> > Can the Framework laptop be powered via USB-C or are they still using power jacks like in the 20th century?

> Powering via USB-C would be OK only on laptops with at least 4 or 5 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, but such laptops are non-existent.

Isn't the Framework an example of a laptop with 4 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports? (IIRC, there's also some Apple laptop model with 2 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports on each side, for a total of 4, said model being infamous for having performance problems whenever a charger is plugged on the "wrong" side.)

It's a tradeoff for reduced laptop size (portability). If you're at home and need to connect to many things, you usually have a dock or expansion dongle. On the road, you often only need 2 ports - one for charging and one for whatever momentary things you need to plug in briefly.

My Macbook Air M1 with only two USB-C ports has been just fine. I have a small but effective Anker "hub" which adds SD, HDMI, USB, and USB-C. Usually I don't need it, so it stays in my primary bag while my nice and portable laptop goes everywhere.

My XPS from 1.5 years ago has 4 USB-C ports.

Unfortunately the only example of a laptop I was aware of with 4x Thunderbolt ports was the much maligned 2016-2019 MacBook Pro series. the new models have 3 - and a dedicated charger port in the new iteration of MagSafe, but can also still charge off the Thunderbolt ports.

I love it. I plug it into my 5k screen, and it stays charged. When I’m not at my desk, I’m not generally using my ports.