We could have a compact version, say 3.5mm, with different segments to carry different signal types. More segments can be added to allow for additional features. It could work with audio, video, power, and other data transfer. That would fit ideally into a phone.
The Steam Deck adds something incredibly valuable that the PC market has never had: a consistent target spec for minimum hardware requirements. Upgrading every couple years would create confusion for which version for developers to focus on. They are treating it like a console, not a PC.
I second the idea of a T480, it’s what I use. I threw Linux Mint on it and never even think about it, but if you want to use Windows, then I see no reason why it wouldn’t run perfectly well either. Looks like they go for $120-200usd depending on configuration. I spent over $300 a year and a half ago, and I would still consider that a good deal, so $200 is a bargain imo.
This is the exact device I was thinking of when I wrote my comment.