USB-C, USB-A, Power Delivery, fast charging, 65W, 100W. If you've been shopping for a desk power point recently, you've probably encountered all of these terms without a clear explanation of what any of them mean in practice. The short answer is that USB-C does matter for a modern office desk, but not for every situation. This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you a plain-English answer to whether a USB-C power point is worth it for your workspace, and which units in EasyMart's NZ range actually include it.
The most obvious difference is the connector shape. USB-A is the rectangular plug that's been standard on computers, chargers and accessories for the past 25 years. USB-C is the smaller, oval-shaped connector that's now standard on most modern laptops, phones, tablets and accessories. Unlike USB-A, USB-C is reversible, so you can plug it in either way up. That sounds minor but makes a real difference when you're plugging in under a desk or in a hurry.
The more important difference is charging speed. Standard USB-A ports in desk power points typically deliver 5W to 12W of charging power, which is fine for phones and small accessories but too slow to meaningfully charge a laptop. USB-C ports with Power Delivery (PD) can deliver 45W, 65W or even 100W, which is enough to charge a modern laptop at full speed with no separate power adapter required.
There's also a data transfer difference, though this is less relevant for desk power points. USB-C supports faster data transfer speeds than USB-A, which matters if you're connecting storage devices or displays, but not if you're just charging.
In summary:
The honest answer depends on what you're plugging in. Here's how to think about it.
If the main thing you're charging at your desk is a smartphone, USB-A will work fine for most people, but USB-C is becoming the standard for phones too. Most Android phones released in the last three years use USB-C. iPhones from the iPhone 15 onwards also use USB-C. If your phone is more than a few years old, it may still use USB-A (or Lightning for older iPhones), in which case a USB-A port is all you need. If you're buying a power point that will be in your desk for the next five years, USB-C is the safer long-term choice even if your current phone doesn't need it.
If you want to charge a laptop from your desk power point, USB-C is not optional. It's essential. Modern laptops from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and most other manufacturers charge via USB-C. A USB-A port simply cannot deliver enough power to charge a laptop at a useful rate. If you're setting up a hot-desk, a shared workstation, or any desk where people bring their own laptops, a USB-C port with Power Delivery means anyone can charge their laptop without carrying a separate power adapter. That's a genuine convenience in a shared office environment, and it reduces the number of power adapters cluttering the desk.
Not every unit in EasyMart's power point range includes USB-C, so here's a factual rundown to help you shop with confidence.
Pop-up units with USB-C: The Desk Pop Up Power Outlet ($119.93) includes two AU outlets, two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, making it a solid all-rounder for a single home-office desk. The Brushed Stainless Pop Up Outlet ($187.43) and the Glossy Silver Pop Up Power Point ($209.93) both include two AU outlets, one USB-A and one USB-C in a premium finish suited to executive desks. The Quad-Sided Pop Up Power Point with HDMI ($501.00) includes USB-C, USB-A and Qi wireless charging alongside HDMI and RJ45, making it the most fully featured pop-up unit in the range.
Desktop units: The Horizontal Desktop Power Outlet ($74.93 to $149.93) is the entry-level option and does not include USB-C. It's a straightforward four-outlet surface unit for basic setups. The Desktop Outlet System with USB ($149.93) includes USB-A and RJ45 but not USB-C.
Point Pod boardroom units: The Point Pod Compact ($712.43 to $749.93) and Point Pod Multi ($749.93 to $787.43) include USB-A charging but not USB-C. The Point Pod Board Room ($892.50) is the only Point Pod that includes USB-C alongside HDMI and RJ45. It's the right choice for a primary boardroom where laptop charging and AV connectivity are both required.
Motorised units: The Motorised Pop Up Power Point with USB ($599.93) includes USB-A and USB-C alongside two AU outlets, with a smooth electric mechanism for high-traffic desks.
If USB-C is a priority, the Desk Pop Up Power Outlet at $119.93 is the most accessible entry point, and the Motorised Pop Up or Quad-Sided units cover more demanding shared-desk environments.
Qi (pronounced "chee") is the international standard for wireless charging. A Qi-enabled surface allows a compatible device, such as most modern smartphones and some earbuds, to charge by being placed on or near the charging pad with no cable required. In a desk power point context, Qi is a convenience feature rather than a replacement for wired charging. It's slower than USB-C and won't charge a laptop, but it's genuinely useful for keeping a phone topped up throughout the day without plugging anything in.
In EasyMart's range, Qi wireless charging is available on the Quad-Sided Pop Up Power Point with HDMI ($501.00). This unit is designed for shared or meeting-room tables where multiple people need access from different sides, and the Qi pad means someone can charge their phone without occupying a USB port. If you're fitting out a collaborative workspace or a hot-desk area, Qi is a worthwhile addition. For a single home-office desk, it's a nice-to-have rather than a necessity.
USB-C matters more than it used to, and it's only going to become more standard as older USB-A devices are replaced. If you're buying a desk power point today and you want it to still be useful in three to five years, choosing a unit with at least one USB-C port is a sensible decision, even if your current devices don't need it yet. If you're charging laptops at a shared desk, USB-C with Power Delivery is essential rather than optional. Browse EasyMart's full power point range to see which units include USB-C, or explore our office accessories and desks collections to complete your workspace setup. Nationwide delivery across New Zealand, with Afterpay available on eligible orders.
Is USB-C faster than USB-A for charging a laptop?||| Yes, significantly. USB-A ports in desk power points typically deliver 5W to 12W, which is not enough to charge a modern laptop at a useful rate. USB-C ports with Power Delivery can deliver 45W to 100W, which matches or exceeds the output of a dedicated laptop charger. If you want to charge a laptop from a desk power point, USB-C with Power Delivery is the only practical option.@@@ Can I still use my old USB-A cables with a USB-C power point?||| Yes. A USB-C port on a power point charges USB-C devices. Your existing USB-A cables and devices still work with USB-A ports on the same unit. Most power points in EasyMart's range include both USB-A and USB-C ports, so you don't have to choose. You can charge a USB-C laptop and a USB-A accessory simultaneously from the same unit.@@@ What's Qi wireless charging and is it worth paying extra for?||| Qi is the standard for wireless charging. A compatible phone placed on a Qi pad charges without a cable. It's slower than USB-C wired charging and won't charge laptops, but it's convenient for keeping a phone topped up without occupying a port. It's most useful in shared or collaborative workspaces where multiple people use the same desk. For a single personal desk, it's a convenience rather than a necessity. In EasyMart's range, Qi is available on the Quad-Sided Pop Up Power Point with HDMI.@@@ Do all EasyMart power points have USB-C?||| No. The entry-level Horizontal Desktop Power Outlet and the Desktop Outlet System with USB include USB-A but not USB-C. The Point Pod Compact and Point Pod Multi also include USB-A only. USB-C is available on the Desk Pop Up Power Outlet ($119.93), the Brushed Stainless and Glossy Silver pop-up units, the Motorised Pop Up, the Quad-Sided Pop Up, and the Point Pod Board Room. Check the product specifications before purchasing if USB-C is a requirement.@@@
