The USB port on the new keyboards

Benjamin wrote:
Another mistake from apple? What do you think?

Probably a form over function oversight. I really like the design of the new keyboard. Once you get used to it, it is very easy to use, though I am sure not for everyone. But yes, I find myself lifting up the keyboard to find the port and insert the thumb drive. A minor annoyance, but one that could have been avoided if they made ports flush with the edge of the keyboard.

~Kort

I don't have any trouble with the USB port on my keyboard - both thumb drives I own are too thick to plug in so I have to use an extender cable 😟 The design of the new keyboard at least solves ergonomic problem of the older keyboards by being nearly flush with the desk so there's not a whole lot of room for a flash drive underneath.

Further, by recessing the port Apple reduces the amount of plastic and wire required to manufacture the keyboard. In economies of scale the savings of a few pennies per unit results in huge savings overall. No, I don't consider it a mistake at all. It's more of a design trade-off.

I have successfully been using a little device called the FLEX USB. In short it plugs into a USB port (fits my keyboard just fine) and allows me to plug in a USB device. I can turn the device up to 90 degrees which I find very useful. I just Google'd it and found it on Amazon for $7.99. Here is the link:



http://www.amazon.com/IDE-DIST-FL001-Flex-USB/dp/B0000BV1LS



Hope this helps. Oh my only regret with it is it is only available in black.

rkaufmann87 wrote:
I have successfully been using a little device called the FLEX USB.

That is a cool little device and all, but it just illustrates the fact that the USB port placement on the new keyboard is not optimal for easy access. Sure, they saved some $ buy reducing it a few inches but is it really worth it?

But I could counter that my wife likes the way the USB port is recessed because her thumb drive fits perfectly doesn't protrude from the keyboard unlike with other keyboards. Since getting this keyboard she hasn't knocked her thumb drive lose and hasn't set her drink on it. And let's be serious - how difficult is it to lift up the keyboard to plug in a device? How onerous is it to buy a little extender if you do find lifting the keyboard such a time wasting task? Okay, I'll tone down the sarcasm 🙂

If you want to complain about design decisions, let's ask a few questions that might be more serious? Why is the power button hidden on back in stead of conveniently in front? Why isn't there at least a visual cue telling is where to insert a disc? Why isn't there a way to vertically adjust the display? Why are all the ports on back? Wouldn't it be convenient to have at least one USB port in front? Where is the little LED that pulses to let us know the computer is asleep?

dwb wrote:
But I could counter that my wife likes the way the USB port is recessed because her thumb drive fits perfectly doesn't protrude from the keyboard unlike with other keyboards. Since getting this keyboard she hasn't knocked her thumb drive lose and hasn't set her drink on it. And let's be serious - how difficult is it to lift up the keyboard to plug in a device? How onerous is it to buy a little extender if you do find lifting the keyboard such a time wasting task? Okay, I'll tone down the sarcasm 🙂

Thanks. Point is, it adds an extra step. Macs should be more user friendly. No, it is not hard to lift the keyboard, but why should we have to when before you just saw the port and attached away?

If you want to complain about design decisions, let's ask a few questions that might be more serious? Why is the power button hidden on back in stead of conveniently in front? Why isn't there at least a visual cue telling is where to insert a disc? Why isn't there a way to vertically adjust the display? Why are all the ports on back? Wouldn't it be convenient to have at least one USB port in front? Where is the little LED that pulses to let us know the computer is asleep?

Well, this thread wasn't directed at the new iMac's other design quirks, but since you bring it up.
1) Yes, that power button in the back left me scratching my head. I'm used to it now, but it is another good example of form over function.
2) I insterted a disc backwards the first time, silly me.
3) It is so big, why do you need to vertically adjust it?
4) Ports on the front would make things easier, yet. And you wouldn't have to lift the keyboard 😉 But it would interfere with the clean appearance.
5) I miss that LED too.... 😟

Adjust it vertically - up and down.

Well let's face it Macs are not perfect however when compared to the available alternatives they are (IMHO) much closer then anything else available.

True true. Though I have to admit, I am quite partial to the Toaster mod I made a few years back with a mini Via Tech mobo - the optical drive pops out like a piece of toast. It was running XP but has Ubunta 7.1 running right now.

The keyboard prior to this aluminum model did that. Personally, I've never been sold on the keyboard port - I plug a mouse in (when the mouse has a shortish cable) but that's it. The only reason I'm using the keyboard port now is because I just moved into the iMac from a G5 tower and I'm still trying to get my desk arranged. One huge display instead of 2 displays etc, has really changed my desk. And since my iMac is about 3 inches too high for my comfort I'm still contemplating what to do about that. (I'm thinking about performing some surgery on my desk.)