USB‑C at the workplace: What power does your DESK solution really need?

45W, 65W, 100W or 140W – the right choice for modern Bachmann workplaces

Modern workplaces are evolving rapidly.
Laptops are replacing desktop PCs, work environments are becoming more flexible, and users expect:

One cable. One connection. Full power.

USB‑C makes exactly that possible – integrated directly into solutions such as DESK STYLE, DESK 1 or DESK 2.

But one key question remains:
👉 What level of power does the workplace actually need?

Why USB‑C is becoming the new standard in the workplace

Today, it’s no longer just about charging – it’s about integrated power supply at the workplace:

• Seamless integration into furniture
• Reduction of external power adapters
• More order, fewer cables
• Centralized power supply for all devices

USB‑C is therefore becoming the central interface of modern workplace solutions.

The 4 power levels – applied to Bachmann workplace solutions

45W – devices up to approx. 14" / low-power class

Typical devices:

• Smartphones (all current models)
• Tablets (e.g., iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab)
• Compact notebooks / ultrabooks (e.g., MacBook Air, Chromebooks)

Background:
45W is sufficient for devices with lower power requirements – especially when they are not running under continuous heavy load.

In the workplace context:

• Meeting rooms
• Desk sharing environments
• Users working with standard applications (Office, browser, video calls)

Important:
Laptops in this category can be charged, but charging speed may decrease under high load (e.g., when running multiple applications simultaneously).

65W – standard business laptops

Typical devices:

• 13"–15" business laptops
  (e.g., Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook)
• Typical corporate notebooks

Background:
65W has historically been the standard for many laptop power supplies and covers the majority of business devices.

In the workplace context:

• Traditional office workstations
• Hybrid work environments
• Standard corporate equipment

Simply put:
65W = the reliable standard for most workplaces

100W – high-performance laptops / full-load scenarios

Typical devices:

• 15"–16" performance laptops
• Devices with higher CPU/GPU performance
• Docking setups (including peripherals)

Background:
100W ensures that a laptop continues to charge even under heavy load, without losing power.

In the workplace context:

• Power users
• Multitasking (multiple applications running simultaneously)
• Workstations with docking solutions / multiple displays

Key difference:
Not just charging – but working without limitations

140W – high-end & future readiness

Typical devices:

• High-end laptops (e.g., MacBook Pro 16", mobile workstations)
• Devices with dedicated GPUs
• Creator and engineering setups

Background:
140W is based on a newer Power Delivery standard and addresses devices with significantly higher energy demands.

In the workplace context:

• Engineering
• CAD / rendering
• Video and content production

Key point:
Required when devices consistently demand high power levels

What many underestimate: power = user experience

The right USB‑C power level directly impacts:

• Charging speed
• Productivity
• User satisfaction

👉 Too little power = frustration
👉 Too much complexity = inefficient infrastructure

Making the right decision: a simple approach

Bachmann recommends clear guidance:

• 45W – For smartphones, tablets, and compact notebooks with low power requirements -
  ideal for meeting rooms and flexible workspaces
• 65W – For standard business laptops - the optimal range for most office environments
• 100W – For more powerful laptops and demanding usage - enables productive work even under heavy load
• 140W – For high-end devices and workstations - maximum performance for the most demanding applications

Conclusion

USB‑C is no longer just a connector –
👉 it is the key to a simple, integrated workplace solution.

Bachmann approaches USB‑C not as a technical feature, but as a holistic system:

• Integrated into furniture
• Designed around the user
• Built for the future