Poor Design on iMac 27" with CD and SD slots

[jjo]

Just had a scare. I went to insert my SD card into the SD slot, and--whoops! I put it in the CD slot. I got it out with tweezers, but just be careful.

They should have spaced it better, or put them on opposite sides of the machine.

[MacHamster68]

its a design flaw , i mentioned it in another post its a accident waiting to happen and its costly if you cant get it out yourself ,in the other post one was quoted ~200 dollar to get the sd card out of the superdrive from someone in a apple store as they have to take it apart

and in my opinion it certainly would not have spoiled the look if they would have fitted the card reader at the bottom corner and the superdrive at the top corner insted of both direct in the middle

http://www.davaomacuser.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/new-iMac-SD-card-slot.png
absolutely to close together, apple cant expect people to stand up walk around the desk to see where they slot in the sd card , usually people sit in front and just put the sd card in the side intuitive , but this close together and same width there will be hundreds soon who try to get their sd card out of the superdrives

[InsertName]

Is it reasonable to suggest that, just because a few people can't watch where they're sticking their SD cards, that it's a "design flaw"? There's only so much nannying that can be done before you have to be responsible for your own actions y'know...

[s3e3]

I agree it could of been put lower but it's certainly not a poor design overall.

[sfmountainbiker]

Is it reasonable to suggest that, just because a few people can't watch where they're sticking their SD cards, that it's a "design flaw"? There's only so much nannying that can be done before you have to be responsible for your own actions y'know...

I would normally agree for some other desktop, but the display is so damn big on the iMac you can't see the side of it when you are in front of the monitor! I don't use SD cards, preferring hooking my cameras up via USB, but I have found it annoying that I can't see the CD/DVD slot when inserting a disc (unless I stand up and move around the desk, which is too much to ask IMO). Instead, I end up fumbling around with the DVD on the side where I think the slot is until it slips in. At least I don't have to worry about putting the DVD in the SD slot, or I would be in trouble! :rolleyes:

I'm not complaining about the widescreen, however...it's amazing. But I agree that seperating out the SD and DVD slots (such as having the SD at the top or bottom and DVD in the middle) would have been more intuitive.

[jjo]

I'm sorry to talk smack about Apple, but yes, it IS a design flaw. It could have easily be place elsewhere. Heck, I would even liked the SD slot to be placed on the FRONT.

Sometimes, Apple is TOO concerned with form rather than function. (And I bet on future models, Apple will realize their mistake and the SD slot will be moved.)

[alexk82]

i saw this topic in another post after reading i fell victim to it as well. luckily i noticed that the SD went to far and i pulled it out before it went all the way. it would have been nice if the sd reader was in front because its really hard to find on the side.

[powerbook911]

I always keep a CD or DVD halfway sticking out of my iMac, so I guess that might prevent this problem? I do this because I don't like the disk in the machine as it makes noise when it tries to spin it up sometimes even if you don't want it to, so I always have a disk halfway out. Sounds like it might be a good idea for owners of these machines.

[MacHamster68]

the overall design is great , i do not say the whole iMac is a design flaw
its just the two slots are to close together


i love my iMac g3 `s design , drive at the front , ports on the side easy to reach same on my eMac drive on the front ports on the side and the emac has even the tilt and swivel stand so just a slight turn and ey all ports in sight

ok i understand that is not a option on the new ultra thin iMac to place the superdrive in the front , but back to the sd card reader what is wrong with hiding it behind a flap on the front maybe behind the apple logo press the apple logo and flap opens and sc card reader appears , it would not spoil the look
and if that is no option there would still be the keyboard it ould not even make the keyboard bigger , sd card readers are no floppy disc drive`s, sd card readers are very small they are very small , i do not have one on my eMac they did not come with one , but i do have one in the usb port of the apple alloy keyboard
and its very small just about a tiny bit bigger then a normal flash drive and it reads all cards sd ,micro sd ,mmc ....without adapter

[ScottFitz]

If you can get a girl's bra unhooked without looking, you should be able to feel your way to inserting an SD card in the tiny little SD slot and not into the BIG DVD slot.

I may be assuming a lot here.:D

[nyguy4u]

I'm sorry, but the CD slot is what.. 4-5"?.. the SD slot is 1"? How can anyone mistake the two?

It's a "design flaw" because people are stupid enough (and lazy), to stick a SD into the CD drive? Really? Are you people serious?!

Sorry, it's not a design flaw whatsoever. It's called stupidity on the user end.

[slicecom]

I'm sorry, but the CD slot is what.. 4-5"?.. the SD slot is 1"? How can anyone mistake the two?

It's a "design flaw" because people are stupid enough (and lazy), to stick a SD into the CD drive? Really? Are you people serious?!

Sorry, it's not a design flaw whatsoever. It's called stupidity on the user end.

x2

[cmvsm]

I'm sorry, but the CD slot is what.. 4-5"?.. the SD slot is 1"? How can anyone mistake the two?

It's a "design flaw" because people are stupid enough (and lazy), to stick a SD into the CD drive? Really? Are you people serious?!

Sorry, it's not a design flaw whatsoever. It's called stupidity on the user end.

x3 - What are you people...on dope??

[Sir Cecil]

I always keep a CD or DVD halfway sticking out of my iMac, so I guess that might prevent this problem? I do this because I don't like the disk in the machine as it makes noise when it tries to spin it up sometimes even if you don't want it to, so I always have a disk halfway out. Sounds like it might be a good idea for owners of these machines.

Don't know if it addresses your particular concern, but did you know there's a new update that stops the Superdrive making any noise when the computer comes out of sleep? There are different versions for different Macs, including the iMac. They're on the Apple software page.

[Heilage]

and in my opinion it certainly would not have spoiled the look if they would have fitted the card reader at the bottom corner and the superdrive at the top corner insted of both direct in the middle

No, they can't. The internal design pretty much prevents the slots from being anywhere else, and changing the design would make things quite complicated.

[kb27973]

I'm sorry to talk smack about Apple, but yes, it IS a design flaw. It could have easily be place elsewhere. Heck, I would even liked the SD slot to be placed on the FRONT.

Sometimes, Apple is TOO concerned with form rather than function. (And I bet on future models, Apple will realize their mistake and the SD slot will be moved.)

And if they would have put it in the FRONT there would be 500 threads on why didn't they put the ugly slot on the SIDE?

"You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can`t please all the people all of the time..."

Apple could put out a gold covered iMac and people would bitch that the gold wasn't thick enough.

IMO.

[G-Force]

SD slot in the front is ugly. :rolleyes:

[MacHamster68]

ok i have the sollution next imac without cd card reader inside, and without superdrive instead everything external inside a new keyboard , it would just be a bit deeper so overall the design would not differ from now modern dvd rw drives are slim , and sd card readers anyway, but as its wireless or maybe wired whatever your preferences are, i prefer anyway wired devices , it would be the ideal as then you would have everything you need right in front of your fingers and in front of your eyes

but maybe apple thought about our health and a little exercise by standing up walking around the desk is good for us who sit 24/7 in front of the computer...did you kow that some gamers wear nappies because they do not want to go to the toilet in the middle of a game

[Yakuza]

If you can get a girl's bra unhooked without looking, you should be able to feel your way to inserting an SD card in the tiny little SD slot and not into the BIG DVD slot.

I may be assuming a lot here.:D

X10

you said it all! lolol if u can't get a girl's bra open without looking you don't deserve to own an imac! lolol, kidding.

Are people in such a worry, that can't look what they're doing, or so lazy that they can't get up a bit just to see the entrance?!?

How do they do with the USB/ethernet/other entrances, wich are on the back?!? would they blame Apple if they "accidently" connected the ethernet cable on the USB or firewire port?

For god sake people, wake up!!!

[Drpepper99uk]

I wouldn't have said the spacing between the CD/DVD drive and the SD cards slot was a design flaw itself...sure the large size of the 27" iMac makes for more reach in inserting cd's etc into the drive compared to smaller screen models, but not to the extent of the SD card slot being hard to use.

I find that Apple not including a Compactflash slot more of a design flaw as Pro togs like myself use digital SLR's that utilize CF cards and not SD cards, and considering that this iMac is aimed at people that want a near Mac Pro system...I'm often left wanting and having to resort to using an external CF card reader which takes up space and looks a bit silly when I already have a wireless mouse and keyboard that gives me more uncluttered working space.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

No, they can't. The internal design pretty much prevents the slots from being anywhere else, and changing the design would make things quite complicated.

************ The inside parts can easily be moved. It would not even require moving the hard disks or other ports, just a minor redesign of the motherboard.

Teardown (http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-27-Inch/1236/2#top)

I agree with everyone saying it's a design flaw. It's minor, but should be considered. On a screen that big where you have to reach around the side and feel where you can't see, that's just an accident waiting to happen.

[Yakuza]

Can you hear yourselfs?

Your chairs don't have wheels? Can't you moove sideways? Or are you in a 2x2 space?

i really can't understand you. why don't you ask for a job in the design department at apple?

[gibbz]

Is it that hard to put a little vertical pressure on the card to tell if it is fitting in its designed hole or the larger disc drive? If it is going in the SD slot, you wouldn't be able to move it upward.

This "flaw" seems nothing more than haste.

[bobob]

If you can get a girl's bra unhooked without looking, you should be able to feel your way to inserting an SD card in the tiny little SD slot and not into the BIG DVD slot.

:p

[Trek2100]

If you can get a girl's bra unhooked without looking, you should be able to feel your way to inserting an SD card in the tiny little SD slot and not into the BIG DVD slot.

I may be assuming a lot here.:D

It depends of the size of the bra:D. Actually, unless your iMac sits in a box I found it rather easy to lean over and poke my head around the corner of the screen to see the slots. Its much more difficult to see the USB and firewire ports without going behind the machine so I bought a powered USB hub. I don't like having to feel for the ports.

[MH01]

I have never actually thought of it as a bad design floor, I would assume you would look where you are putting in the SD card. I guess for the people that do not, this will be an issue. I actually think having the DVD drive is a waste of time, I am going to remove mine as I have a portable and want to put in a SSD drive.

And look on the brightside, at least you will not loose any DVDs/CDs in the SD slot, now that is a "Feature"

[ScottFitz]

I'm very thankful the SD slot is there, but really wish there was also a Compact Flash slot. But, then again, someone would have probably stuck a mouse pad into it.

[slicecom]

I'm very thankful the SD slot is there, but really wish there was also a Compact Flash slot. But, then again, someone would have probably stuck a mouse pad into it.

LOL Best post I've read in a while. :D

[MacHamster68]

as i`m used and love crt iMac`s and eMacs i do not care how deep a AIO system is , so i would have designed the new imac a bit deeper and without foot , instead i would have designed the bottom bit under the screen as one big flap to open and hidden behind the superdrive (this time one which could take mini disc`s too and the sd card slot and all the other card reader slots there are around and a slot for a hot swapable ssd and a normal harddrive , the 27" iMac is wide enough so you would not need externals ,as for everything would be a slot behind the front ,
and i would have designed it as fanless total silence
i think design should be practical first and upgrading should be easy possible for even the untalented user

and i do not think the flap on the eMac is ugly or bad design i think its great as the superdrive is direct where i want it in front of me , i cant see a point in running around the desk each time i need to burn some data on a disc or watch a dvd

[Zyniker]

User stupidity ≠ design flaw.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

User stupidity ≠ design flaw.

You're here just to troll? Or do you have something to add to the conversation?
There have already been several threads about people putting SD cards in the superdrive. There are several other aesthetically pleasing spots where the card reader could be moved to.

[Kristenn]

Speaking of unhooking bras. Well, nevermind.

But now I know why my mother said my father has a "good aim" while putting the SD card in the correct slot.

Yeah I'm really too young to know about that... but there you have it... and its out there.

[mtnDewFTW]

Um.. I have never thought of that.
I don't currently own one, but I have seen them, and played around with them.
I don't know, this may just be me, but usually I tend to LOOK where I put things into.
just saying..

[Yakuza]

Um.. I have never thought of that.
I don't currently own one, but I have seen them, and played around with them.
I don't know, this may just be me, but usually I tend to LOOK where I put things into.
just saying..

THANK YOU!!

finally, someone smart enough to make things with some sense!

It would be crazy if everyone did everything without looking at it. imagine that. It doesn't hurt to moove a bit just to see what we are doing, at least i think so, but i'm just crazy! :D

[mistraldk]

I'm very thankful the SD slot is there, but really wish there was also a Compact Flash slot. But, then again, someone would have probably stuck a mouse pad into it.

First time I laughed out loud due to a web-post..

[hakr]

I never used the CD/DVD slot on my 24" iMac because it was too damned slow compared to an external drive, so I doubt I'll use that slot on my I7 iMac when it arrives. I have an external Kingston multi-slot card reader that I use for my camera and GPS, and I'll not likely use the card reader on the new iMac either.

[300D]

Has anyone tried to use the fax machine slot on the back yet?

[jjo]

You fanboys are high-lar-i-ous! I should have realized that any Apple criticism would be met with such witty responses from people who feel Apple could do no wrong.

So, what I've learned from my experience (which I was simply warning other 27" iMac users of), is to physically turn the iMac so I can see the side before I insert an SD card.

However, I feel that requiring me to do that act is--indeed--a design flaw, since this whole ordeal so many of us experienced (and will--even you comedian-wannabes) could have been avoided by simply placing the SD slot further away from the Superdrive slot.

[Schtumple]

You fanboys are high-lar-i-ous! I should have realized that any Apple criticism would be met with such witty responses from people who feel Apple could do no wrong.

So, what I've learned from my experience (which I was simply warning other 27" iMac users of), is to physically turn the iMac so I can see the side before I insert an SD card.

However, I feel that requiring me to do that act is--indeed--a design flaw, since this whole ordeal so many of us experienced (and will--even you comedian-wannabes) could have been avoided by simply placing the SD slot further away from the Superdrive slot.

To be fair, you are over blowing one incident by calling it a design flaw, and you couldn't honestly expect to come on here going ZOMG IMAC HAZA FLAW!!1, without getting a hefty amount of fanboys coming back at you, it's a Mac forum for crying out loud, this place is crawling with them :p

Of note, a design flaw is generally a flaw that causes the use of the machine to be impaired, as far as I can see, this "flaw" does not impair your use of the machine if you simply payed a little more attention.

My thoughts.

[jjo]

Apple got it right on the Macbook Pros: the SD slot is on the opposite side of the CD slot. Problem averted on that platform.

Look, I love my iMac. It works great. I seem to have none of the problems some others have with flikering and cracked screens, DOA units, and yellow tints (perhaps this is a design flaw with the packaging? Not to offend any Apple box fans here.)

Just so long as I can keep SD cards out of my Superdrive slot, I'll continue to be happy.

[Schtumple]

Not to offend any Apple box fans else here.

Haha, that would be the worst facebook group ever :p


(Also, the tinge is too do with the magnets in the speakers apparently)

[Talarspeed]

x3 - What are you people...on dope??

Excellent Mr. Hand!


Time will tell if it is a design flaw. I put my money on Apple relocating the SD slot. Too many sheep will come forward with SD cards in DVD slot. For what ever reasons- it will happen.

I'm one of the people who will always take a peek before I put the SD card in the correct drive.

[jjo]

(Also, the tinge is too do with the magnets in the speakers apparently)

OK, dare I say it? Perhaps THAT'S a design flaw?

[Schtumple]

OK, dare I say it? Perhaps THAT'S a design flaw?

It is :p I remember one of the tear downs shows apple used much bigger and better speakers in the 27inch iMacs, obviously the bigger magnets aren't insulated well enough against the screen. But screen quality has never been a big concern for apple ;)

(That'll get the fanboys going)

[dyn]

I'm sorry to talk smack about Apple, but yes, it IS a design flaw. It could have easily be place elsewhere. Heck, I would even liked the SD slot to be placed on the FRONT.

Sometimes, Apple is TOO concerned with form rather than function. (And I bet on future models, Apple will realize their mistake and the SD slot will be moved.)
I agree, it is a design flaw...but not an iMac design flaw because the flaw is between keyboard and chair. Users also have responsibilities, for example looking at what they are sticking into which slot. Is it a design flaw of the car if you're scratching the door because you're not looking at where you're sticking the key? Of course not. Sometimes users are too retarded to use a computer :X Scratching the iMac is also a possibility when not looking what you're doing btw, it's not just sticking it in the wrong slot ;) In other words, you'll have to look or feel where to put the cd/dvd/sd-card.

Disclaimer: I have a Dell 3008WFP with 2 usb slots above each other and above those slots I have another set of 2 for the card reader. I know what I'm talking about and my screen is even bigger but I learned that you have to look at what you're doing when you want to stick a memory card or usb connector in the display. Because of the 2 slots for the card reader I can't do it by using my sense of touch.

The entire story reminds me of people calling their cd-rom drives cupholders and complaining to the support staff that it either broke off or the cup fell off because the drive "suddenly" closed. We've seen what manufacturers did to fix the "problem": absolutely nothing (rightfully so).

Apple got it right on the Macbook Pros: the SD slot is on the opposite side of the CD slot. Problem averted on that platform.

I highly doubt that as some people are retarded enough to try and make a sd card fit into the ethernet or usb port...

[Chris Blount]

Come on guys. Design flaw? Give me a break! It's not rocket science. I suppose you also like to stick your left foot into your right shoe?

[SaSaSushi]

I've seen some frivolous complaint threads but this is the best one in ages.

I don't look to see the SD slot on the side of my iMac. This may be difficult for those who would actually drop an SD card into the Superdrive slot to follow but: Holding the SD card between your thumb and index finger of the right hand you can easily feel the SD slot with your middle/ring fingers. Then just slide your ring finger to the bottom of the slot and get the card started into the top of it.

Most importantly keep grip of the edge of the SD card and if it doesn't lock into the slot pull it back out.

I haven't looked at the slots yet and somehow haven't come close to sticking an SD card in the Superdrive slot. You'd have to want to lose the card since you should always be gripping the SD cards even when they are fully inserted. You'd have to LET it go. That's not Apple's problem. That's incompetence on the user's part.

Oh, and thank goodness they didn't put any slots on the front of the machine. How ugly would that be?

[jjo]

Users also have responsibilities, for example looking at what they are sticking into which slot. Is it a design flaw of the car if you're scratching the door because you're not looking at where you're sticking the key?

I'm just DYING of laughter from all these witty comments! Keep 'em coming! :)

And, the slot for the key on MY car is right below the handle, not on the side of the door. I don't know where YOURS is.

Let's just hope the hoity toity Apple designers don't start making the iCar, or we'd all be in trouble.

[SaSaSushi]

Is it a design flaw of the car if you're scratching the door because you're not looking at where you're sticking the key?

Actually, if you can believe it I think a more apt analogy to his complaint is that it'd be a design flaw if you accidentally dropped the key in the gas tank because you weren't looking.

[jjo]

Actually, if you can believe it I think a more apt analogy to his complaint is that it'd be a design flaw if you accidentally dropped the key in the gas tank because you weren't looking.

Yes, because the gas tank and the door lock are SOOO close to each other (actually, if Apple designed it, they probably would be).

[blizaine]

when I stick an SD card in, I pitch it with my thumb and pointer finger and feel for the slot with another finger on the same hand. It's pretty easy to tell the difference between the slots without looking.

[Digital Skunk]

I'm sorry, but the CD slot is what.. 4-5"?.. the SD slot is 1"? How can anyone mistake the two?

It's a "design flaw" because people are stupid enough (and lazy), to stick a SD into the CD drive? Really? Are you people serious?!

Sorry, it's not a design flaw whatsoever. It's called stupidity on the user end.

x4

You are not very bright if you can't figure out which port to put your SD card in. This is just like the magsafe and USB ports on the older MBPs complaint of yore.

People need to look or feel for where they are going to put their periphs. Also, the SD slot is below the optical slot, so obviously is the slot at the bottom.

If the SD slot where inside of the optical slot but only 1.1mm from the bottom and didn't differentiate on which side the contacts went then it'd be a design flaw.

The way it is now, any issues that may arise will be PEBKACs.

I'm very thankful the SD slot is there, but really wish there was also a Compact Flash slot. But, then again, someone would have probably stuck a mouse pad into it.

:D

[Saskamac]

What some people see as a design flaw I see as a marketing opportunity.

I'm going to launch the first product in the iDumb series, it will comprise of a piece of tape to put over the DVD slot and a funnel that fits in the SD slot. I'm looking for partners if anyone wants to go halfsies. You supply the money and I'll supply the iIdeas. :)

[SaSaSushi]

Yes, because the gas tank and the door lock are SOOO close to each other (actually, if Apple designed it, they probably would be).

Yes, but losing an SD card in a Superdrive slot is only a slightly less dumb act on the user's part than dropping their car keys in the gas tank.

That's the analogous part.

[jjo]

You should be careful of using too many "i"'s in front of your product ideas, or you're going to get iSued.

But seriously, I'm so impressed with all the passion and wit I've inspired with my thread. You guys are truly passionate about your ideals and values.

[mscriv]

If you can get a girl's bra unhooked without looking, you should be able to feel your way to inserting an SD card in the tiny little SD slot and not into the BIG DVD slot. I may be assuming a lot here.:D

you said it all! lolol if u can't get a girl's bra open without looking you don't deserve to own an imac! lolol, kidding.

It depends of the size of the bra

Speaking of unhooking bras. Well, nevermind. But now I know why my mother said my father has a "good aim" while putting the SD card in the correct slot. Yeah I'm really too young to know about that... but there you have it... and its out there.

Let's hold off on the sexual analogies. I don't want to think about the sex lives of people who can't differentiate between their slots.

Um.. I have never thought of that. I don't currently own one, but I have seen them, and played around with them.

Are we still talking about bras here?

I'm just DYING of laughter from all these witty comments! Keep 'em coming! :)

Witty enough for you OP? ;)

[jjo]

Witty enough for you OP? ;)

Yes, thanks for separating the good ones from all the bad ones (like the gas tank analogy. That guy needs a bit more practice...)

And the one good thing to come from this thread is this: I'm sure ALL of you will be a tad bit more careful when inserting SD cards. This mistake can (and will) happen to anyone, even the die-hard vocal Apple fans.

[hss1]

Just had a scare. I went to insert my SD card into the SD slot, and--whoops! I put it in the CD slot. I got it out with tweezers, but just be careful.

They should have spaced it better, or put them on opposite sides of the machine.

YOU SHOULD HAVE GONE TO SPECSAVERS!!!!! lol

Cannot believe this, open your eyes mate

[SaSaSushi]

Yes, thanks for separating the good ones from all the bad ones (like the gas tank analogy. That guy needs a bit more practice...)

I was making a valid analogy, not contributing to your comedy review.

And the one good thing to come from this thread is this: I'm sure ALL of you will be a tad bit more careful when inserting SD cards. This mistake can (and will) happen to anyone, even the die-hard vocal Apple fans.

Absolutely, there are plenty of dumb die-hard Apple fans too.

[cjmillsnun]

I'm sorry to talk smack about Apple, but yes, it IS a design flaw. It could have easily be place elsewhere. Heck, I would even liked the SD slot to be placed on the FRONT.

Sometimes, Apple is TOO concerned with form rather than function. (And I bet on future models, Apple will realize their mistake and the SD slot will be moved.)

In YOUR OPINION it is a design flaw.

In MY OPINION it isn't. I'm quite capable of tilting my head round and looking at what I am putting where.

[slicecom]

It's not a design flaw, rather it's Apple overestimating the intelligence of its users and their ability to distinguish between a 1" slot and a 7" slot.

[53x12]

Sorry but this has to be one of the dumbest threads on here in a while. :eek:

[BelowTheBelt]

I would not recommend a virus scan for your iMac, I would however recommend a brain scan for whoever is not smart enough to look where they are putting their fingers.

[Kristenn]

You fanboys are high-lar-i-ous! I should have realized that any Apple criticism would be met with such witty responses from people who feel Apple could do no wrong.

So, what I've learned from my experience (which I was simply warning other 27" iMac users of), is to physically turn the iMac so I can see the side before I insert an SD card.

However, I feel that requiring me to do that act is--indeed--a design flaw, since this whole ordeal so many of us experienced (and will--even you comedian-wannabes) could have been avoided by simply placing the SD slot further away from the Superdrive slot.


Aww QQ

It's not Apple's fault you aren't watching what you're doing. So I guess it's a design flaw because my friend tried to put her USB thumb drive in her firewire port?

No... its her fault for trying to do something while not looking. I guess if someone was driving down the road in a car and close his eyes... and crashed into a curb it would be a design flaw in the road for making a sudden curve?

Seriously.

[knewsom]

Aww QQ

It's not Apple's fault you aren't watching what you're doing. So I guess it's a design flaw because my friend tried to put her USB thumb drive in her firewire port?

No... its her fault for trying to do something while not looking. I guess if someone was driving down the road in a car and close his eyes... and crashed into a curb it would be a design flaw in the road for making a sudden curve?

Seriously.

X2 ...and I love how anytime something requires people actually THINK is immediately labeled a "design flaw", and anyone who disagrees is a L33t stoopid apple f@anboi.

lame.

[dyn]

I'm just DYING of laughter from all these witty comments! Keep 'em coming! :)

I've seen it happen with non-Apple stuff as well. I actually am the one that has to fix the machine after a user has tried to pry his usb stick into the ethernet or firewire port. Obviously the only thing one can do in situation like that is RMA the machine. Just ask any sysadmin and you'll have to hit them in the head to get them to shut up with telling you similar stories (yeah, I'm one of those poor souls called sysadmins) :X


And, the slot for the key on MY car is right below the handle, not on the side of the door. I don't know where YOURS is.

That actually depends on the car. Most cars I know have the lock on the far right of the handle , not below it. So yeah, you could say they are on the side of the door ;) In other words, this would qualify for the most stupid analogy in this thread. Even the guy with the gas tank did a much better job (and his was worse). To keep the car analogy going I think you'd better compare it to forgetting your keys and then start blaming the car company for putting a lock on the car and qualifying it as a design flaw (because a user might forget or lose his keys).


Let's just hope the hoity toity Apple designers don't start making the iCar, or we'd all be in trouble.
Just the ones too stupid to pass their driving test, which in fact is a godsend for the rest of us :)

It's not a design flaw, rather it's Apple overestimating the intelligence of its users and their ability to distinguish between a 1" slot and a 7" slot.
I think that's the best way of putting it :P The only design flaw is Apple not considering its users to be completely retarded.

[SaSaSushi]

That actually depends on the car. Most cars I know have the lock on the far right of the handle , not below it. So yeah, you could say they are on the side of the door ;) In other words, this would qualify for the most stupid analogy in this thread. Even the guy with the gas tank did a much better job (and his was worse). To keep the car analogy going I think you'd better compare it to forgetting your keys and then start blaming the car company for putting a lock on the car and qualifying it as a design flaw (because a user might forget or lose his keys).

*sigh*

As the "guy with the gas tank" let me point out again that the entire absurdity of the analogy I was making was my point to begin with. As in, anyone who could possibly mistake a Superdrive slot for an SD slot and actually lose an SD card in one would probably be capable of dropping their keys in a gas tank.

Is this so hard to grasp? I was just being a teency bit sarcastic, not that I thought I'd have to explain it to this extent.

[iRufus69]

Hi All,

No warranties implied with this solution, it's just for the brave and desperate.

Cut about a 25mm (1inch) along the length of a glossy piece of paper. Fold it in two. Gently insert the looped end of your strip into the drive, make sure you do it near the top. Once you hit the back of the drive, slowly lower the paper to the bottom of the slot. Slowly and gently retract the paper.

Try to avoid hooking the guts of your drive.

After about three goes, we managed to retrieve the misplaced card.

I don't think it's a flaw. But the iMacs would not be worse off, if the slots were further apart.

-Ruf'

[Michaelgtrusa]

its a design flaw , i mentioned it in another post its a accident waiting to happen and its costly if you cant get it out yourself ,in the other post one was quoted ~200 dollar to get the sd card out of the superdrive from someone in a apple store as they have to take it apart

and in my opinion it certainly would not have spoiled the look if they would have fitted the card reader at the bottom corner and the superdrive at the top corner insted of both direct in the middle

http://www.davaomacuser.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/new-iMac-SD-card-slot.png
absolutely to close together, apple cant expect people to stand up walk around the desk to see where they slot in the sd card , usually people sit in front and just put the sd card in the side intuitive , but this close together and same width there will be hundreds soon who try to get their sd card out of the superdrives





$200 is a lot.

[Digital Skunk]

Hi All,

No warranties implied with this solution, it's just for the brave and desperate.

Cut about a 25mm (1inch) along the length of a glossy piece of paper. Fold it in two. Gently insert the looped end of your strip into the drive, make sure you do it near the top. Once you hit the back of the drive, slowly lower the paper to the bottom of the slot. Slowly and gently retract the paper.

Try to avoid hooking the guts of your drive.

After about three goes, we managed to retrieve the misplaced card.

I don't think it's a flaw. But the iMacs would not be worse off, if the slots were further apart.

-Ruf'

That's good news.

To help others prevent this from happening in the first place remember:

1. Remember that the SD slot is the last of the two slots . . . at the bottom

2. It's the only one that's an inch in height.

3. It's the only one that fits an SD card into it.

4. It's an SD card slot

5. Refer back to points 1 --> 4

[Omnigray]

Replace the superdrive with an SSD and get an external Blu Ray player.

Problem solved :cool:

[iRufus69]

That's good news.

To help others prevent this from happening in the first place remember:

1. Remember that the SD slot is the last of the two slots . . . at the bottom

2. It's the only one that's an inch in height.

3. It's the only one that fits an SD card into it.

4. It's an SD card slot

5. Refer back to points 1 --> 4

Your point #3 is incorrect - otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.

The point probably is, humans will always take shortcuts. I was busy looking at my screen when I quickly needed a file from my camera. Since the SD slot is roughly near the bottom, I banged the card into the side of the machine. But this time I missed in the worst possible way.

[mscriv]

Another quick trick:

Take a sticky note or sticky flag type of thing and put on the back or front of your computer to mark where the SD card slot is.

http://www.showyourlogo.com/office-products/custom-sticky-flags.jpg

And before some of you start with the "I shouldn't have to do..." just stuff it. I personally don't think this is needed because you should be careful enough to watch what you are doing instead of complaining that your carelessness is a design flaw. I merely offer this suggestion as a way to be less careless. ;)

[Schtumple]

Hi All,

No warranties implied with this solution, it's just for the brave and desperate.

Cut about a 25mm (1inch) along the length of a glossy piece of paper. Fold it in two. Gently insert the looped end of your strip into the drive, make sure you do it near the top. Once you hit the back of the drive, slowly lower the paper to the bottom of the slot. Slowly and gently retract the paper.

Try to avoid hooking the guts of your drive.

After about three goes, we managed to retrieve the misplaced card.

I don't think it's a flaw. But the iMacs would not be worse off, if the slots were further apart.

-Ruf'

I was tempted to put in a "holy thread revival batman" but you came out with some gods honest help right there. Hopefully anyone else with this problem will spot this post and know what to do.

[Digital Skunk]

Your point #3 is incorrect - otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.

The point probably is, humans will always take shortcuts. I was busy looking at my screen when I quickly needed a file from my camera. Since the SD slot is roughly near the bottom, I banged the card into the side of the machine. But this time I missed in the worst possible way.

True, I should have put a "perfectly" or something there.

Good tip mscriv

[reberto]

People really can't tell the difference in feel when they put the SD card in the slot/DVD drive? REALLY? I put SD cards in the side of my iMac all the time and not once have I done that. If you put your SD card in your DVD drive you really shouldn't be using a computer IMO.

[DarkCloud2015]

I honestly cannot believe the amount of people that have had this issue, and have posted about it here.

My faith in humanity has been shaken.

[cocky jeremy]

Design flaw? More like a user error. Pay attention to what you're doing and you won't have problems. It's that easy. Really.