Yeah, I found that bizarre, to say the least.
Not really that bizarre when you get down to it. Dock connector output options have always been analog: composite, component, VGA.
There's no particular need for "cutting edge" output options on a device that can't output anything close to Blu-ray quality. So wasting the silicon and revising the Dock connector specifications is totally unwarranted.
Apple really seems to have a hatred of HDMI as they refuse to put it on any of their devices yet it is now the standard connector for home A/V on all newer products
It's a pointless native connector for a computing device. DisplayPort provides the greatest cross-section of compatibility, especially now that it's beginning to mature. This includes HDMI, DVI, and VGA compatibility.
When/if these small devices get a dedicated output port, it'll be a DP connector.
I hope they're not trying to push Mini Display Port as a replacement, it's way too late for that.
As a replacement for what? DisplayPort is compatible with HDMI, and HDMI is not meant for use outside of the AV context. Logically, therefore, a unified approach to displays across the widest possible spectrum of devices is a good thing. It won't be HDMI or DVI, but it might be DisplayPort.
Whether DisplayPort will succeed where previous attempts have failed, who knows. HP, Dell, Apple, nVidia, AMD, Intel, Pioneer, Samsung, and Toshiba are all on board, so it's got a shot.
I can't even remember when the last device I bought with a VGA port was. More than 3 years ago I think. How can a company who pushes cutting edge technology be so blind about this stuff sometimes?
VGA is still the de facto connector for projectors, PC inputs on HDTVs, and installed-cable systems by a huge margin. It's only been displaced on desktop monitors. Our conference rooms have 65" plasma televisions on the wall, but the table itself only accepts VGA laptop connections and there's no way to access the TV's inputs directly. This is the situation in business environments around the world.
For output to televisions and projectors, component and VGA covers just about every model in existence. HDMI wouldn't come close. DP would allow for both, but won't work over the Dock connector.
