Why top-mounted mic ( for example on NSC-GC1 )

hi,
i am quite new to camcorders, I have just read the article about the NSC-GC1. Here
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-NSC-GC1-FIrst-Impressions-Camcorder-Review-32996/Audio--Playback--Connectivity.htm
is described that the Microphone is top-mounted. Does someone know why Microphones are sometimes Top-Mounted. I know the NSC-GC1 is a very low-end "camcorder", but putting the microphone on the front side towards the reported action would have costed nothing. Why are Microphones often top-mounted ?
thanks
Martin

In the case of this particular camera -- your hands would be over the microphone... These tall thin format cameras are gripped like a pistol (but with the "trigger" in back near the thumb, rather than in front).

As for the marching hard drives, in the name of compactness, even if meant to be gripped like football about to be passed, they've shrunk the body height such that one can't fit microphones under the lens.

Ah thanks, thats an explanation.