Lenovo ensures no ‘fiery end’ for new ThinkPad laptops

Lenovo wants to make sure that its refreshed ThinkPads won’t have a fiery end by adding a chip that regulates power when charging.  Image INQUIRER.net Stock Photo

The year 2016 has been rather explosive for gadgets, what with Note 7s and Chromebooks catching fire. Lenovo wants to further lessen the possibilities of these incidents with its refreshed line of ThinkPads.

Lenovo has equipped its ThinkPads with chips that would help prevent a fiery outcome from a bad USB-C connection, reports Gizmodo.

Google engineer Benson Leung previously noted that some USB-C cables might be subpar. These less than ideal cables can either over-charge or under-charge devices that are connected to them.

Lenovo’s solution is a “new protection circuit to guard against incorrect power levels.” This circuit will essentially manage the power coming from the cable to ensure that the device is getting the exact power that it needs, no more no less.

While this won’t totally eradicate the danger, it goes a long way to helping prevent accidents.  Alfred Bayle