Why Phone Wall Chargers Have the Brick on the End While Laptop Chargers Are Built Further Up
Have you ever wondered why phone wall chargers have the brick at the end, but laptop chargers are built with it further up? This design choice is more than just an aesthetic one; it's a result of several practical and engineering considerations. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this design and discuss the implications for both phone and laptop chargers.
Design Aesthetics and Practicality
Some might argue that having the brick at the end of a phone charger is bad design. However, many users find it more convenient. For instance, the brick design allows you to place the charger on a surface without worrying about it kicking any objects over. Additionally, using power extenders with several chargers plugged into them is common, especially for desktop setups. It would be impractical to have extra cables just to place the brick in the middle.
Historically, phone chargers were small and not bulky. However, as technology advances, the chargers are becoming more powerful and larger. In the future, it might make sense to have the brick closer to the middle of the cable, but for now, the design is still functional and practical.
Power Requirements and Circuitry Placement
Phone wall chargers provide less power, so all the circuitry can fit into the plug itself. On the other hand, laptop chargers have higher power requirements, necessitating bigger heatsinks and other components. It would be impractical to fit these components into a small plug; hence, they are placed in a dedicated brick. This design allows for better heat dissipation and more efficient power distribution.
In the UK, laptop power cords hanging from an AC outlet might not fall out, but they could be ungainly, possibly blocking a double socket and more prone to impact damage. Their size and weight make them more difficult to handle and place correctly, especially when the computer is far from the power source.
Convenience and Use Cases
Users often have multiple phone power supplies, some of which can vary significantly in size. Depending on the type, the larger ones intended for higher power requirements (such as QC3 and PD2 for phone charging) are better plugged into an extension cord with the pins facing downwards. This setup provides better airflow and reduces strain on the power cord.
For laptops, power supplies can be even larger. In my experience, a larger laptop power supply that plugs directly into a socket to reduce strain was plugged into an extension cord laid flat on the ground. My current laptop has a much larger power supply, which can supply up to 160W, and it has a lot of safety features.
Another consideration is the design of Apple laptops. Their power supply isn't considered bad design; it's just that one needs to make room for it. Power strips with angled outlets easily accommodate both phone and laptop chargers and prevent anyone from getting into a "no room" issue.
Conclusion
The design of phone wall chargers and laptop chargers is the result of balancing power requirements, practicality, and user convenience. While the brick design on phone chargers is more compact and easy to handle, the larger, more powerful laptop chargers require a dedicated brick to ensure efficient power distribution and to manage heat effectively.
Understanding these design choices can help you make more informed decisions when choosing and using your chargers. Whether you prefer the compact design for your phone or the larger, more powerful options for your laptop, the choice truly depends on your specific needs and usage scenarios.