What to Look for in a USB Adapter and How to Choose the Best one for you?

Maybe you just bought a new laptop and, after taking a look at its ports, you have discovered that you need a USB-C adapter to use your USB flash drives, SD cards, external monitors. Connect to the internet with a cable or even charge your computer while using another device. 

 

The need for USB-C adapters is a side effect of the design of new computers, which ditch old ports in favor of this new, versatile and compact connector standard.

 

In this buying guide, you will find adapters that include multiple ports to meet users' needs to continue using their peripherals with USB-A, charge devices, squeeze extra ports, and take advantage of the possibility that USB-C gives us to enjoy video in 4K.

 

About USB-C

 

USB-C is the new standard connector, valid for charging and transferring laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

 

Although not all devices have integrated it yet, there are a series of computers such as the Dell XPS 13, Asus ZenBook 3 Deluxe, HP Elitebook x360, or MacBook Pro (which only has USB-C ports) that have it. It is also present in Android smartphones such as the Google Pixel 2, Huawei P20, LG V30, and tablets such as the Surface Book 2 and the 2018 iPad Pro.

 

With USB-C, file transfers occur at USB 3.1 speeds and provide enough power to charge a computer or output content to external monitors in 4K resolution.

 

Another version of USB-C that will double the data transfer speed up to 20MBps, half that of Thunderbolt 3. The good thing is that when you move to a device that supports it, it will work with the cables and adapters that you have already purchased.

 

An important note: all Thunderbolt 3 ports use Type-C connectors and are compatible with both Thunderbolt 3 itself and USB-C, although they reach speeds of 40 MBps.

 

However, USB-C is not a panacea. Despite being born to unite and make this port a more versatile and powerful bridge, when it comes down to it. It is a controversial measure both because of the ease with which brands have gotten rid of other connectors and how manufacturers have chosen to stand out with incompatible variants, versions, and cables that make it challenging to have a port to dominate them all, for example, in aspects such as fast charging of smartphones.

 

What to Consider When Buying a USB-C Adapter

 

Unlike an AC adapter, the laptop auto adapter does not come in the original package of the computer. People who want to use the auto adapter need to buy it separately. Most laptop manufacturers offer it only as an option. Buying from the manufacturer guarantees compatibility between the laptop and the adapter.

However, it is also the most expensive way to get the adapter. Sometimes the PC manufacturer's price for an auto adapter is double that of some alternative solution.

 

In the market, we can find everything from cables or connectors that allow us to go from USB-C to any other port to more complete adapters that integrate several ports. These are precisely the most interesting since a single gadget can be enough to connect all our devices.

 

Before buying a USB-C adapter or hub, we must pay attention to essentially a few factors:

 

Number and type of ports. 

 

Think about which ports you will need and which ones you will use the most. There are adapters with HDMI socket, SD slots, jack, USB, ethernet, USB-C (something that allows charging while using the hub). which can make us opt for a model or other.

 

Design, dimensions, and layout. 

 

The previous point is key because it is an accessory we will carry with us; it must be light and contain dimensions to transport it in the laptop bag. If we choose a model that integrates the more connectors, the better, we may find that using several simultaneously is not comfortable due to their layout. Pay attention to how the connectors are distributed on the adapter.

 

Materials. 

 

In USB-C adapters, materials are essential due to heat transfer. And it is that when we connect several cables to an element as small as an adapter, it is expected to heat, which is why a design that facilitates cooling is essential, but also a material that is capable of dissipating it. The usual thing is to find adapters with plastic or aluminum housings, which is more recommended.

 

We have talked about the laptop/computer/mobile adopter buying guide. Now we are giving a brief about car adopter guide.

 

Check out a few factors to keep in mind when you buy a car adopter. 

 

Voltage Range

Most cars, trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles are designed to have a 12V outlet at the cigarette socket; however, the voltage at the outlet is not always regulated to 12V. In some situations, such as when the car engine starts to work (being cold), the output voltage may vary. Sometimes it can be as low as 10V or as high as 12V. It is causing a laptop auto adapter to fail to do its job, potentially causing crashes.

 

In auto adapters, the minimum accepted voltage is between 11V to 16V. An adapter with these specifications is usually inexpensive. But, the owner runs the risk that the adapter will stop working. The optimum current range is from 10V to 24V. The auto adapter guarantees continuous and correct operation with a higher voltage range.

 

There are situations when users need to have an auto adapter working in a wide voltage range. For example, military vehicles or heavy-duty trucks are equipped with a 24V battery system and an output voltage of up to 32V at the cigarette socket. In this case, an adapted cable that works with a range between 10V to 32V is necessary.

 

In addition, when performing some warehouse management services, the mobile data terminal is installed on a crane which can generate voltage as high as 60V. A voltage drop device needs to be installed between the crane battery and the auto adapter.

 

Does it have all the functions that you need?

 

The most important thing is that the Adapters you are buying should have all the features you are looking for. In case you don't even have one, don't buy it! We say this because you will not be able to use it for that purpose

 

Warranty Matters!

 

When you buy an Adapter from a well-known brand, you will get a guarantee. Low-cost products also come with warranties, but the claim process may be more difficult. That is why I always suggest that you buy the product of a reputable brand and the one under warranty. It will save you repair costs in the future. On average, around 21% of people end up paying 40% of the product price for the service. You can save on service costs if the product is under warranty!

 

Fuse Design

 

The laptop auto adapter needs to have a built-in fuse at the input to protect itself due to the instability of the output plug. The car's engine may speed up or slow down the process; additional current flow may be in the car adapter. Overvoltage can damage the car adapter and sometimes the laptop without the fuse adequately installed.

 

Some sellers put the fuse in the main body of the adapter. This is generally the most expensive way to implement the fuse, but it offers an easier way to replace the fuse. Others put the fuse inside the cigarette socket - this is cheaper but more difficult to replace. When you consider buying an auto adapter, you should check if the package comes equipped with some spare fuses for future use. Believe us; there is a high possibility that you will need to replace the fuse sometime in the future.

 

Output power level

 

Nowadays, most laptops generally need more than 70W input power. Manufacturing companies tend to carefully select the components they use in the computer's principal component case (motherboard) to control the internal heat generation, such as the computer chassis and the cost of building the laptop. However, some machines require more than 70W. Some gaming notebooks and mobile workstations require more power to support the installed card, high-end graphic display card, or modern multi-threaded computers (the fast multi-tasking CPU).

 

The best way to determine what type of power level is needed is by looking at the label on the AC power adapter. If you have 90W AC in the normal home or office power adapter, use 90W in the car adapter. As long as you use the power level at the same level, the auto adapter should supply the necessary power to run the computer on the road.

 

Output voltage

 

The output voltage specifications we need for a computer auto adapter depend on the input voltage requirements of the computer. Most computer manufacturers have established two voltage systems: 12V and 19V. Some still use other voltages, such as 15V. The best place to look for the correct amount of current needed is your AC power adapter.

 

It is also recommended that the power output of the car adapter be as clean as possible. However, adapter vendors usually do not make voltage regulations and do not make specifications accessible to the public. (Access this page for the definition and rules of voltage and noise measurement in the output adapter)

 

Outlet Plug Size

 

One of the complaints regarding laptop design is that different vendors try to implement other power inputs on laptops. Also, sizing information on power inputs is usually unavailable to the public. The vendors force computer owners to purchase power accessories directly from them by ensuring that the power adapters have the correct output when plugged in to match the computer's power inputs. Computer vendors then stand to gain profits due to high-priced power accessories.