USB-C Cable Conundrum

USB-IF logo

USB-IF Certification is Important

You need a new USB-C to USB-C cable, but you don't want just any old cable. You want:

1. Soft and flexible
2. Solid and reliable 
3. 60W fast charging

And you don't want it to crap out quickly. 

The problem is that so many reasonably priced USB-C cables not only fail to measure up to those criteria, but also that so few (even top brands) are certified USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), important because it ensures that cables meet strict performance and safety standards.  If a cable doesn't have the official USB-IF logo on it, it's not certified.

The good news is that you can easily find certified USB-C cables on Amazon under Amazon Basics branding, e.g., Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Fast Charging Cable, 60W, 480Mbps Speed, USB-IF Certified

• USB-IF Certifed 
• Various lengths 
• High quality 
• Low cost
• Black or white

Important Notes:

1. Watch out for counterfeits, especially no name cables. You can check here.
2. Watch out for "fast charging" cables that are only 15W.
3. 60W cables are powerful enough for most purposes and tend to be more flexible than 100W.
4. Faster cables (> USB 2.0) tend to be less flexible and may not be needed. 

Lithium USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries

Lithium USB AA Batteries

At last, AA batteries that maintain constant 1.5 volts!

A big problem with alkaline AA batteries is that cell voltage decreases with discharge, so motors run slower and lights get less bright. Standard rechargeable NiCd and NiMH AA batteries suffer from lower cell voltage to begin with. But the latest lithium technology solves both problems:

• Constant voltage: The best ones maintain a constant 1.5 volts until near depletion, when they step down to 1.1 volts to signal that it's time to recharge. Motors and lights thus deliver peak performance.
• Convenience: The latest version recharges rapidly though a USB-C socket, which makes recharging super convenient.
• Options: In addition to AA, lithium rechargeable batteries are also available in AAA, D and 9V form factors with the same great benefits. 

But beware marketing hype. Many of the less reputable batteries on the market make exaggerated, misleading claims. CARDIENS earns my Best Product rating by not making such claims.