And of course the first comments all say the same thing, can it supply more current and work with higher current ports etc. Feature creep
As we will no doubt see, it's all a trade-off with the size of the unit, and the cost, complexity and size of the isolated DC-DC converter required to handle it all.
For those interested, no data comms ability, it's just not worth it. I want a simple lowest possible cost unit that is just a PSU.
Dave.
But Dave, you already have a micro in it, you can use a USB enabled one or put a FT232 which means you can do 100% software control using a simple terminal software(no need to write anything fancy), which enables you to do away with *at least* 1/2 knobs+rotary encoder, 6 LED digits(clunky, big and they eat lots of power which from the already low supply).
Because if you're going to plug it to a notebook, the notebook is on and chances is you're already using it to develop/program/whatever it is you need for your electronic thing, so what's the harm of doing it software controlled?.
I think the cost of those parts is way more than a simple ft232 or a usb enabled micro.
Also, you can use a "dongle" cable like in several common USB HDDs which will net you 1 AMP combined (but adding some sort of detection based on consumption could be tricky, adding a pusbutton or switch or software key at start to select between "hi/normal power" could solve it)
Plus the size and weight shedding means you can use a much slimmer package in the same footprint (half the height or less) and no protruding stuff means easier shipping!.
anyway, those are my 2(3) cents!