Quoting: yndoendoWent with a Framework recently.

One design competence that most companies fail at is properly balancing the USB ports. USB-C & USB-A should have one on each side versus same side next to each other. You Don't know if the power will come from right or left of the laptop from the outlet. It improves user experience when lying down on a couch because it allows the cord to be plugged into the non-backing side.

I agree, but I'd argue that is a premium feature. It almost certainly costs less to put ports of the same type next to one another. (I don't know much about PCB design, but I can speculate:) e.g. if your USB ports can do PD, having traces go all the way to the other side of the motherboard (or a second set of electronic components providing this is noticeably more complicated.

My next laptop will be the Framework 12 probably, since I really enjoy a touch screen and also a stylus for drawing/sketching (even if I don't have a great workflow for either). I also really like repairability as I've repaired my current laptop 8-10 times (both self and repair shops). That said, I still hope the Slimbook does well.