Plus the storage and RAM and whatnot we already have.
Ideally this is like a framework all-in-one with just one cable going to the wall. I’ve read that the motherboard can be set to boot when power is fed to it.
He’s mainly surfing the web (e.g. emails, Netflix, Bible Study) and I don’t predict any intense graphical workflows. He seems to like the Debian/KDE I set up on his laptop so we’re probably going with that.
Is this a horrible idea to run a mainboard from a 4K monitor? What am I overlooking?
Not a bad idea!
I confirm that there is an option in the Bios to power up the motherboard when AC power is connected (I am using that to start my laptop when it is docked at home).
+1 for a good USB C cable (90W is more than enough for a FW13 in any case).
Optionally you may switch one of the USB A expansion card to an ethernet one if that’s of use to you (or if you don’t plan to use the WiFi card).