File this into yet another “People think electronics are magic” category. Too often in my own field (mechanics) I see people who have underdeveloped fundamental understanding of both electronics and software demanding the impossible of my colleagues. Alternatively, others attributing faults to purely mechanical reasons because they parrot incomprehensible things like “The software is a PID loop, it can’t be the cause” (What??? AAAAAAHHHHH!)
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With the talk of complexity of two-port solutions I almost don’t want to ask, but would it be easier to split one type-c/USB4 into a mini DisplayPort and a USB A? this might be more software oriented with how the USB4 specifications deals with such things, but it would essentially guarantee that laptop power delivery wouldn’t be considered at all like the dual port combinations above (which would simplify a few things right?)
While you can’t fit 50 lbs into a 10lb sack… Which is what some are asking for - I think it helps Framework to know what people are interested in… For the future.
Who knows, maybe the next version (15" etc) might have a mix of the current module size and new bigger ones as well.
On my end I am happy with the current modules. I swap them out as needed in the field. When at my desk I plug in one USB-C hub and I’m done.
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I find myself behind a lot of server racks and being able to charge the laptop over POE++ would be incredibly useful. Here are some other ports that I’m sure have been mentioned.
- RJ-45 (Ethernet) with POE charging
- 4G network card (with sim card slot)
- Programmable GPIO card (female)
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A serial interface. Too many devices in the IT world still need serial for programing or console cables etc…
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Got you covered (still under testing) It is designed for networking console use but can easily made for serial. USB-C to DB9/RS-232 - #21 by mzlink
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Also I am working on miniDP on its own.
If you’re going to offer an Ethernet adaptor, it should be 2.5 Gbps minimum. A 1 Gbps Ethernet is very quickly on the way out. Otherwise, I’d just pick up a Plugable 2.5 Gbps USB adaptor.
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Yea nah, 2.5 gig is very hard for a IC to support 2.5 gig let alone 1 gig without going 200-300 dollars. I can only find two chips that support 1 gig and are 30 bucks each. For type c that is.
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Off the top of my head, I think a magsafe like power connector would be helpful.
Also interested in a 5G cellular data option.
Super nice to have would be hidden USB-A for Logitech dongle.
April fools type would be an Atari/Genesis controller port.
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Here’s something for a larger future model… make a longer (and slightly wider) expansion card&bay so you can slot your own 2230 (or even 2242) Nvme SSD in it and install it.
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@Michael_Zornek i’m not sure a cellular modem would be doable as any usb ones you can buy today are very bulky when compared to the expansion cards discussed here.
It might be possible with this part though: https://www.eenewseurope.com/news/murata-claims-smallest-nb-iot-cellular-modem
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Some ideas for Expansion Cards:
1.) GPS
2.) Software Defined Radio
3.) Ham Radio MMDVM Module
4.) Stemma QT port for sensors
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I like the ideas, you should post instead in the megathread.
Nice idea, can I add few more ideas?
- A edge-opened fingerprint scanner
- Mag-Safe charger
- Programmable buttons (somewhat like gaming mouse buttons, but on-edge of expansion card)
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That QT connector I’m building into my Swiss army knife expansion card for UART, TTL.
- USB A adapter with a space inside to handle the Logitech USB adapter or other mouse/keyboard adapters to hide them.
- Hi-Fi DAC Module with Audio Output
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Seriously people, I do love the suggestions but please keep this in the megathread. Many of these have already been posted by previous users, and keeping the suggestions in the same place makes it easier for community makers to peruse your ideas 
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I know it probably breaks the design philosophy, but how about a dongle like module? Most of the electronics inside, but then cords coming out so multiple things can be plugged in?
Other (possibly dumb) ideas:
Storage with a Male USB A module: To make transferring data between the framework and a computer without a type c port easy.
Male USB C: For charging your phone without carrying a cable.
Software key: basically pull it out to remove access to certain files / programs, if you want to let someone use your laptop.
Screwdriver: In case you need to repair your framework on the go.
Storage with a Male USB A module
That is a great idea! Even cooler if the USB-A plug can retract into the module so that it’s out of the way in normal use. Then when you need to transfer data, just pop it out, extend the USB-A port, and transfer files.
Another solution that would work for this would be to have a micro type-B connector on the outer edge, so you can still connect it to another device, but with a patch cord. That might be easier to fit into the expansion card dimensions, and it gives the user the ability to choose the right kind of cable – micro to full size A, or micro to C, etc.