I wouldn't call micro-USB "uncommon" today. All of the gadgets I've purchased this summer use micro-USB: GPS, phone, tablet, eBook reader, Arduino boards, notebook hard drive enclosures, etc..

Outside of Job's World, they're becoming quite common.
And yes, they're a total PITA to get "right way around" when connecting them!

And the "micro USB" connector on my phone has an HDMI output cable avaiable for it too ($15, dx.com).