Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC cables charge older laptops with USB-C

Anker PowerLine USB-C to DC cable comparison

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

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 AdapterLenovo 65W AC Power AdapterNo products found.

Price$65$60$40
Output65W DC65W DC65W USB-C PD
CableBuilt-in DC cable

Separate AC cable
Built-in DC cable

Separate AC cable
No cable included
Dimensions4.2 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

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.

Anker PowerPort Speed 1 USB-C 60W

  • 60W USB-C PD
  • USB-IF Certified
  • Older model

Anker PowerPort Atom III 60W

  • 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.