Question Why are my USB C ports on different laptops have differing functionality and scope

[perfection161]

I have 2 new laptops - One an HP Pavilion and the other an Avita Liber , Each laptop has a usb c port . However the properties and support of each of these C ports seem different. Someone then mentioned that different ports support different functions'. From the data below please help me to identify the scope of my usb c ports and what is the difference in the ports of these two laptops.

I buy a USB C dock with vga, hdmi, usb 3 A type female and PD ports (see it here) https://ibb.co/vkysKFV

All outputs work on the Avita when i plug in an external HDD (USB) or a projector (vga) of output to my TV (hdmi) but none work when i use this dock on the HP laptop

The HP laptop C port has this symbol https://ibb.co/w67MthZ
The Avita laptop C Port has this symbol https://ibb.co/4RQsW6g

 

[rgd1101]

what the spec said on the laptop?
sound like avita offer video output but not the hp

 

[hotaru.hino]

USB-C is a mess of a standard. The only thing you're absolutely guaranteed is USB 2.0 functionality. Everything else about it is optional, including all of the other USB standards after USB 2.0

Check the laptop's manual or spec sheet to figure out what your USB-C ports actually support.

 

[Secret-Squirrel]

.....................................Someone then mentioned that different ports support different functions.................

That's correct for USB-C.

It certainly seems like your HP's port is data-only and nothing else while your Avita's port does everything that USB-C can offer.

 

[perfection161]

The USB C port on my laptop does charge my phone but i guess any USB port would charge a cellphone, Is there a way to know whether the port C of a laptop supports PD? I also don't want to blow the port by connecting to a power source in case upstreaming power is not supported.

Thanks

 

[perfection161]

Thank you ALL!
Secret Squirrel - Yes i believe it is a data transfer port (and i guess like all usb ports will also support downstream power for charging like all USBs do)

 

[rgd1101]

The USB C port on my laptop does charge my phone but i guess any USB port would charge a cellphone, Is there a way to know whether the port C of a laptop supports PD? I also don't want to blow the port by connecting to a power source in case upstreaming power is not supported.

Thanks

same as before, read the spec.

for the HP. since it have a dedicated power port. usbc port is unlikely support power charging