> you’d have a big hole in your laptop with a cable sticking out
No, you wouldn't. You'd have one of these instead: https://frame.work/products/usb-c-expansion-card?v=FRACCQ000... (or the one matching a color you prefer and your particular model)
Now you’ve got two things plugged into your laptop, instead of one that sticks out by an inch. :)
Now you’ve got two things plugged into your laptop, instead of one that sticks out by an inch. :)