Editing Laptop (section)

=== Power connectors ===
[[File:Notebook-Computer-AC-Adapter.jpg|thumb|Laptop power supply with cylindrical coaxial DC power connector]]<!--Replace with a more close-up photo if found-->
As of 2025, laptops are broadly divided between being powered only by USB-C connectors (including all Apple models) vs. having a dedicated [[DC connectors|DC power connector]]; most systems since the mid-2010s that have both connectors can be powered by either.

Dedicated connectors are typically cylindrical/barrel-shaped [[coaxial power connector]]s; some vendors such as [[Lenovo]] make use of rectangular.  Before the mid-2000s, specialized connectors were much more common.

Some connector heads feature a center pin to allow the end device to determine the power supply type by measuring the resistance between it and the connector's negative pole (outer surface). Vendors may block charging if a power supply is not recognized as the original part, which could deny the legitimate use of universal third-party chargers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hackaday.com/2020/05/27/hacking-dell-laptops-to-use-off-brand-chargers/|title=Hacking Dell Laptops To Use Off-Brand Chargers|date=27 May 2020}}</ref>

With the advent of [[USB-C]], [[portable electronics]] made increasing use of it for both [[USB Power Delivery|power delivery]] and data transfer. Its support for 20 V (common laptop power supply voltage) and 5 A typically suffices for low to mid-end laptops, but some with higher power demands such as [[gaming laptop]]s depend on dedicated DC connectors to handle currents beyond 5 A without risking overheating, some even above 10 A. Additionally, dedicated DC connectors are more durable and less prone to wear and tear from frequent reconnection, as their design is less delicate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-usb-c-an-explainer|title=What Is USB-C? An Explainer|website=PCMAG|date=19 February 2025 }}</ref>