They make USB-C cables with displays now

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Security, Trust, and “Malicious Cables”

  • Several commenters note that any USB-C cable (with or without a display) can hide chips; modern USB-C already requires e-markers in many cases, so visual inspection isn’t sufficient.
  • Some recommend “policy controls”: buy from USB-IF members and authorized distributors instead of random low-cost vendors, as a low-effort risk reduction. Others argue this barely moves the needle without deep firmware verification.
  • Discussion of known attack cables (e.g., Wi‑Fi-enabled red-team tools) shows such devices are real and fairly usable, though expensive compared to normal cables.
  • Data blockers (“USB condoms”) can block data lines, but then you must trust the blocker’s circuitry; minimal, transparent, resistor-only versions are favored by the more paranoid.
  • Consensus: if you’re worried about standalone malicious cables, a display doesn’t materially change the risk; it’s fundamentally a trust/supply-chain problem.
  • USB authentication / crypto was proposed in the standard and some data is already present in cables, but commenters are unaware of widespread real-world use.

Usefulness of Display Cables vs. Dedicated Power Meters

  • Many find display cables handy to:
    • Verify fast-charging is active and at roughly what wattage.
    • Debug bad ports, flaky cables, or vague charge indicators (earbuds, controllers, laptops in bags).
    • Check real power draw from chargers, batteries, and small solar setups.
  • Others strongly prefer standalone USB power meters, which:
    • Show more parameters (V, A, W, sometimes charge counting).
    • Offer logging, scripting (e.g., Lua), PD protocol inspection, and integration with dummy loads.
    • Are better suited for serious troubleshooting, battery health checks, and transient/overcurrent diagnostics.

Reliability, Safety, and Quality

  • Multiple reports of cheap display cables popping, smoking, or killing devices; some users warn strongly against low-end versions.
  • Counterpoints: others use very cheap AliExpress cables daily at moderate power levels without issues.
  • Debate over midrange branded accessories: some see them as “cheap rebrands,” others report good long-term experience and responsive warranty support.

USB-C Power & Cable Complexity

  • USB-C power standards are described as “a mess”: devices sometimes refuse to charge above low wattages despite seemingly compatible hardware.
  • Commenters argue that widespread use of power meters (cables or boxes) would help non-technical users understand charging limits and diagnose weak links (device, cable, or charger).
  • There is demand for tools that also test data throughput, but such comprehensive testers are perceived as specialized and expensive.