[hallmark]

I am delighted that Thunderbolt isn't reusing the USB plug form-factor. Early rumors showed Light Peak plugs that were the standard rectangular USB shape with fiber optic channels blended in: http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/19/apple-to-introduce-light...

The outer rectangular, doubly symmetrical shape of USB is a usability nightmare! You know what I'm talking about. Good riddance.

[tommi]

Too bad they didn't make the plug really usable: connect it anyway you want to.

There are probably many ways to implement that. An USB concept for it: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/double-usb-plug-conce...

[gnaffle]

One obvious way to implement that would be the MagSafe connector. Indeed, Apple has some patents relating to data-enabled MagSafe connectors.

[billybob]

Ever notice that an Ethernet jack is just the right height for a USB plug to go into it snugly? I got confused by that one day when I plugged something in without paying attention.

[sgt]

Yes.. 50% chance of getting it right every time, even though it feels like less than that! It doesn't help that some motherboards put the USB ports upside-down for some inexplicable reason, and when it's dark you can't see the little USB logo on the cable anyway.

[StavrosK]

It's actually more like 33% chance. "Oh, wrong side. flip over Wrong again? Oh, I had it right the first time!"

[electromagnetic]

The bigger problem isn't so much that you've got a 50/50 chance just blindly plugging it in. With all considerations, 50% probability of connecting a device by just sticking your hand under your desk and jabbing randomly with a USB cord is actually fantastic compared to every other connection on a PC.

However, the problem is that the USB ports have no guide to lead the USB in so they stick on the edge and no matter how hard you push it just sits on the edge and makes you think you have it upside down. You would improve usability greatly if the ports just readily allowed the plug to slide in.

I've never had to make an effort to plug in a 3.5mm as the plug design complements the port design. You either miss or it's in.

[rsl7]

happens all the time.

[tygorius]

Oh, it's not so bad once you take advertising sub-clause of the spec into account. That's the hidden clause that states the USB logo will be on the top of a properly-oriented plug unless you're Microsoft or Logitech, in which case your corporate name is allowed top-billing, so to speak.

Of course, if the slots are oriented vertically...

[archangel_one]

Yes, I have a couple on the side of the monitor I'm typing this on and they always seem wrong to me once I get something plugged in (after one or two failed attempts, of course).

Also doesn't help when the lighting's not so good and you have a USB logo embossed in black plastic on a black plug with the manufacturer's logo embossed in the same way on the other side. Trial-and-error probably isn't as bad as squinting at it trying to figure out which side is "up"...

[ZoFreX]

Microsoft USB plugs all have a little nub on the "top" side, if memory serves.

[tygorius]

Interesting. The only Microsoft USB plug I have these days is one of the wireless stubs, where the logo is the only clue. I have noticed that some Logitech products have a concave top, presumably for the same tactile feedback approach.

Of course, you can always just look at the end of the plug and orient it so the white plastic key is on the bottom, but where's the fun in that?

[mitchellhislop]

The mini USB end on my Droid cable has a bit of shiny foil on the side that goes up. I can plug it in while in the dark. Then, I usually have to turn the phone on to plug in the actual USB side.

[tlrobinson]

Wait, USB ports have a "correct" orientation? I just assumed it was random...

[irfn]

lol.. it gets more confusing if the USB's are placed vertically

[s00pcan]

With vertical plugs I always just plug it in whichever way I'm holding the plug first, then flip it as necessary. It's not like there's any standardization between motherboard manufacturers on this, so why bother trying to remember which way it goes?

[Derbasti]

Although, I still regularly try to plug in my mini DisplayPort connector the wrong way--just like you describe with USB. Apple is using the miniDP connector for Lightpeak/Thunderbolt.

[lean]

http://www.overcompensating.com/posts/20100412.html