This is kind of my whole confusion about the Framework module thing itself.
The repairability and linux support of the device is very cool. The easy upgrade internals and well labeled bits are very cool, but the external modules seem kind of pointless to me. They take up valuable interior space and are basically snap in USB-C dongles anyway.
If you have a few of these square framework only modules in your bag is that better than having more universal mac style dongles?
I can customize the ports to my liking without having anything protruding from the laptop (aside from ethernet, which I agree removes the utility).
I like having a microSD reader built in for instance, even if most people don't need one. With most laptops now I'd need to carry a card reader around and it wouldn't be flush with the laptop.
The regular modules fit in pretty snugly and don't add any extra bulk to the device. So you can put it in tight bags or sleeves without having to carry anything else around while still getting whatever ports you need.
This ethernet module is a little bulky, but it still looks like it fits more snugly than any third party dongle would, and chances are you wouldn't want to take it with you when you leave the house anyway.
The bottom of the expansion cards is exposed though - it seems like it should be possible to do the fold open style of connector that a lot of laptops have built in without it needing to expand past the edge. But maybe including the circuitboard as well took up too much space.
Benefiting from the modules doesn't mean not using dongles anymore. Even assuming that modules aren't being swapped around, different people will have different sets that maximize their utility. For me it's one A, two C and one storage expansion; maybe for you it's three C; someone else really wants DP, etc.
The repairability and linux support of the device is very cool. The easy upgrade internals and well labeled bits are very cool, but the external modules seem kind of pointless to me. They take up valuable interior space and are basically snap in USB-C dongles anyway.
If you have a few of these square framework only modules in your bag is that better than having more universal mac style dongles?