> but the alternative is making a PCB that is much larger to accept a M.2 slot. It just isn't possible in the current footprint from what I can tell.
I'm not saying they made a bad choice; they're facing a lot of constraints and have a lot of IO to get out while staying hobbyist friendly.
> Also, other connectors for this type have surprisingly low durability. Most M.2 slots are rated for extremely low mating cycles.
Sure, but I don't -need- as many mating cycles for M.2, as it'd be screwed to the board and done. Whereas if I'm dealing with a Pi stackup and coming in and out of the case, I'm likely to get through the couple dozen cycles I'm allowed with FPC. And if I'm putting it on a vibration-intensive environment like a quadcopter, I need to be pretty dang careful with mechanicals.
> Again, this sounds overblown.
Everything's a tradeoff. Flex is cheap and small and offers versatility. It's also delicate and annoying.
I'm not saying they made a bad choice; they're facing a lot of constraints and have a lot of IO to get out while staying hobbyist friendly.
> Also, other connectors for this type have surprisingly low durability. Most M.2 slots are rated for extremely low mating cycles.
Sure, but I don't -need- as many mating cycles for M.2, as it'd be screwed to the board and done. Whereas if I'm dealing with a Pi stackup and coming in and out of the case, I'm likely to get through the couple dozen cycles I'm allowed with FPC. And if I'm putting it on a vibration-intensive environment like a quadcopter, I need to be pretty dang careful with mechanicals.
> Again, this sounds overblown.
Everything's a tradeoff. Flex is cheap and small and offers versatility. It's also delicate and annoying.