Perhaps ask Google why they never followed through with Project Ara?In the same way we can customize our SSD, RAM, Processor ... why can't we be given the option of customizing the types of ports on our MacBooks?
All Thunderbolt 4? Done.
HDMI, MagSafe, Thunderbolt, SD Card slot? Done.
It can be done. For instance Framework does this:It's not as simple as it sounds. Different ports require both a different top case and a different arrangement and wiring of components on the logic board. Too many SKUs to maintain with increased costs for the buyer and, I suspect, very little margins for Apple. They have people constantly doing market research on these design tradeoffs, if it were profitable for them they would have done it.
OWC like Docks do just what you want! I have no financial relation with them but they expand one port on my MAC book PRO to do most of what you are asking.In the same way we can customize our SSD, RAM, Processor ... why can't we be given the option of customizing the types of ports on our MacBooks?
All Thunderbolt 4? Done.
HDMI, MagSafe, Thunderbolt, SD Card slot? Done.
Why? There's no significant need for that.In the same way we can customize our SSD, RAM, Processor ... why can't we be given the option of customizing the types of ports on our MacBooks?
All Thunderbolt 4? Done.
HDMI, MagSafe, Thunderbolt, SD Card slot? Done.
Other companies do it, but as others have said in this thread, it's not easy. Apple doesn't have engineers with the expertise to pull it off.In the same way we can customize our SSD, RAM, Processor ... why can't we be given the option of customizing the types of ports on our MacBooks?
All Thunderbolt 4? Done.
HDMI, MagSafe, Thunderbolt, SD Card slot? Done.
See post #7. It does not have to be as complicated as you describe. Basically fancy integrated USB-C dongles.To add or change ports require developing:
1. New motherboards for each potential option
2. New cases for each potential option
3. New risks of failures
Apple prides itself on maintaining an efficient supply chain. This would really create problems with their supply chain increasing costs.
That functionality is a dongle, just with more steps.Framework does this with a number of USB-C ports on the board that each has a little alcove for a module that could be HDMI, USB of any type
I, for one, would be all for that.Some folks are even calling for the removal of ports from Mac laptops entirely.
So Apple has done what it has always done. Take the 90% case and optimize for that. Put in just those ports. Need another port? We have dongles and docks which achieve the same thing with a bit less attractiveness. But that 90% case works great and feels great and costs are kept down. This is why Apple chose to do what they did with the MBP design afaict.
True! But more aesthetically pleasing. 😁That functionality is a dongle, just with more steps.
You need a controller to control the ports. If you customize that means they need more controllers, which mean more $.In the same way we can customize our SSD, RAM, Processor ... why can't we be given the option of customizing the types of ports on our MacBooks?
All Thunderbolt 4? Done.
HDMI, MagSafe, Thunderbolt, SD Card slot? Done.
I get that a customizable port based MacBook would be more $ for Apple, but Apple could just charge more based on the port configuration, in the same way Apple charges more based on CPU, SSD, RAM, etc.You need a controller to control the ports. If you customize that means they need more controllers, which mean more $.