Displays with USB

[CromulentChriss]

Hi, I know this really isn't a mac related issue, but I have been looking around at displays lately, and I was just wondering: Why do they have usb inputs - and even 4 or 5 of them. I just don't understand what they are for.

You might think this is a stupid question, but I would really like to know the answer cause I am about to buy a display after my birthday next week, and I'd like to know why I'm paying for 5 usb ports...

 

[GGJstudios]

From Apple:

USB 2.0 ports

On the back of the display, you’ll find three self-powered USB ports. You enable them — along with the built-in iSight camera, microphone, and speakers — the moment you plug the USB connector into your new Mini DisplayPort-enabled Mac, including the MacBook family as well as the new Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. Connect a printer, camera, iPod, iPhone, whatever you like. And they can stay connected, even if you grab your MacBook and go.

 

[CromulentChriss]

And then when you connect you laptop again, they are automaticly connected, without you having to plug them in or out before you leave and t´when you come back?

 

[belvdr]

I think you're missing the point. Say you have an external USB hard drive. You can plug it into the monitor, and it just stays connected to the USB port when you take your laptop mobile. It's a USB hub.

 

[GGJstudios]

... It's a USB hub.

True. As a hub, it also expands the number of USB ports available to you, since Apple notebooks are limited to 2 or 3 USB ports.