Key Takeaways
Modern laptops rely on alternating current (AC) from a wall socket but operate internally on direct current (DC). That small, heavy brick we call a charger is in fact a converter, turning AC into the DC voltage laptops need. As mobile work expands, users now seek external power sources that free them from fixed outlets. Two solutions dominate: high-capacity USB-C power banks and portable power stations with full AC sockets. The former offer lightweight flexibility; the latter provide complete energy independence—at a cost that often rises above two hundred euros.
Story & Details
From Wall Current to Portable Energy
Every laptop begins its charge the same way: a plug in an AC outlet, carrying about 220 V in Europe. The charger, or adapter, converts this alternating current into a steady DC flow—typically 19 V—that the computer’s circuits can use safely. Once understood, it’s easy to see why “charging with AC” is shorthand: the laptop never truly receives AC power directly; it receives DC delivered by that silent intermediary.
The Rise of External Chargers
Two families of external chargers now share the spotlight. USB-C power banks cater to everyday mobility, while power stations serve those who need AC sockets away from home—photographers, engineers, travelers, or anyone living between cafés and field sites.
USB-C Power Banks
Slim aluminum shells hide dense lithium cells capable of delivering up to 200 W through the USB Power Delivery standard. Brands such as Xtorm, Baseus, Anker, and Cellonic dominate this space in the Netherlands.
Typical options include:
- Baseus EnerGeek 145 W 20 800 mAh (around €66)
- Xtorm XB403 Titan Ultra 200 W (€119)
- Xtorm Fuel Series 45 000 mAh 67 W (€95)
- Anker Powerbank Prime 145 W (€77)
- Cellonic USB-C Powerbank (€67)
They connect directly to modern laptops using USB-C Power Delivery, making wall adapters optional for most ultrabooks. Portability is their virtue; limited capacity their trade-off.
Portable Power Stations
Power stations are a different league—bigger, heavier, and able to power laptops through regular AC sockets. Each contains an inverter that recreates household current from stored DC energy. In the Dutch market, examples include the Krisdonia 60 000 mAh (130 W AC), a 31 200 mAh universal model (100 W AC), and the Xtorm Powerstation 300 W. These devices support standard 220-240 V European plugs and can handle laptops that refuse to charge via USB-C.
The Price of Freedom
Portability with full AC output is costly. Well-known power stations such as EcoFlow Delta 2 (€799), EcoFlow River 2 Pro (€455), Jackery Explorer 1000 (€399), and EcoFlow Delta Pro (€1 699) deliver long runtimes and multiple sockets but target professionals or campers rather than commuters. Their weight and price reflect the complexity of safe high-capacity storage and inversion technology.
Affordable Paths Under Two Hundred Euros
For lighter needs, a few compact stations stay below the €200 threshold:
- Mestic Power Station MPS-200 – about €189, 200 W output.
- Sandberg Power Station AC 200 – around €150, reliable mid-range build.
- FLASHFISH A201 Portable Power Station – roughly €116, 172 Wh capacity, 200 W AC output.
Each can charge standard laptops once or twice before depletion, ideal for travel or short outages. Checking the original charger’s rating—often 65 W to 90 W—remains essential. A station’s output must meet or exceed that number to ensure effective charging.
Safety and Practical Wisdom
Before buying, confirm that:
- The output wattage equals or surpasses your laptop’s adapter.
- The AC voltage matches European 220-240 V standards.
- The station’s energy capacity, expressed in watt-hours (Wh), covers at least one full charge.
- Weight and warranty suit your routine.
Gaming laptops with 180 W adapters push smaller units to their limits. In those cases, investing in a mid-range station is safer than forcing a low-power device beyond design.
A Shift in Everyday Power
Across Dutch offices and trains, the shift is visible: a power bank sliding from a backpack, a compact station resting beside a laptop in a park. The new generation of chargers blurs boundaries between desk and road. Freedom, it turns out, weighs about a kilogram and costs roughly the same as a pair of premium headphones.
Conclusions
Laptops still depend on alternating current, but conversion and storage technology now let that current travel. External chargers—whether sleek USB-C banks or robust power stations—extend working hours far from outlets. Most AC-equipped models remain expensive, yet affordable options prove that mobile autonomy no longer belongs only to professionals. The rule is simple: match or exceed your original charger’s power, choose certified brands, and your desk can be wherever the day takes you.
Sources
- Xtorm Blog – Charge Your Laptop with a Power Bank
- Anker Laptop Power Banks Collection
- Coolblue – Xtorm Titan Ultra 200 W
- EcoFlow Delta 2 Product Page
- Jackery Explorer 1000 on Amazon NL
- Xtorm Powerstation 300 W on Amazon NL
Appendix
AC (Alternating Current)
Electric current that reverses direction periodically and is used in household power systems.
DC (Direct Current)
Electric flow in a single direction, necessary for electronic devices such as laptops.
USB-C Power Delivery
A fast-charging standard that negotiates voltage and current automatically through the USB-C connector, reaching up to 240 W.
Power Station
A portable battery equipped with an inverter and multiple outputs, including AC sockets, designed to power larger devices.
Power Bank
A compact rechargeable battery pack used to supply energy via USB ports, ideal for phones and lightweight laptops.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 