Lightest possible adapter for Dell XPS with optional power bank features

Question

I have a Dell XPS 15 laptop, and am looking for a power adapter with specific requirements. Here's what I'm after:

• Must have
  • Works on XPS 15 9550 (ir-6700HQ with 1080p screen)
  • Works with EU (Dutch) Type F power sockets
  • Can at least support my laptop in "Balanced" power mode doing moderate development work (typically CPU usage < 50%, no big GPU usage) while not draining battery
  • Can charge my laptop about from 10% to 80% when idling with screen off

In short, it should allow me to at least continue working while on power, and start charging the battery if I leave my PC in idle mode.

To further specify, I've measured how much power my laptop currently draws. It wants about 30 Watt when CPU usage is low to idling, and draws about 65 Watt at peak moments (e.g. when I'm running a few builds). Over an 8 hour day, I measured 0.20 kWh, which means about 26 Watt. These measurements were taken using a 130 Watt adapter.

Additionally:

• Should have

  • Offer Powerbank features for charging a smartphone
  • As light as possible (while still offering enough power per musthaves, above)

• Nice to have

  • Official Dell branded hardware
  • Powerbank supports QuickCharge through usb-c

Price is not too important: although I don't need a gold-plated or autographed device, I'm happy to pay a premium to get all functionalities in.

I have tried and returned the PH45W17-CA (12800 mAh usb-c powerbank with 45W adapter), as it was incompatible with my model.

For reference, charging over USB-C will not work on the 9550 with some adapters (incl the above, as well as one I borrowed from a colleague's Thinkpad), but it will work with others (e.g. some Apple chargers I borrowed in the past, as well as my WD15 Dock).

Answer 1

So there's still the unknown of why a Dell 45W USB-C charger did not work on a Dell machine. Given your measured power draw, it might be that your machine doesn't support that charger without some firmware update or just doesn't support charging via USB-C. Maybe try some other USB-C laptop chargers (45W+) you can get a hold to see if they work. For this section I'll assume your machine can't charge via USB-C.

So the only closest to spec item I can come up with is the soon to be released Omnicharge Omni 20+ with a Dell barrel connector. The connector may be included or you may need to order it, I'm reasonably assuming that their Dell connector is compatible with your machine. It's much neater than using the AC outlet. Here's their site. As long as your power draw is under 100W using the Omni 20+, must haves 1, 3 and 4 should be easily met. Must have 2 is more so within your control, as you can charge/power the unit through either the barrel connector or USB-C connected to a Euro power socket. It's also a power bank with 60W USB-C output and it's probably as light as it's going to be for your spec, if/until something else comes along (highly unlikely from Dell).

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If it turns out that your machine can be charged via USB-C the options expand: Omni 20 USB-C, Omni 13+, HyperJuice, Batpower, a few others.

Just a suggestion: A 75W Dual Type-C PD Travel Charger, could power a laptop with the 60W port, a phone/power bank with the 18W port and other devices tucked away with the remaining ports. Pretty clean and small.