+1.
They have a proper pro laptop..... Its the 15-inch Macbook Pro Retina.
I think what would happen, is Apple is aiming for everyone to buy one, and fill the gap, so reducing it every now and then, too the point, it will become much more affordable.
I also agree here, the MBA is light and that is what Apple was aiming at for travelers. Or for for hat just want something light.
However, I also agree about that "middle man" that people like me what something light, but need a larger screen without needing to connect it up via a dongle while at the same time, still be light to carry like a paper weight (to some degree anyway.)
And in some cases, 17' is just too large to carry round.
While its good for graphics, web design, photo's, you can do the same on the 15' Retina, and get the extra benefits of the sharper resolution. This is i think where Apple is headed, with "soon to be dropping prices again" , to fill the gap.
However, in all other cases, ya, you'll still need that external display, but the Apple can't please everyone.
By the way, Apple needs a server ........ Yes you can have an 27 inch iMac and run serve on that, but what about the DYI upgrades ?
Unless i'm mistaken, this could actually be a reason Apple to do this.... aka.. Eliminate the "Mac Pro" so users will be forced into getting the iMac as a "pro" machine, taking on faith they'll never be able to upgrade themselves again.
Apple is not really never been about customization.... so maybe this is the "cut off point" ...
Then again, it always happens i could be completely wrong.