Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

JHromadka · May 22, 2003, 09:58 AM

Why are the Powerbook ports on the sides now? I have a TiBook 400 right now and will probably replace it next year, but I really prefer the clean look that it offers over the exposed USB/Firewire/whatever ports on the sides of the AlBooks. It looks soooo much better in movies, television, and photography. It's not as bad as the butt-ugly parallel ports that PC laptops have, but still.

How do you like your ports, exposed or not?

icruise · May 22, 2003, 10:23 AM

Port covers tend to break off and they get in the way when you are trying to plug things in. While it's kind of nice to have the ports in the back if you don't do a lot of plugging and unplugging, plugging in half a dozen plugs by feel gets old quickly.

mosch · May 22, 2003, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by JHromadka:

How do you like your ports, exposed or not?

I like them exposed, not because I enjoy looking at ports, but because I dislike doors/flaps/etc. I like them on the side not only because I like the new hinge design, but also because it makes it easy to plug things in without having to spin or flip the laptop to see the ports.

Eug · May 22, 2003, 10:27 AM

I hated the side ports of my iBook. I much prefer the rear ports of my TiBook. However, I don't like port covers (even though it does look nice on the TiBook).

It's not hard to guess how I voted...

Anyways, the ports MUST be on the side now because of the screen hinge. Same with the iBooks.

spacedog · May 22, 2003, 11:09 AM

I've recently moved from a TiBook 400 to a 17". I wasn't excited about the side ports at first, but I also hated (HATED!) that stupid little cover over the Ti's ports. I've grown accustomed to the side ports on the 17", although any cables plugged into the right side get in the way when I'm using an external mouse. I like the smoothness of the action on the new hinge, but I would prefer a TiBook-style hinge (~175 degrees of movement) with exposed ports on the back.

Either way, it isn't a huge deal.

n_lim · May 22, 2003, 11:18 AM

i don't really mind the ports on the side and I suppose they make it so you don't need to turn the pb around to plug things in, but my major issue is with the placement of the security lock hole. Why, oh why is it towards the front and not the rear as in the Ti's? The lock is constantly in the way of everything and just doesn't seem to make sense to me. Is there a good reason why?

This is for the 12", not sure of the situation on the 17" or the ibook.

tonewheel · May 22, 2003, 11:19 AM

I prefer the side ports on my 12 and 17. But, there is no USB port on the right side of the 12, which makes for a really stretched mouse cord when using an external mouse. (I'm right handed...and the mouse has to plug in to the left side of the computer.)

Eug · May 22, 2003, 11:46 AM

i don't really mind the ports on the side and I suppose they make it so you don't need to turn the pb around to plug things in

As I mentioned earlier it's mainly because of the screen hinge. There is very little room at the back for ports.

fisherKing · May 22, 2003, 12:37 PM

i like the ports on my pismo...
the lid is fine when i'm mobile, or at the coffeebar...

it's nice not to see a tangle of cables at home (i have almost every plug in use)

but, having said that...
who cares?

apple won't change it's designs because of a dozen opinions at macnn...

and when i get my 12"...ports on the side?
that's life...

not being difficult, just a thought...

djjava · May 22, 2003, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by JHromadka:
Why are the Powerbook ports on the sides now? I have a TiBook 400 right now and will probably replace it next year, but I really prefer the clean look that it offers over the exposed USB/Firewire/whatever ports on the sides of the AlBooks. It looks soooo much better in movies, television, and photography. It's not as bad as the butt-ugly parallel ports that PC laptops have, but still.

How do you like your ports, exposed or not?

wherever they wanna put them, fine by me.... where is that response for the poll??

JHromadka · May 22, 2003, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by fisherKing:
but, having said that...
who cares?

apple won't change it's designs because of a dozen opinions at macnn...

and when i get my 12"...ports on the side?
that's life...

not being difficult, just a thought...

Don't worry, I wasn't calling for an online petition or anything!

I just think that a covered port is more aesthetically pleasing.

itai195 · May 22, 2003, 01:39 PM

Wow, according to the poll people actually like ports on the side. I dislike ports on the side, cables end up taking up way too much space. Of course, this won't be as much of a problem if you use wireless internet and wireless peripherals.

urrl5201 · May 22, 2003, 06:30 PM

I think function so far is surpassing form or appearance on this poll by 2x. I personally was so annoyed with the door flap and reaching to the rear of my old 667 DVI that I considered the removal of the flap. I never thought of the sides ports on my 17" as anything but pleasing to the eye, and am happy with Apple's design choice on my new laptop.

geekwagon · May 22, 2003, 06:37 PM

The side ports would be more of a problem if they had huge gappy plastic surrounds and/or gaudy coloring on them. As it is, they look OK because the fit and finish is excellent and they blend in to the laptop. And I much prefer plugging my monitor in at work from the side rather than having to go around my desk to plug it in from the back.

wanderlust · May 22, 2003, 06:51 PM

Yes...side ports are good. Over two years of reaching around the back and moving the screen around and trying to fish with ports that I could barely see in the dark and that little annoyance of the ethernet cable nub sitting right under the rim of the back of the frame got old fast. I'm so into side ports I can't even see straight. Yea! Way to go Apple.

Macola · May 22, 2003, 07:03 PM

My guess is that people who voted for side ports rarely use all of them

wanderlust · May 22, 2003, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by Macola:
My guess is that people who voted for side ports rarely use all of them

Not sure for others, but for me, I've used them all consistantly but the Firewire 800 port. In fact, right now I have my USB mouse, headphones power cable, Firewire (for my little external drive a take with me) and ethernet cable plugged in (at a clients for late lunch and they don't have wireless).

This is exactly why I prefer the side ports. I don't have to dick around with the flap and reach around the screen to get to them. Much more convenient. I do understand some folks might not prefer the cables to the sides, but with the 17 inch, there is more than enough room for my hands to type and my mouse is happy as a clam with no tangles. Just me, tho.

Lateralus · May 22, 2003, 08:00 PM

I prefer the ports in the back, covered by a door as they are on my Pismo. But I'd imagine one of the main reasons I prefer it this way is because the Pismo's door is as rugged as the rest of the machine. I have played with the door on the TiG4's and I doubt I would like port doors if I owned one...

icruise · May 22, 2003, 08:04 PM

Originally posted by Macola:
My guess is that people who voted for side ports rarely use all of them

Hmm, I would have said the same for the rear ports. It's exactly because I do use most of them (at least firewire, USB, monitor & audio out) and connect/disconnect them fairly regularly that I prefer the side ports.

Macola · May 22, 2003, 08:29 PM

Originally posted by Icruise:
Hmm, I would have said the same for the rear ports. It's exactly because I do use most of them (at least firewire, USB, monitor & audio out) and connect/disconnect them fairly regularly that I prefer the side ports.

Different frame of reference, I guess. I have very limited space on my desk on either side of my AlBook and those cables just get in the way. Much neater and a better use of space to have them all behind the 'Book. Then again, having the CD pop out of the side, hit something, and bounce back annoys the heck out of me...hmmm, subject for another poll.

justinkim · May 22, 2003, 08:40 PM

While I prefer the ports to be on the back and cables out of the way, it really isn't a deal breaker for me. What is important is having something covering the ports to keep dirt, dust and schmutz out of them.

mosch · May 22, 2003, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by Macola:
My guess is that people who voted for side ports rarely use all of them

I voted for side ports. I'm currently using power, ethernet, firewire, two usb ports, the display port and the headphone out. I'm not using the mic, modem or security lock, but I'd say that I'm using pretty close to all of them.

I repeat my earlier comment where I said that it's nice not to have to spin the laptop around to plug in a cable.

donutogre · May 22, 2003, 09:03 PM

i voted for side ports and typically have ethernet, power, keyboard, sound, and external monitor plugged into mine...all of which come out when i'm on the go. i like being able to see what i'm plugging in. my mouse cord is plenty long too so that usually isn't a problem for me.

wanderlust · May 22, 2003, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by Macola:
Different frame of reference, I guess. I have very limited space on my desk on either side of my AlBook and those cables just get in the way. Much neater and a better use of space to have them all behind the 'Book. Then again, having the CD pop out of the side, hit something, and bounce back annoys the heck out of me...hmmm, subject for another poll.

Wow, you must either have like a mini-me desk or it must be very crowded if you're having problems with your CD bouncing off things and sliding back into your low-footprint YAOBook! Plus, not enough room for your cables on the side. YOW.

Macola · May 22, 2003, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by wanderlust:
Wow, you must either have like a mini-me desk or it must be very crowded if you're having problems with your CD bouncing off things and sliding back into your low-footprint YAOBook! Plus, not enough room for your cables on the side. YOW.

Not a small desk, just lots of stuff on it. Actually, most of the time my AlBook is tucked away under a hutch, since I connect it to an external keyboard and monitor.

DVD Plaza · May 22, 2003, 09:41 PM

I'm finding side ports to be an outright pain in the friggen neck:

Left side - cables sticking out where I would normally have paperwork sitting.

Right side - keep getting in the bloody way of my mouse.

I've tried bending the sh#t out of the various cables but most are too stiff.

Left side I'll have to live with, the right side I'm eliminating the Ethernet with Airport and the USB by plugging a hub into the otherside. In otherwords I have a gorgeous 17" notebook with ports on one side that might as well not be there, and the otherside of the machine has cables gallore and a hub. Duh.

I personally preferred the ports being on the back as per my PowerBook 800DVI - I definitely prefer the new hinge, but shame it makes rear ports impossible.

Then again this whole problem exists because Apple refuses to make a docking station - all my peripherals are only when I'm at my desk, so they could just plug into the docking station and be out of my way nor need plugging in/out ever again.

Eug · May 22, 2003, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by wanderlust:
This is exactly why I prefer the side ports. I don't have to dick around with the flap and reach around the screen to get to them. Much more convenient. I do understand some folks might not prefer the cables to the sides, but with the 17 inch, there is more than enough room for my hands to type and my mouse is happy as a clam with no tangles. Just me, tho.

Side ports on my iBook drove me up the wall. Like some of the other posters here, Firewire, ethernet, second USB, etc. were a constant headache, since the cables simply got in the way of my mouse.

Things now seem so much more organized on my TiBook.

icruise · May 23, 2003, 06:23 AM

Originally posted by Eug:
Side ports on my iBook drove me up the wall. Like some of the other posters here, Firewire, ethernet, second USB, etc. were a constant headache, since the cables simply got in the way of my mouse.

Things now seem so much more organized on my TiBook.

Are you left handed? I could see how that might be annoying. I (a right-hander) have my external mouse situated on the right and have all the cables connected to the left side of the computer running under my external LCD (which is also on the left). Works well for me anyway (and my desk is...not tidy.)

AssassyN · May 23, 2003, 06:25 AM

I was also unsure if I'd like the ports exposed on the side of my 17" PowerBook, but now that I have it, I couldn't be more pleased. The ports are *so* much easier to get to and manipulate than if they were on the back...escp. in a situation such as having it up high on an iCurve, unhooking things from the side is much more convient. Plus, it allows for the wonderful counter-sunk screen lid to operate from the back.

Eug · May 23, 2003, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by Icruise:
Are you left handed? I could see how that might be annoying. I (a right-hander) have my external mouse situated on the right and have all the cables connected to the left side of the computer running under my external LCD (which is also on the left). Works well for me anyway (and my desk is...not tidy.)

Strangely enough, I'm not left handed, but I often used my left hand for the mouse, esp. if I was using my drive a lot (which was on the right).

Mind you, on my main desk it's not a big issue since it's so big. It was more an issue on my smaller tables.

icruise · May 23, 2003, 07:23 AM

I didn't really see the advantage of the slot-loading drive before I got the powerbook, but it is considerably easier to use in confined spaces. So I think you might not find it necessary to use the mouse on the left side if you were using the 12" powerbook (left-handers being a different case, of course).

beanman · May 23, 2003, 08:07 AM

I would have to say that if I could, I would love to have the ports covered, just for the sake of protection, on the sides. The main reason being that I just fear for that day that something might get stuck in those ports just buy accident. I have AppleCare, but still, the thought still frightens me. But in the mean time, I have no problems with the way my machine is currently configured. I love it just the same.

JHromadka · May 23, 2003, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by Eug:
Side ports on my iBook drove me up the wall. Like some of the other posters here, Firewire, ethernet, second USB, etc. were a constant headache, since the cables simply got in the way of my mouse.

I predict a growing aftermarket for L-shaped connectors for these new Powerbooks so we can have the cables running behind the Powerbooks when sitting on the desk instead of out to the side.

yellow no.5 · May 23, 2003, 11:45 AM

I dig the sound the flap makes when I close it on my TiBook. Three cheers for the rear ports!

-yno.5

euphras · May 23, 2003, 12:35 PM

Quote:
"I dig the sound the flap makes when I close it on my TiBook. Three cheers for the rear ports!"

Second that

Also: the Ti port cover is sturdy. It�s made of Titanium, much sturdier than the plastic covers of older machines.

And yes i prefer the cleaner look with the ports on the back. Also had no difficulties to connect without turning the Ti. If you look from above screen and body leave a gap through which you can see the port symbols printed on the inner side of the door. Pretty easy to find the right ports.

Pat

icruise · May 23, 2003, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by euphras:

Also: the Ti port cover is sturdy. It�s made of Titanium, much sturdier than the plastic covers of older machines.

Pat

Maybe, my Pismo's port cover broke off after a year or so. But I've heard of a fair number of people having problems with the Tibook's covers, partially because metal can get bent out of shape, while plastic generally doesn't. In any case, I don't really see the point of a cover (aside from aesthetics), since I keep the computer itself in a sleeve when I am transporting it, and that protects the ports just fine.

fisherKing · May 23, 2003, 12:44 PM

yeah, i gotta add this, that with my pismo, and the ports on the rear, my desk looks great, uncluttered; i imagine that seeing all the cables does add a bit of geek-factor to everything, but...prefer the simpler aesthetic!

richf · May 23, 2003, 01:21 PM

hate the side ports, makes the cabling way too messy. And I hate the "drop down" hinge that caused them to be on the sides. I really hope they don't go to that style with the new 15" so that we still have some choice in the matter.

Eug · May 23, 2003, 01:28 PM

I didn't really see the advantage of the slot-loading drive before I got the powerbook, but it is considerably easier to use in confined spaces. So I think you might not find it necessary to use the mouse on the left side if you were using the 12" powerbook (left-handers being a different case, of course).

I do like the tray load for the few extra small discs I have, but yeah, I like the convenience of a slot load.

However, the reason I use my mouse on the left side often is because if I'm using my right hand all the time my right elbow gets sore. (Get your mind out of the gutter...)

I have no problem "mousing" with my left hand for every day type work. (Gaming is a different kettle of fish though.)

I predict a growing aftermarket for L-shaped connectors for these new Powerbooks so we can have the cables running behind the Powerbooks when sitting on the desk instead of out to the side.

Well, I dunno. An L-shaped connector running horizontally would simply serve to block the port beside it.