Compal HEL80 - Case Design Question

I've noticed a trend lately; most notebook manufacturers are not providing USB ports at the back of the laptop. The goal (in my mind) would be to not have any plugs coming out the side of your laptop so you have a clear/clean looking workspace, whereas you would have your plugs coming out the back (as seen in older notebook models, one example is the Sager that Chaz, here on the forums, owns).

I wanted to ask you, the Compal notebook owner, your opinion on this conundrum. Is it a big deal to you that all of your plugs are on the side(s) of your notebook? I would so much prefer everything to be at the back and keep the sides clear, especially since your dvd drive is on the side, and if you use an external mouse then it will be off to either side as well. It just seems like a poor anthropometric decision by the notebook manufacturers.

Before I sink cash into a notebook, I wanted to know what you all thought.

Thanks!
-defsquad

 

Yes, the USB plugs on the right bother me big-time. I use an external mouse with my notebook most of the time and these plugs are in the way for a right handed mouse user.

David

 

If you plug things in permanently it is better to have them on the rear of the laptop.

However if you are plugging and unplugging from time to time, it is much easier to have them on the sides.

Bottom line is though, the perfect laptop has yet to be built IMHO. There are always minor annoyances to which we have to adjust. Most of us are willing to adjust to them as long as the important (read PERFORMANCE ) stuff is there.

 

Donald, that is a fair enough response. I will be using my laptop primarily as a desktop first and foremost, whereas using it away from my desk will happen maybe 5% of the time. I have a very nice computer setup in my den as a HTPC and general server so if I need to perform quick computer tasks while away from my desk I can use my den's computer.

I'm thinking more and more that a 17" laptop maybe what I've been unknowingly needing/wanting.

Donald, I'll be honest, I really wanted to purchase from you, but haven't put any research into the 17" models you have. I guess my best bet is to just call you up and discuss options with you and hopefully get your advice on the route to take. I so had my heart set on the HEL80 too :/ Then again you may not have any 17" models with rear usb/monitor/ethernet/audio plugs either.

Anyway, I'll be calling you up soon to discuss.

Thanks for the input triplets and donald.

-def

 

The side-mounted USB ports are easier to access than a rear-mounted one would be. I can see what you're saying about it being in the way.

What I do, and may also work for you, is I have my USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer) plugged into a small USB thumb hub. That way, if I need to take my laptop with me, I just unplug the hub and power cord and I'm ready to go.

I also have my laptop on a computer desk so I leave the system itself up on the "monitor stand" part of the desk and have only the keyboard and mouse on the desk itself.

In my particular situation, the side-mounted USB ports are not a problem.

If you want a 17" system with rear-mounted USB ports, I know that the Dell e1705 has two in the rear and six total. I used to have one of those so that may or may not help you.

 

Thanks Chris for the suggestions. I guess I'm just so hooked on that Compal HEL80. I'm somewhat used to the side usb ports on my current Acer 5672wlmi that it's not as big a deal, but would be nice to get away from the side ports eventually. As Donald said, a minor annoyance isn't worth a loss in quality and performance.

Looks like hopefully next week I can order the HEL80!

 

I will be here to serve you when ever you are ready.

 

I have used a lot of newer laptops over the past few months, including the Compal HEL80. Although I like having all the ports on my Sager in the rear of the machine (so I don't have to see the cables and they can't get in the way), I do find that I don't really have much of a preference whether most of the ports are on the back or the sides, with the exception that they have to be put in convenient/practical spots. The Compal HEL80 has a really nice port layout in my opinion - mic + headphone jacks on the side (I don't like them on the front as they are on a lot of consumer notebooks), USB ports on the side (great when you need quick access), media reader on the front (very easy to access), and most of all, the power port and lesser-used S-Video and 56k modem on the back. Now, the Ethernet is on the side and towards the front, but I personally never use that port often (usually on wireless), so I did not find it to be an issue.
Judging from the HEL80's battery placement, it wasn't possible to fit more ports along the back.

That is a very good point.

I prefer the ports on the back because I have a permanent setup, but I wouldn't let it make or break my buying decision. You could always get a USB hub and connect all your USB stuff to it and have it reside behind the notebook; that way you would only have one USB cable coming out of the sides, and only have to disconnect/re-connect one cable when you leave/come back. That's what I do.