Dell are bringing replaceable USB-C ports to business laptops!!!

ubersonic

ubersonic

ubersonic

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Something mentioned by Linus in their latest video on Dell's decision to rename/rebrand their Laptop/PC lines (and way more important than the actual focus of the video IMO) is that Dell are going to be introducing field replaceable USB-C ports on all their new business laptops.

This will be a godsend for anyone working in IT at a large organisation as USB-C power delivery and docking has been a pretty much unmitigated disaster because the connector is simply too weak for the job and failure is so common in the large business environment that I'm genuinely surprised this is only just becoming a thing as it must be costing Lenovo and Dell millions. It's practically unheard of for a device with a 3Y warranty to make it to the end on it's original motherboard and we have many devices with 5Y warranties that are on their third motherboard. It's also super frustrating when a device has two ports and users don't bother reporting an issue until both ports are broken and their battery is running out >.>

I hope for Lenovo's sake they are working on this too or they are in for a financial hit.

NB: I'm not saying they break 'just' from being plugged/unplugged multiple times a day (although they often can), but there are combined issues with weight being applied on the connector, cables being pulled/stretched, etc and at the end of the day that is sadly normal real world usage for a business laptop.

Video link:

 
It's a good thing I guess... But if you're the sort of person who busts up USB plugs, you're also probably the same kind of person who has to wear a crash helmet in public, with the assistance of a 'helper'.
 
I'm yet to bust a USB-C port, at work in a warehouse type environment we don't have a huge issue with it but it always seems to be the same small number of people frequently breaking the docking ports, etc. :( honestly starting to get the same feeling towards them as matty above...

A good thing overall though as it pretty much renders a whole still usable device useless if/when they do break.
 
The more standard this becomes the better clearly. I am kind of surprised Framework hasn't taken off a bit more, I am mostly happy with mine, although some further refinement is needed.
 
Sounds like a good idea but need to see costs compared to rivals to see if it’s something we would switch to at work.

We use USB-C hubs to connect our work laptops and port damage is an ongoing concern (as is the random tendency for docks / laptops to straight up not work with each other despite being fine with other units…).
 
I can see my usb A ports are more worn than my usb C ports on my gaming laptop because I plug portable drives into it a lot. I might go back to a desktop because external drives are really a pita.

On my work laptop they are still fine after a few years because I use a mini hub on that and rarely a usb connected drive.
 
oweneades said:
Sounds like a good idea but need to see costs compared to rivals to see if it’s something we would switch to at work.

We use USB-C hubs to connect our work laptops and port damage is an ongoing concern (as is the random tendency for docks / laptops to straight up not work with each other despite being fine with other units…).
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That's a problem with modern laptops not having enough ports
 
I plug my work laptops in and out of all in one usb-c cables via the usb-c ports multiple times a day. We had HPs for about 3 years and now have Dell. I've not known of any issues across hundreds of staff members. I will try to find out from service desk if there have been many though.
 
This is good news..

Usb-c is so flimsy..

I don't trust them on mobile phones. I don't trust them in laptops.


I recently purchased an excellent condition used dell laptop. Not a single mark on it . I had used it barely a couple of times..and after those few times would not charge. Luckily it was still under warranty with just under a year left so dell come and replaced the motherboard..


If the usb-c part comes as a module you could slot on to the motherboard and make it easier for repairs then I'm all for that. If my laptop becomes out of warranty I'd want a chance to fix it easily without the need to swap a complete main board out
 
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