Video outputs on laptops 1

[xwb]

Why are video outputs on laptops almost always on the left? When you add a second monitor as an extension, it is almost always to the right of the laptop so the cable has to bend round from the left of the laptop to get to the monitor. Sometimes, it makes the arrangement quite difficult because of the width of the [ignore][/ignore]laptop.

 __________________ to monitor
|   _________
|__*         |
   | laptop  |
   |_________|

Is it something to do with the layout of the PCB or is there no reason whatsoever?

 

[Salem]

Each new model / variation of a laptop is just a few tweaks on from the previous version.

Just putting a connector on the other side is a major investment for the manufacturer, which would be a cost passed onto the consumer in a very price sensitive market, especially at the low end.

I guess the logic went like
- most people are right handed
- most people mess around with dvd's more often than the ports
- put the dvd player/recorder on the right
- put the ports on the left

OK, your laptop no longer has a DVD player, or maybe it does.

But all the tooling, design, manufacture is baked into the original design philosophy.

Moving the port involves everyone in the supply chain, from PCB manufacturer, chassis and casing.



--
If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.

 

[xwb]

Makes sense - I think the laptops ports were better laid out when the connectors were round the back.

 

[SamBones]

Get a small dock. Uses one port and lets you swing the connectors around to the back of the laptop.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y6F74F1

Not promoting any one product, there are a lot out there, but this one does work quite well.

 

[xwb]

Dock is an interesting idea. I wonder how much power a fully populated dock takes and whether the USB on my laptop can hack it. May have to add external power.

 

[SamBones]

Some (more expensive) docks plug into the wall to supply power to itself and your laptop, so you don't have to worry about power draw/drain.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-3TR87UT-ABA-Docking-Station/dp/B07F2MGRBC

 

[xwb]

That is quite a pricy dock - even the ones from the laptop manufacturer are only half the price. The problem with generic docks is the cables tend to drag them to the floor.

 

[SamBones]

Duct Tape!

 

[IRstuff]

or double-sided tape; 3M makes some pretty strong stuff

SamBones' first link allows for external power, i.e., it's USB-C socket can be connected to wall-wart to even charge your laptop, assuming it's compatible.