The odd port placement and no matte screen option

[Wavebuster]

I will admit right now that these are the two bigger reasons I'm not really jumping on one of these machines yet as my mobile computer. The lack of a matte screen option at all is just strange on something meant to be portable, as only a bit of sun is enough to make things painful to look at, having worked with glossy laptop screens before. The mediocre M11x anti-glare screen protector also isn't even fit for the R3. I'm wondering why there haven't been more complaints about the screen related oversights since none of the AW models have matte screen options.

My other reason is the shallow placement of a lot of the external connections. On the lower right side in particular, where I would normally be handling my mouse, are where all of of the audio ports and the 2 USB 3.0 ports are located. Since I frequently view and archive video streams on external USB 3.0 drives and also use a headset, I can see this getting in the way. The M14x doesn't have this issue, as their external connections are all placed towards the rear of the unit.

Anyone else have misgivings about these design decisions, and more importantly, is there some kind of official suggestion box for this kind of thing?

[Rishwin]

I use my M11x R3 as a desktop replacement and have no issues even with 2 external drives plugged into the right side. All i do is move my mouse 3" to the right.

I also think the glossy screen is great, and if it came with only matte i don't think i would have bought this. I'm a fan of glossy, i simply don't use my laptop in the sun.

[viral taco]

I can really agree that the setup isn't really elegant. I use my m11x hooked up to a 27" monitor when I use it at home and then I have cables sticking out in three directions. On the left side there is the HDMI port, the powercord goes in to the back and on the right the usb hub. I do manage to keep it neat and tidy looking but it really isn't optimal.

And I do agree with you about the glossy screen, I would love a matte screen on my next notebook

I do, however love my m11x and have never ever regretted buying it (just as a side note) At the time of purchase there wasn't really a any competiton to this laptop in terms of portability and power (for that size of course) and there is still very little competition in this segment, but we are getting there.

[irishsumo]

I end up using my mouse in the USB port on the left hand side as I just feel it is a bit cramped plugged into either port. But then again, there is little room to put it elsewhere due to the size of the battery!

[Idarzoid]

I would like the two ports on the right to be closer to the rear but other than that, I have no issues and they're fine as they are.

And as above, they can't really go anywhere else due to the battery.