So, looks like the USB decision has been made (for now). I'm moving forward with the dual Type-A interfaces on the front. I reached out to vendors on AliExpress and of the 2 that responded, 1 said the item is no longer available and 1 wanted to sell me on a single Type-C interface.
This seems to reinforce the idea that those boards are no longer being manufactured. Of course, I could be wrong but at least this allows me to move forward with the Type-A interfaces on the front and I don't have to modify the design.
Speaking of which, the latest designs have been submitted to the fabricator with a PO and I will be paying for the entire run of 100 units next week. If the prototype comes back (in about 6 weeks) with little to no modifications necessary, I expect the production run to be completed around mid-late January as their lead time for production and prototyping is 6 weeks each.
That is assuming no major problems or further delays
For those wanting dual Type-C interfaces on the front, something like this would be a good option
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33023256761.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6a995fc70OC7Kh&algo_pvid=848911ae-19b8-47fe-b364-cc3fc5784f48&algo_expid=848911ae-19b8-47fe-b364-cc3fc5784f48-0&btsid=dba718bb-a739-4c6d-8a61-04d10b0d5014&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9,searchweb201603_52
Perhaps not ideal, but the USB protocol will be 3.1 through the Type-A interfaces so they will be 100% compatible with devices using a physical Type-C interface. You can also buy a Type-A to Type-C cable for things like phones, etc.
An important note here is that USB 3.1 is the same regardless of physical interface (A/B/C/etc.).
The more expensive adapters that included a Type-C interface like those used on the S400 and S401 did not include an external power source so they would not be able to provide additional power for external devices like phones (for fast charging). This means the only difference as I can tell is the physical interface which can be easily overcome by an adapter.
Should there be a problem with the prototype, I can change the front panel USB interfaces but it will delay the production of the case by 6 weeks or so to get the new prototype made.
