The new Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC cables help bring older laptops into the current charging age. They have USB-C on one end. And on the other is a DC coaxial connector. Allowing many PC laptops lacking USB-C to enjoy the benefits of one charger for all your devices.
Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC cable comparison. Source: Anker
For Older Windows Laptops With DC Power
These cables are for older laptops which don’t use USB-C for power. But instead have the older DC coaxial connectors. Also known as barrel connectors. Lenovo, HP, and ThinkPad laptops used these types of connections until slowly changing to USB-C. And they are the two laptop brands Anker has mentioned in relation to their new cable. Hopefully Anker will offer a list of compatible laptops upon release.
The AC to DC power adapters used by such laptops are large and heavy compared to similar outputting USB-C chargers.
| HP 65W Smart AC Adapter | Lenovo 65W AC Power Adapter | Anker PowerPort III 65W Pod |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $65 | $60 | $40 |
| Output | 65W DC | 65W DC | 65W USB-C PD |
| Cable | Built-in DC cable Separate AC cable | Built-in DC cable Separate AC cable | No cable included |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 1.9 x 1.1 in 9.9 oz | 4.3 x 1.8 x 1.2 in 8 oz | 2.7 x 1.2 x 1.8 in 4.6 oz |
They are also more expensive. Because often you could only get a compatible power adapter from your laptop’s maker. Or a limited number of third party options. But USB-C is an open standard. With many different brands offering viable chargers for this kind of USB-C to DC cable. Of course Anker is hoping you’ll choose one of their chargers, too.
Anker USB-C to DC Specifications
Anker has stated the cables will support up to 65W USB Power Delivery. Supporting 65W on a USB-C to USB-C cable requires an eMarker. That may be present here. But this cable isn’t following USB-C specifications. And will need to work with the power negotiation systems of the laptops and their DC connector.
They are 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. That’s shorter than the laptop’s original power adapters. As they usually use two cables, giving it more total length. But 6 feet with a smaller charger will be easier to pack in your commute or travel bag.
Device Compatibility
The cables will support four different DC power port sizes:
- 1.7 – 4.0 mm
- 3-4.5 mm
- 5-7.4 mm
- 5.5-8.0 mm
Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC adapters. Source: Anker
Each connection type is in its own cable. Between the set they’ll over 120 laptops. Including Chromebook, HP, HP-Compaq, Lenovo, and ThinkPad models. Anker has published compatibility listings for each connector.
Availability
Two of the USB-C to DC cables are available now:
An Anker charger is not required, but is recommended. Any 60-65W USB-C PD charger should do. The advantage of sticking with Anker is for customer support. They’ll be able to help with any issues as you’re using their products down the line.
- 60W USB-C PD
- USB-IF Certified
- Older model
- 60W USB-C PD
- PowerIQ 3.0, compatible with Quick Charge devices
- GaN tech reduces size and weight
Anker PowerPort Atom III Pod 65W
- Released in China, but not elsewhere yet
- 65W USB-C PD
- PPS support for newer Samsung phones
- GaN tech reduces size and weight
tl;dr – Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC Cable
Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC cables will connect up to a 65W USB-C PD charger to a Lenovo, HP, ThinkPad, and other laptops. Which use a DC coaxial (aka barrel) power connection.
Two of the four cables are now available. An Anker 65W USB-C PD charger is also expected in the future.
A USB-C PD charger and cable is smaller and lighter than DC power adapters. Likely will be cheaper, but depends on Anker’s price.
USB-C to DC adapters aren’t easy and many cheap ones don’t work all the time. Anker is known for quality, so expect this will be a tried and tested solution. But also won’t be the cheapest adapter available.