Charging Port Location
USBill,
Good thoughts on Charging port location. We discussed this issue when designing the ZAGGmate and we opted to go with the direction that provides the most protection when closed. In doing this, the Volume and mute switches are protected by the metal case and not exposed to whatever may be on the inside of a book back or briefcase or life, etc. As you mention, this layout encourages some users to flip the iPad over to leave the volume and mute switch on top. I do this sometimes too. But, for those who may not know, those buttons don't get smashed when in portrait mode. The angle of the iPad keeps the weight off them. Also, you can adjust volume and mute, etc with the keyboard keys.
So, the obvious question then is why not have a cutout on both sides? We wanted to keep it as clean and as strong as possible. An extra cutout in the aluminum would weaken the case a bit if bent along the middle and an extra cutout in the protective inner edge for the on/ off button would take away from the look just slightly. Further, it's not THAT hard to flip it whatever direction you want.
Anyway, this is not me saying, "hold it this way or that way." It is simply my way of saying, yes, we thought of that, but came to a conclusion that couldn't possibly satisfy every user. I hope you understand our conclusions. I certainly understand yours.
As always, thanks for your thoughts and comments. Then gen 2 will be even more refined because of your comments.
By the way, to the user thinking of taking a Dremel to the ZAGGmate....Please be Careful.