I’m configuring a Framework 13, and while selecting the ports, I came across a question that I couldn’t determine from the pictures, product pages, or configurator:
Is there a dedicated USB-C port for docking and charging? That is, to say, if I don’t choose USB-C for at least one of the expansion ports, will I still be able to plug it in to a USB-C dock? If not, how will I charge the laptop? Is there a dedicated charging port?
If you were particularly insane, you could choose to simply remove one of the modules and raw-dog the mb usb-c when you wished to charge. You can’t “lose” your ability to charge the device.
I don’t think that would be insane. If you really need to save money, it’s definitely usable. Just out of curiosity, I have tried several different things without any modules: charging, a USB hub like this, and even a USB-C flash drive. The latter might be difficult if you cannot find one that is compact enough, but everything I tried was absolutely doable.
It wouldn’t be insane, but it wouldn’t be advisable as a long term solution. USB-C charging ports invariably fail, mostly because of mechanical stresses. And when they do, it’s much more sensible to replace a 10€ expansion card than the entire mobo (or the entire laptop for the competitors).
Besides, you don’t buy a FWL if you’re strapped on cash. You buy it as a gamble on the future to reduce your e-waste while keeping relevant. Plus, there are smarter ways to reduce cost, like buying your ram and ssd elsewhere.
Just tangential, since Framework puts an emphasis on repeatability I wonder how easy it is to replace a USB-C port on the motherboard? Something relatively easy to remove and solder a new one on, or are they even directly soldered?