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130

Notebook ports on the back

130 points posted to Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops by falbert May 22

Am I the only one that hates having ports of anykind on the sides of my notebook. I like my ports out of sight in the back.
Maybe the headphone jack in the front and a few USB ports on the sides at the back.
I would suggest dropping : parralel, serial, pcmcia, infrared, mic input (integrate it in or use bluetooth) and the modem (who uses 56k modems today???)

sugarbear
May 22		 While promoting your idea for the ports on the back. I cannot agree about the 56 k modems. You obviously don`t know how many people still need them.
elkar
May 22		 Well, I can't say that I've ever been bothered by having cables attached to the sides of a laptop. Since, normally whenever I would plug something in, I would have the laptop sitting on a desk or table. But, I can see where it would be nice to have the majority of connections all on the back.

And, I must also second Sugarbear's comment. 56k modems may seem ancient and out-dated to you and me, but there are many people who still rely on this. Broadband access is not available in all areas. For some people, a 56k modem is their only option, whether they like it or not. And especially on laptops. Laptops are designed for mobility, and people who live in areas with broadband may travel to areas that don't have it.
zmjjmz
May 22		 I think it'd be nice for the notebooks that are meant to be huge desktop replacements, but the smaller, more mobile ones, should have them on the side.
winoffice
May 22		 56k modems still are needed. High speed network connections are not yet available everywhere; that is why many people still use them, and that is why they are still included in PCs.
falbert
May 23		 I personnally havent seen or heard anyone using a modem in years and that will become more true in the coming years, I offer customers alternatives that usualy involve changing work habits so that they dont have to deal with the hassle and frustration of slow 56k. But my point to the 56k modem is that you can now get a small USB modem in case you need it. Keep the laptop realestate for really necessary things.
sonals
May 23		 I agree with the initial comment, having most ports on the back please, makes it easier to get put things you need to have right next to you, like coffee : )
sugarbear
May 23		 @falbert. 50% of the US does not have DSL or cable. Satelight is to expensive.
steve123
May 24		 Yes, especially desktop replacement laptops, eg. 17" or heavy laptops.
Ports should be on the back, its very annoying having vga cables and power cables coming out the side of a laptop on a desk.
56k is definitly still needed though.
zmjjmz
May 26		 PCMCIA is still useful
christopher25
Jun 26		 Serial is usefull. Think that there are people that want to control stuff (for example lab tools) with that port. PCMCIA - your external drive won't be as fast on USB 2.0 as on PCMCIA eSata card.
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