On: There is no sane reason for the dock connector to ...

[zacwhite]

No need for separate ports for video/audio out is a pretty compelling reason.

http://pinouts.ru/PortableDevices/ipod_pinout.shtml

[fragmede → zacwhite]

Except the G1 does audio out with a hybrid port, so it's not that good a reason. (It does have its own share of issues, but not being able to use a normal micro-usb cable is not one of them.)

[sprout → zacwhite]

Why is a separate port a big deal? You could easily put a micro-USB port right next to an HDMI port, take up roughly the same amount of space, and still have a quasi-proprietary but just as easy to use cable that is just an HDMI cable and a micro-USB cable in the same sleeve.

[cmelbye → sprout]

Haha, you really think apple would put two ports on their devices?

[sudont → cmelbye]

Well, there are rumors of the DP-able iPad 2.

Yes, that type of DP.

[sprout → cmelbye]

Well obviously not because they would prefer they be proprietary. But if you put them right next to each other, you can have your magically minimal design and still let your users get by when they're short a cord.

[buster → sprout]

Don't get why you were downvoted..