Why does the iMac have vertical components?

[maclover001]

Don't you remember Steve's keynote for the iMac G4? He said that all the components need to be horizontal, or else it will slow down performance.
But here we are today with vertical components.

 

[iShater]

The form factor, not sure if it really causes any performance issues (HDs might not enjoy being on their sides as much as being flat), but I am not aware of any real issues.

 

[Purple Pelican]

I don't see why being vertical would have a negative impact on performance. However, back in the day, there used to be a myth that having a hard drive vertically or at an angle would wear it out more quickly. My personal experience with iMacs and laptops doesn't support this.

 

[PlaceofDis]

that was in reference to the optical drive i believe. because they couldn't operate on their side any decent speed. technology grows and advances are made and as such they were eventually able to go with such a form factor because the tech wasn't limiting them anymore.