I always see laptops come with larger bricks that have separate mains cable which plugs into the brick. Even if the adapter has some low power rating.

Example for comparison:

On the right is a standard laptop adapter.
Same price, same connector, same protocol, same power rating, far different size.

Why is that so?

Actually, the GaN adapter on the left also advertises itself as being meant for laptops, but by default, almost all laptops will come with something like the one on the right.

Or is it simply cheaper to manufacture while being sold for the same price?

  • snooggums
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    13 months ago

    If I’m misremembering the details, feel free to clarify.

    • @CrazyLikeGollum
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      33 months ago

      The equation to determine watts is P=VA

      If you have the same voltage and a higher amperage, then by definition you have a higher wattage.

      • snooggums
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        3 months ago

        Dammit, thought they all multiplied into a fourth thing, thanks.

    • @commandar
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      13 months ago

      Wattage = V x A.

      They’re pointing out that it’s impossible to hold both wattage and voltage constant while changing the amperage.