Not long ago I would of totally disagreed with your post.
I really liked small laptops, actually I still do ... my thoughts where anything larger than a 13" wasn't for me. I 've owned the 11 and 13" MBA's, a few 13 and 15" MacBook Pro's and also a 17" MacBook Pro but returned it after a few weeks.
All that seemed important was thin, light and super portable, foolishly not thinking enough about the benefits having a 'mobile' large 17" screen. I'm much more productive with the large screen, less scrolling, pages fit perfectly side by side, more fun, convenient and easier to get things done.
If you're doing all your work at a desk the Thunderbolt displays allow you to use only one computer by simply hooking up to your laptop ... that's great if you like sitting around at a desk.
However I can't stand sitting at a desk anymore or working in one place but I love large screens and ACD's. I spend long hours on a compiter working from our company office, home office, kitchen table, den, deck and the list goes on ...
For years I've done that with 11 and 13" screens. Not long ago reading posts here from people who own and love their 17" MBP's it encouraged me to try it again. Am I ever glad I did!
For a main work machine I'll never go back to a 11 or 13" screen. Nor a 15", to me the 15 is to big to be considered super portable and the screen, even the hi res doesn't have enough screen real estate to make the added size/weight worthwhile.
On the other hand lift the lid on a 17" MBP and it's like you're on a desktop. So yes, I can relate to your post
im with you all the way
i used a 7 inch laptop once
a 10 incher
a 12 incher
and now im going to go 17
its a nice size and only marginally footprint-bigger and heavier than the 15 inch
also i think they could sell a 19 incher
