If you want pedal smoothness and torque effectiveness (which I've never had a use for), you need Garmin Vector pedals. Maybe PowerTap's new P1 pedals will give you this data, too, but I don't believe so. I think they can calculate it but it falls under the heading of Cycling Dynamics and Garmin haven't opened the ANT+ standard for that. I could be mistaken on this point though. I think that limits you to a Garmin, you could use a modern Edge unit or a watch. Or both. I like my Fenix 3.

Through a USB cable is actually very inconvenient compared to having it automagically appear where you need it, over the air. My watch uploads my data for me at the end of a ride, it goes through my phone to the internet, and it's available before I walk in the door and take my bike shoes off. The computers themselves have very good battery life, most people don't charge them between rides, and that means there's no reason to go find the right USB cable and power up the laptop just to see your data.