3 ms·

Aren't the expansion modules all just things that are standard ports and storage options on normal laptops? Would be cool if they offered something a little spe

Aren't the expansion modules all just things that are standard ports and storage options on normal laptops? Would be cool if they offered something a little specialized. But of course if the current setup lets them offer the base laptop with less ports at a reduced price compared to a less modular laptop with more standard ports, it could be a win too.

ssklash 5y ago
Yes, but they are interchangeable within a single slot. So you're never locked into one type of port. One day you need an SD card reader, the next you need an Ethernet port. Just swap them out.
horsawlarway 5y ago
I see the expansion modules as a better solution to "dongle hell" that most users on new usb-c only machines are facing. My last two machines (work and personal) have been usb-c only, and for the most part I love it (shared chargers, shared docks, shared displays, etc). BUT! it can suck when I need to use my machine outside of the dock. In that case, I really want a standard usb-3 port or two, and an HDMI port (normally I'm presenting something, and basically every tv/projector under the sun has an hdmi port on it right now). I don't really want to have a giant chunk of plastic dangling off of my laptop that I have to remember, or that will get yanked on, or that I can accidentally leave behind. This seems like a nice solution to the problem. Given the current reviews, it seems pretty likely that I'll end up picking one of these machines up as my next personal laptop.
underko 5y ago
I recommend checking out https://community.frame.work/c/expansion-cards/developer-program/90 https://community.frame.work/c/expansion-cards/developer-pro... and the associated github page.
uoaei 5y ago
"Normal laptops" don't have many of those ports anymore, only available via dongle. I don't know what examples you refer to that are less expensive or more user-friendly.
- fulafel 5y ago
  The common business ThinkPad, eg T19 or X1, has all these ports, plus more, eg internal LTE modem. Edit: actually in the current models, the SD reader is missing.

ssklash 5y ago

Yes, but they are interchangeable within a single slot. So you're never locked into one type of port. One day you need an SD card reader, the next you need an Ethernet port. Just swap them out.

horsawlarway 5y ago

I see the expansion modules as a better solution to "dongle hell" that most users on new usb-c only machines are facing. My last two machines (work and personal) have been usb-c only, and for the most part I love it (shared chargers, shared docks, shared displays, etc). BUT! it can suck when I need to use my machine outside of the dock. In that case, I really want a standard usb-3 port or two, and an HDMI port (normally I'm presenting something, and basically every tv/projector under the sun has an hdmi port on it right now). I don't really want to have a giant chunk of plastic dangling off of my laptop that I have to remember, or that will get yanked on, or that I can accidentally leave behind. This seems like a nice solution to the problem. Given the current reviews, it seems pretty likely that I'll end up picking one of these machines up as my next personal laptop.

underko 5y ago

I recommend checking out https://community.frame.work/c/expansion-cards/developer-program/90 https://community.frame.work/c/expansion-cards/developer-pro... and the associated github page.

uoaei 5y ago

"Normal laptops" don't have many of those ports anymore, only available via dongle. I don't know what examples you refer to that are less expensive or more user-friendly.

fulafel 5y ago
The common business ThinkPad, eg T19 or X1, has all these ports, plus more, eg internal LTE modem. Edit: actually in the current models, the SD reader is missing.