iMac Update To Include Front Ports
[quote]Mac Whispers
January 27, 2003
iMac Update To Include Front Ports
A plastic component manufacturing source has informed us that the soon to be released iMacs will include a subtle redesign of the base housing, one that provides "an innovative" approach to front-facing ports. In a move suggestive of XtremeMac's UFO for iMac round hard disk drive base, the ports are said to be hidden behind a sliding door mechanism, so as to not detract from the iMac's appearance, when not in use. No timeline can be confirmed for the updated case release, other than to pass along that the new cases are said to be "not in production at this time."
No other substantive case design changes were mentioned by the source; however, the idea of a slot loading optical drive continues to be discussed in many circles. Just prior to publication, we received information that the new machines will also include a move to a 133MHz memory bus, and will use DDR 2100 RAM. However, we have no other details to report at this time.<hr></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.envestco2.com/macwhispers/0000010.html"; target="_blank">Mac Whispers</a>
I do not know about you but I would not like that to much. On the side? Sure that is okay but on the front? That would add to much traffic to the area.
January 27, 2003
iMac Update To Include Front Ports
A plastic component manufacturing source has informed us that the soon to be released iMacs will include a subtle redesign of the base housing, one that provides "an innovative" approach to front-facing ports. In a move suggestive of XtremeMac's UFO for iMac round hard disk drive base, the ports are said to be hidden behind a sliding door mechanism, so as to not detract from the iMac's appearance, when not in use. No timeline can be confirmed for the updated case release, other than to pass along that the new cases are said to be "not in production at this time."
No other substantive case design changes were mentioned by the source; however, the idea of a slot loading optical drive continues to be discussed in many circles. Just prior to publication, we received information that the new machines will also include a move to a 133MHz memory bus, and will use DDR 2100 RAM. However, we have no other details to report at this time.<hr></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.envestco2.com/macwhispers/0000010.html"; target="_blank">Mac Whispers</a>
I do not know about you but I would not like that to much. On the side? Sure that is okay but on the front? That would add to much traffic to the area.
Comments
And since most people doesnt have tons of USB and firewire devices, I dont think It'll get to clustered!
But I hope that there are several 'hiding doors', 'cause itll look weird to remove the door just to use 1 USB port, and have the other two starring forward. <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" />
And anyway, the text doesnt say ALL ports on the front! Maybe some on the front, and some on the back..
<strong>Is this for firewire? You already have USB on the keyboard so there's no need for that. Maybe FW will be added to the keyboard. Seems like the better solution to me.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yeah but then you'de need to make some proprietary keyboard connector that can support USB and Firewire signals. Unlikely, unless then just have a forked cable for the keyboard but that isn't Apple.
and the Keyboard and Mouse is connected via Bluetooth so that it won't look cluttered with everyday use.
Ok, I'm dreaming...
<strong>Maybe all ports will be on the front,
and the Keyboard and Mouse is connected via Bluetooth so that it won't look cluttered with everyday use.
Ok, I'm dreaming...</strong><hr></blockquote>
And the MUCH famed Super Pizza Drive!
:eek:
[Edit:] Slot-loading of course!
[ 01-27-2003: Message edited by: T'hain Esh Kelch ]</p>
I find using the power button is a much easier way to sleep the computer than going apple -> sleep. Also, the headphone port should at least be somewhere on the side so it's easy to reach, and the same goes for the firewire.
What would be really cool is if you were able to rotate the bottom section independently of the main part. Then if you wanted ports on the side, that's what you get. Ports could go anywhere you want while still keeping the optical drive anywhere you want as well.
Front ports will get stuck in the CD door. The Keyboard already has enough problems with that door. Plus plugging into the back of an iMac is REALLY easy, yes I own one and use it daily
Possible cables.
1) Headphones.
The only thing I could see is a headphone jack, but then again since most external speakers have extra plugs, I doubt this as well. I have a splitter on mine, one for my speakers and one for my headphones (no, my speakers do not come with an extra plug like most...)
2) Firewire
Fire wire ports in the front? Not necessary. Leave the cable plugged into your computer and take away the device... not that difficult to tuck a wire back and it looks cleaner and is more functional. OK sometimes you may need the cable.. buy another one, for those times you need to take the cable to another device. I own two for my camcorder. They are not that expensive.
3) Modem
No way.
4) Ethernet
No way
5) USB,
There is already one on the keyboard. However some devices need to be plugged dirrectly into the CPU because they need more power. Many do not have removable cables so they are unlike the firewire solution I use. So a USB on the front, maybe possible, but I still think it is too easy to plug into the back anyways, to warrent a front port.
6) Mic in.. I wish they even had one.
As likely as the speakers. Maybe even less so
7) VGA video...
never.
<strong>Front ports are much more important for towers than they are for the iMac. Still, I think more front ports should be adopted. There are already USB ports on the keyboard so those aren't needed, but the power button, headphone jack, and a single FireWire port should be put on the front.
I find using the power button is a much easier way to sleep the computer than going apple -> sleep. Also, the headphone port should at least be somewhere on the side so it's easy to reach, and the same goes for the firewire.
What would be really cool is if you were able to rotate the bottom section independently of the main part. Then if you wanted ports on the side, that's what you get. Ports could go anywhere you want while still keeping the optical drive anywhere you want as well.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I ACTUALLY JUST THOUGHT OF THIS TOO! Amazing.
<strong>
I ACTUALLY JUST THOUGHT OF THIS TOO! Amazing.</strong><hr></blockquote>
believe it or not, i had this idea too and actually emailed johnathan ive about it. much to my surprise, he replied saying the best solution would be not to need ports at all....read into that what you will.
my idea was that the lower "ring" of the imac would turn unidirectionally, like the bezel of a dive watch. this ratcheting mechanism would allow you to rotate the ports and position them anywhere.
it would be very cool,IMHO
<img src="graemlins/cancer.gif" border="0" alt="[cancer]" />
The same point can be made about any portable peripheral. You should have seen my uncle trying to plug my camera-to-USB cord into the back of his PC when I visited him over the holidays. It took him forever to find the right port behind the machine and get the plug inserted in the correct direction. He sure doesn't lean or see like he used to
Also, its been pointed out that you can leave cords plugged in and simply tote around the peripheral. However, if I'm going anywhere with my USB camera or firewire HD, I'm sure as hell bringing the cords. Why buy two sets of cords instead of putting the ports in a more accessible location. Also, with two sets of cords, there is the chance that you'll grab the wrong one on the way out the door.
Hand-held or portable devices are more of a pain if they must be plugged into the back of a computer. It makes absolutely no sense to not have at least USB and headphone jacks on the front of a computer. Sure, keep the rear ones, but why not have front ones?
It may take a bit to work out the asthetics and interference with drive doors and desk clutter...
I think Apple is up to the task. Aparently someone there is thinking about this. Powerbook users are now allowed to be left or right handed.
<strong>believe it or not, i had this idea too and actually emailed johnathan ive about it. much to my surprise, he replied saying the best solution would be not to need ports at all....</strong><hr></blockquote>Yep, I can't wait for them nuclear powered mice and keyboards...
Wireless peripherals will never gain wide acceptance prior to REALLY long-lived batteries.
You either have to plug peripherals in once if they are wire based. Or you have to plug and unplug them whenever the wireless device needs recharging. For most people, the hassle of a wire plugged in once, is less trouble than the hassle of needing to worry about batteries AND plug/unplugging a wire on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, battery technology isn't following Moore's law. In fact, there has been relatively little improvement over the last 50 years. Most improvements in battery life stem from decreased power consumption rather than increased capacity.
Don't hold your breath! Its going to be a while before wireless mice don't require constant recharging.
<strong>Doesn't that require an update to Toast? <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
v6.0 comming up, pizza-support!
<strong>Yep, I can't wait for them nuclear powered mice and keyboards...
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I work at a nuclear power plant. We have some spent fuel you can use
It still has a lot of energy left in it. Of course if people complain about a Powerbook getting hot, wait to you see how hot fuel can get!