It sounds like a typical entry level system. IMO, it pays to invest in higher quality hardware. Even if you're a cheap bastard (like yours truly), rather than suffering for 2 years, why not spend the extra $100 and have a great experience that you don't have to work-around to use? In this case (and IMHO), while the price is lower, so is the value.
Well, USB charging is not as practical as it first seems. With tablets, the size of the battery makes a 5V USB port quiver. These devices all need some sort of charging connector. Apple/Samsung/Dell got around this by using a proprietary/PDMI connector which feeds more juice to the device and also reduces port-clutter. This is (again IMO), the most elegant solution to this problem.
Another potential solution is a specialized USB port and cord with connectors for higher voltage/amperage, and possibly A/V. This would be 100% backwards compatible, though would allow the higher charge requirements for these devices.