station than from a separate charger. A dock can connect the laptop to monitors, keyboard, mouse, network, and power through a single cable, making the desk setup cleaner and easier to use.
However, this only works if the laptop supports those features through that port. The USB C, USB4, or Thunderbolt port on the laptop must support charging, data, and display output for the full one cable setup to work.
It is also worth checking whether the dock, or port replicator, supports power pass through and whether it can provide enough power for the laptop being used.
Hybrid workers
People who regularly move between home and the office may need a different setup. In that case, having a dedicated charger at home and a dock at work could be the most practical option.
This can give users the convenience of a one cable desk setup in the office, while still keeping a charger ready to use elsewhere.
Frequent travellers
For people who travel frequently, a compact charger is often the better choice. A lightweight GaN charger can be especially useful because it can often charge both a laptop and a phone, reducing the number of items they need to carry.
Again, it is important to check that one port can deliver enough wattage for the laptop, especially if the charger has several ports.
What to Check Before Buying a Dock
A docking station can be a very useful part of a modern laptop setup, but not every dock works the same way.
Before buying, it is worth checking:
- Whether the laptop supports charging, display output, and data through one port
- Whether the dock provides enough power for the laptop
- Whether the dock supports power pass through
- How many displays, USB devices, and network connections it supports
- Whether it connects through USB C, USB4, or Thunderbolt
- Whether it is intended as a full dock or simply a basic port replicator
A dock may connect accessories successfully but still not charge the laptop properly if the power delivery is not sufficient.
Making The Right Choice
While a missing charger may seem like a drawback at first, it can actually be an opportunity to build a better setup.
By choosing the right combination of charger, dock, and USB-C cable, businesses can:
- Improve user experience
- Reduce unnecessary waste
- Create more flexible working environments
If you are unsure which setup is best for your needs, we would be happy to help you choose the right solution for your devices. Contact us!
