Hypothetical USB C MOD- I think I figured out a possible way to bypass apples internal storage limitation

[meepdarby]

Hi Everyone,
Recently the USB C ports on my MacBook Air m1 started failing. Thankfully this is a pretty simple fix. They sell replacement usb c connectors on amazon for like $10. The replacement itself is very easy too, it involves just taking the bottom plate off and removing 4 screws to access the usb port. It got me thinking however, this could be an excellent place for a storage mod for the MacBook. I am not a hardware engineer but I do believe it should be possible. My idea is to design a modified ribbon cable that has two usb c ports and a micro sd card slot. This way a user can simply replace their OEM USB C ribbon with a modified one that expands their storage. I have attached photos to show how this idea would work. Obviously someone would need to design this ribbon with proper measurements/clearances in mind. This internalized mod would essentially act as external storage but without the bulk of needing to travel with an extra drive. This could also be applied to other MacBook models that have a similar USB C setup.

 

[mr_roboto]

Electrically, it's possible. The main problem I see is finding space for everything you'd need. You need a lot more than just the microSD card socket, there also has to be a bunch of support electronics, and space is pretty tight here.

If you want both ports to be functional, the board would need to have at least a USB-C hub integrated into it. If you want full functionality, it would need a Thunderbolt hub instead. It's probably not practical to put either kind of hub into a very tiny PCB mounted here.

Even if you decide to sacrifice a port, you'll still need a USB-to-SD interface chip. This is is more doable but without going to a lot of trouble I can't say whether it has a chance of fitting.

 

[meepdarby]

There are actually spots on the MacBook that have more empty space especially on the M1 MacBooks air. The area beneath the trackpad has a lot of empty space. And the trackpad itself doesn't really move. There are also empty pockets below the battery that can possibly be used.