USB 3.0 charging--the end of proprietary power bricks?

One of the worst practices by laptop makers is the power adapters. Not only do each manufacturer have their own proprietary power adapters, but it's often not even compatible between the maker's laptop lines or even between years. Now USB 3.0 will be able to deliver 100 W power according to Engadget's report. This will help in a few ways. One, it gets rid of all the proprietary units. Two, it removes one unneeded port. And three, it's better for the environment. Will this finally end the wasteful, consumer unfriendly practice?

 

I personally don't lug around a desktop system that would be capable of providing the wattage necessary to charge my laptop on trips, so a power brick would still be necessary when going solo with the laptop. Now there might be a standardization amongst laptop manufacturers with this coming on the scene, but with my Rocketfish power supply I can already power just about any laptop today with one brick.

 

It's been years since I had a laptop that only used 100W or less.

 

The article implies that it can work similar to a universal power adapter but you won't need different tips since usb is standard. You won't even need the power port with this setup.

 

100w USB's sound more of a desktop powering external devices than a laptop charge port.
Not to mention a true 100w sustainable load would likely not be possible. This may be more for temporary 100w loads, for a few seconds.

Even then:
USB's are incredibly weak internally. I've seen A LOT of damaged USB hubs from people being rough with their systems.
If the pins get bent, and end up shorting... well goodbye laptop.
Also how high exactly will the voltage be on the final spec?

Solution: get a universal adapter. I have one and have tips to just about every make/model except Apple.

 

After reading this:

USB 3.0 100W Power Standard Seeks To End Proprietary Chargers - Slashdot

it does sound like the power will be able to flow both ways. But still if you don't have a second system to charge from then you'll still need a power brick. At least as you brought up they will all have USB connectors. That'll be good!

 

I think the majority of high-end ( gaming ) notebooks requires more than 100W and as Crimsoned said USB's are incredibly weak.

 

Unless the power (from any proposed 'standard') is at least twice what will be required (twice: for a little headroom), then this is a dumb idea.

If they could shoot for at least 500W, I could get behind this - otherwise, what? We'd need to have two power adaptors when now we could have one (proper) one?

 

I don't really see this catching on, even for less power hungry notebooks. Why? People are going to plug the power cable into the wrong USB port and then complain that their laptop isn't charging. A dedicated connector is just more idiot-proof.

 

R3d, another good point!