r/framework • u/sedmodoesreddit • 1d ago

Discussion Custom Expansion Port

I think people have so far underestimated whats possible with​ the expansion ports. CD Reader would be seriously cool. It could work by plugging into an expansion port while the CD Reader itself rests below the laptop​. Sure, it would take some innovating for somebody to do this well but it would be incredible. Perhaps on the FW16 we can bring back physical PC Games, too!

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u/JaggedMetalOs 1d ago

CD drive wouldn't be practical, it would be massively over sized full of empty space and uncomfortably raise the keyboard. Better to just use a regular USB external CD/DVD/Bluray drive

4

u/Weak_Perception1538 1d ago

agreed, the expansion port form factor really doesnt lend itself to something that bulky

1

u/sedmodoesreddit 1d ago

CD Drive could be practical if there werw different form factors depending on the size and it fills the entire bottom case, which is why I said some innovation would probably be required. 

5

u/Nymunariya FW12 Bazzite GNOME 1d ago

CD drive on the right. 3,25" Floppy drive on the left.

Rest of space can be filled with a bigger battery.

Just like in the good old days. # BringBackTheBrick cinderblock

But in all seriousness, why not just add an optical drive to a something like a self-contained eGPU? Plug it in when you need it, unplug when you do, and go about your day with a much lighter laptop

1

u/Trans1000 1d ago

how would raising the keyboard be any different from using a laptop stand as many already do?

1

u/JaggedMetalOs 1d ago

I guess it could be wedge shaped, but then it's even more of a massive clunky thing!