I cannot charge my laptop via its USB-C port even though the specs page mentioned USB-C PD :(

[Reapies]

Hi all,

Here's hoping that someone can help me out here. I have a HP Pavilion 13 an-0009tu where the specifications page (https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/c06194197) stated "1 USB 3.1 Type-C™ Gen 2 (Data Transfer up to 5 Gb/s, Power Delivery, DisplayPort™ 1.2, HP Sleep and Charge)"

Unfortunately, I am unable to charge my laptop via the above-mentioned USB-C port. Has it suffered from a similar DRM-lock like most of the other HP devices?

If that is the case, this will be the last time I'm purchasing a HP laptop. Absolutely horrendous handling of a universal standard. 

[erico]

@Reapies 

It appears that you have misunderstood the USB 3.1 Type-C port specification.

Power Delivery means that the port can supply charging power to an external device. An example of an external device would be a mobile phone or a tablet.

It does not mean it can be charged with a power adapter that uses a USB 3.1 Type-C connector.

[Reapies]

@erico

Thanks for sharing. However, perhaps you can also enlighten me on what this HP page mentioned specifically about USB Type-C Power Delivery, in particular "...a device can either send or receive power..."

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04723006

USB Type-C power delivery (USB PD): USB Type-C power delivery is bi-directional, so a device can either send or receive power. This power can be transferred at the same time the device is transmitting data across the connection. 

These are words from HP's support as well. From what I gathered, HP has implemented hardware DRM on their USB Type-C PD ports to prevent third party chargers - not that it is unable to receive juice. Makes a mockery of the word "Universal" in USB.

[erico]

Did the USB type-C power adapter that you used match the power specifications of the power adapter delivered with your notebook?

That HP document does make a statement that supports what you expected. Your experience withType-C power adapter was what I would expect with a Pavilion notebook. HP doesn't usually pass rhe premium features found in top tier notebooks on down to mainstream models.

[Reapies]

Yes, the adapter does support the power specifications - in fact, it goes beyond 45W all the way to 60W with Dynamic Detection. 

Like I mentioned after going thru numerous forums and questions concerning this matter, HP seemed to have locked out third-party chargers using hardware DRM. 

Official HP support claims that the USB-C port on my laptop is not a Thunderbolt 3 port, which is why it doesn't allow charging. But like mentioned, PD is a 2-way street. You cannot just have it charging other devices but not receive any charge, unless the port has been specifically locked out to third-party chargers, which is a recurring theme among numerous HP laptops. Seems more like a money-grabbing opportunity to me to purchase their own USB-C power brick which I'll gladly pass due to the inflated pricing. 

Guess my smartphone and tablet will be the main beneficiary of my USB-C charger from now on, LOL!

[erico]

Probably so.

"HP Sleep and Charge" means that you can connect other devices, such as your smartphone to your notebook to charge. I use that feature with my HP Spectre  x360 - 13t to do just that. I don't need to carry a power brick on trips as long as I have my Ultrabook with me.

[Reapies]

Thanks about the nugget concerning Sleep & Charge although that wasn't the issue that I raised.

HP support called me and mentioned that they will change the wording for their product in question because it was misleading and inaccurate.

Hopefully such snafus won't happen in the future so that potential customers won't be duped. I know I would be looking elsewhere apart from HP for a laptop down the road!