I'm a USB-C Maximalist
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
A traveler advocates for exclusively USB-C gadgets to simplify charging on a 7-week European trip.
Terence Eden describes his USB-C maximalist approach to packing for a 7-week interrail holiday across Europe. He brought a single universal power brick with multiple USB-C ports and a few legacy USB-A ports. His devices include a Pixel 8 Pro phone, Chuwi MiniBook laptop, no-name eReader, cheap smartwatch, USB-C toothbrush, PebbleBee tracker, power bank, and Soundpeats headphones. He argues that proprietary charging ports are unnecessary and that USB-C's ubiquity makes replacement chargers easy to find anywhere. He also mentions optional USB-C gadgets like walkie-talkies and an HDMI adapter he left behind.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly agree with the USB-C ideal but highlight practical frustrations. A dominant complaint is that many cheap USB-C devices omit required CC resistors, causing inconsistent charging especially with PD chargers. Several users recommend USB-C to barrel jack adapters for converting legacy devices, and one suggests using a cable tester to identify good cables. A few commenters share success with USB-C electric shavers, and others note that many kids' toys now come with USB-C charging. The thread splits between those who find USB-C reliable with careful purchasing and those who find it chaotic due to non-compliant devices.