What do you need these ports for, that you can't get with a modern USB-connected dock? It can't be a matter of portability since by and large laptops with Ethernet and SD-card I/O are going to be bulky, not-really-portable "desktop replacement" products anyway.
My current Thinkpad has both and is very portable (14", 1.5 kg)
The Ethernet port is extremely useful in the field or in the lab to connect to various devices. The SD prt is useful for imaging embedded devices, or for getting pictures off my camera.
