I don’t have a Framework as I’m waiting for my Thinkpad to die before I buy one, but I’ve been following the hype train for a while.
Anyways, I always thought it would be a cool idea if Framework made a dual usb-c expansion card. Was reading a few threads where people were saying you can’t because the components are too big along with other excuses. So I did a quick search on amazon/ebay and found this compact USB-C splitter that looks like it should fit within the dimensions of an expansion card! https://www.ebay.com/itm/404004568102
Anyone have any experience or know anyone who modified a mini usb-c hub like this to fit into a 3D printed expansion card?
USB C is much more complicated than a physical port. Sure its a single connector type. Sure its small. But its also got a lot of supported functionality which in turn requires a lot of supporting engineering and circuitry to support.
I have a FW16 on order. Its got 6 expansion slots. I’m struggling to figure out how to - Regularly - Use more than 2 or 3. A dual port USB C module would add no value, only complexity and probably cost more than a standard single port module.
What I’d like to know is how many people regularly fill every port of their 6, 8, 10, 12 port laptops as-is? Of those, and with so many connections, how many would be better served using a dock or moving up to a desktop/workstation?
Humanity solved all of those engineering challenges in 1942 with Duct Tape.
Your move u/s004aws
$7.99 - you are lucky if that thing will even do USB3 on both ports. Let alone PD and Thunderbolt.
It only does sata on 1 port lop
To be fair, you will need to use 1 port for charging, anyway
Because the ports are so limited on the framework, I’m planning on using a bluetooth mouse and keyboard instead to free up some ports.
I’d be happy to have a dual usb-c expansion port without thunderbolt 4 / display port alt mode / power delivery standard.
Sometimes, I just want to charge my mouse and headphones at the same time without unplugging my laptop, and they are happy with the old 5v 500mA USB standard and don’t need USB4 speeds.
Expecting full Thunderbolt 4 functionality from a dual expansion card would be unreasonable. I’m thinking something like a dual C ports with USB 2.0 specs.