Today's laptops offer incredible power and performance, allowing you to connect various displays and peripherals depending on your needs. However, the number of connectivity ports found on today's powerful laptops are becoming fewer and fewer. For example, take recent versions of Microsoft's Surface Pro and Surface Books. The Surface Pro 8 contains two USB-C ports, whereas the slightly more I/O capable Surface Book 3 includes 2 USB-A ports but only a single USB-C port. Compared to laptops of a decade ago, where it was commonplace to have upwards of 4, or in some cases 6 USB ports. Another effect of this slimming down of connectivity ports is using the USB-C ports on laptops as a charging port. This can become incredibly inconvenient when you only have 1-2 USB-C ports with one dedicated for charging. How will you stay connected and productive while on the go? Fortunately, this lack of ports can be overcome thanks to a part of the USB-IF specification known as USB Power Delivery or USB PD for short. The USB Power Delivery specification builds on the existing USB ecosystem by simultaneously providing data and power through the USB-C port on your laptop. The current USB Power Delivery 3.1 specification includes support for up to 240W, announced in 2021. However, today most USB PD-enabled connectivity accessories offer support up to 100W. The benefits of USB Power Delivery are clear. You can connect peripherals to your USB-C-powered laptop while also charging, all through a single USB-C port. The best example is pairing your laptop with a USB-C multiport adapter. These small yet versatile adapters allow you to expand the functionality of that single USB-C port to add external displays, additional USB ports, SD card readers, and gigabit Ethernet. Each of these devices can run off this port while also allowing you to pass the power signal through the adapter to the laptop, keeping your battery topped up and, most importantly, keeping you productive. Need help picking the best multiport adapter? Download our helpful USB-C Multiport Adapter grid to determine which adapter will best suit your needs. Simply put; USB Power Delivery can save you from sacrificing productivity and performance while working from the road. How do you tell if your laptop supports USB-C Power Delivery? It is safe to assume that most modern laptops, made in the last 2-3 years, support power delivery. Especially if your laptop's power adapter has a USB-C connector instead of the barrel-style adapter found on older laptops. There are instances where your laptop may use a proprietary charger, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. That device uses Microsoft’s Surface Connect port, but users can also take advantage of charging via one of the device's USB-C-based Thunderbolt 4 ports. If you are not 100% sure if your laptop can take advantage of USB PD, it is always best to check with your laptop’s manufacturer or connect with our Technical Advisors to confirm. Looking for more Mobile Performance working solutions? Visit our Mobile Workforce Solutions Portal. Mobile Workforce Solutions Portal