Charging Your Dell Latitude 7370 with USB-C: Understanding Compatibility and Wattage

The Dell Latitude 7370, a prominent business laptop, supports USB-C charging. However, not all USB-C chargers are compatible with this ensure optimal performance and safety, it's crucial to understand the key considerations involved in charging your Dell Latitude 7370 using a USB-C charger.

Key Considerations for Charging with USB-C

Power Delivery (PD): The USB-C charger must support Power Delivery (PD). PD is essential for laptops, as it allows the charger to negotiate the power requirements with the device. Without PD, the charger might not fully charge the laptop, or it might not charge it at all.

Wattage: Dell Latitude 7370 typically comes with a 45W or 65W charger. A lower wattage charger (e.g., 30W or 50W) may charge the laptop slowly or not at all, particularly when the laptop is in use. A higher wattage charger (e.g., 90W) will work, but the laptop will only draw the power it needs, ensuring efficient use of the charger.

Quality and Certification: It's recommended to use chargers from reputable brands. Generic or low-quality chargers may not deliver consistent power and could potentially cause harm to your device. Certified chargers provide the added assurance of optimal performance and safety.

Understanding USB-C Ports and Charging

Having a USB-C port on a laptop does not automatically mean it can be charged via USB-C. The specific model must support USB-C charging. The Dell Latitude 7370, for example, has two USB-C ports. One of these ports, designated by a wall plug icon, is specifically for charging.

If you want to use a non-Dell original USB-C charger, you can still opt for a more affordable alternative. The original Dell "USB-C Power Adapter Plus - 45W" with manufacturer part Y91PF and Dell part 492-BBWZ costs around $59, but you can find compatible chargers from other brands at a lower price.

Factors Affecting USB-C Charging Performance

USB-C charging effectiveness can be influenced by multiple factors:

Charger Wattage:The charger's wattage must be sufficient to meet the device's power requirements. Lower wattage chargers may result in slow charging or no charging at all. Device Capacity:The specific model#39;s power requirements should be considered. Some laptops may need higher wattages to charge correctly. Port Capabilities:Not all USB-C ports on a laptop might support charging, hence it's important to use the correct port.

For notebooks, the power requirement is usually in the range of 40-75 Watts, depending on the model and size. USB-C can deliver this much power if needed. However, just like older USB-A ports can vary in their power capacity, USB-C chargers can also vary. For instance, a charger for a MacBook 2017 or a Nintendo Switch might suffice, but a charger for a Google Pixel would be underpowered.

Conclusion

While you can use any USB-C charger that supports Power Delivery and provides adequate wattage, it's best to use chargers that are certified for your specific device. This ensures optimal performance and safety. Always check the wattage and compatibility of the charger to avoid any charging issues or potential harm to your device.