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?
Thank you! That's what I suspected from the pictures, but I was able to select 0 USB-C ports with no warning, so I was confused.
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.
For the AMD version, if you're going for an almost all Type A layout or something, it's handy to note that the Type A expansion card have idle power issues in the back ports.
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You need one port to be USB-C for charging.
The other three can be mixed and matched with whatever you like.
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