After years of pushing for standardized phone chargers, the European Commission in September named microUSB the European standard for phone chargers. Now, the International Electrotechnical Commission is hoping to do the same for laptop adapters.
Imagine a world where you and your friend could share laptop chargers regardless of the laptops you use. The IEC has published a new proposal that would create a standard laptop adapter. Aside from the obvious convenience factor, a standardized charger would mean a reduction in electronic waste.
"The IEC International Standards for the universal charger for mobile phones has been widely adopted by the mobile phone industry and is already starting to help reduce e-waste," the Register cites IEC general secretary Frans Vreeswijk as saying in a statement. "A single power supply covering a wide range of notebook computers is the next step in lowering e-waste and its impact on our planet."
Even if the IEC is successful in its bid for a one-charger-fits-all solution, it will likely be a while before we're swapping chargers with friends.
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