Why put all the USB ports on the back of the iMac?

So we got a new iMac recently (our PowerMac G5 broke down...). Anyways, it seems like a great computer, but I don't understand why Apple decided to put all the USB ports on the back. Granted, it is only a temporary frustration to hook up a printer (you only have to hook it up once), but it is very inconvenient, to regularly plug-in, then take out a memory stick.

My 'solution' is not to use a memory stick, i.e. I transfer stuff via a network (we also have a MacBook)...but it still seems absurd to make it so difficult to hook up a memory stick.

Was this purely an aesthetic decision? Or Is Apple trying to encourage people to buy a USB hub?

I'm going on a limb here and going to say it's aesthetic. The iMac is elegant and beautiful, so a random USB port on the front or side would probably seem a bit off balance. But I totally agree, it sucks having to get up, twist the iMac a little and then trying to get a USB plug in. But I guess I'm willing to deal with that.

I have a card reader, wacom tablet, iPhone dock, printer, cable for my iPad, mini USB cord for small external drives etc... So I was looking for a way to consolidate all of that and remove some of the clutter on my desk, and in my search I found the Griffin Simplifi. It's an iPod/iPhone dock, card deader and a USB hub all in one. Now when ever I need to connect something USB to my iMac, I can just plug it into my Simplifi that seats next to my iMac which is much easier to access then the back of my iMac. The only thing that sucks about it is that the USB hub is not 10v, which is what the iPad needs to charge, so i just charge that else where but I can still connect it to the Simplifi via a cord to sync it.

Griffin Technology: Simplifi - Charge/Sync dock, media card reader, and USB hub

You think that's bad? The iMac G4 has all of it's usb ports on the back, at the bottom of the case, and extremely close together to the other ports. Gotta say, definitely not easy access.

TomTomTuning said:

I'm going on a limb here and going to say it's aesthetic. The iMac is elegant and beautiful, so a random USB port on the front or side would probably seem a bit off balance.

Click to expand...

I agree...this would be my guess as well. A cable & port clutter-free front view appearance of the computer.

@mhandelman1: Believe me I understand the convenience of the front USB port(s) on the Powermac G5 & Mac Pro's! Also...maybe Apple figured it's easier to pivot the iMac 90 degrees to insert USB cables on an iMac...than it is to crawl under your desk (in the dark under there) to get to the back of a Powermac G5 or Mac Pro to plug in a USB device.

A solution for the memory stick on your iMac could be to purchase a small USB hub (with a very short cable)...or get a USB extension cable.

- Nick

We all know appearance played a huge role in the design of the iMac, but a couple in the bottom would have been a wonderful addition. Out of sight, maintains the symmetry, and still very accessible.

The answer to the question put by the OP is "because those ports are for things that are not routinely disconnected."

The wired keyboard provides two additional USB ports for things that ARE routinely disconnected, like cameras.

If you find this insufficient, you're the target market for a USB hub.

chas_m said:

The answer to the question put by the OP is "because those ports are for things that are not routinely disconnected."

The wired keyboard provides two additional USB ports for things that ARE routinely disconnected, like cameras.

If you find this insufficient, you're the target market for a USB hub.

Click to expand...

Well the new iMac's dont have wired keyboards anymore. But you can always get one for 49.00

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - Apple Store (U.S.)

I wonder what the power output of the two usb ports are. The iPad requires more then the normal 5v to charge.

chas_m said:

The wired keyboard provides two additional USB ports for things that ARE routinely disconnected, like cameras.

Click to expand...

The new iMacs come with the wireless keyboard which doesn't have USB ports. I would have agreed with you if it were not for that. Apple's past keyboards did have USB ports so this wasn't really an issue until the wireless keyboards became standard. Although there was a downside with the USB keyboard ports. They didn't provide enough power for some energy hungry USB devices.

edited: TomTom beat me to it...