Apple didn't include a bluray drive because it is pointless, why include a technology that the rest of the computer doesn't support? Plus, including combo drives with the current models helps Apple fulfill its obsessive desire to "differentiate" its product levels and force people to pay extra for the mid-level when the low end is otherwise sufficient.
Seriously, DVD burners are dirt cheap now, they are effectively a commodity. They are like CD burners 2 years ago. There is no excuse to still be using combo drives - except to force people to pay $200 more for the mid-level just to get a SuperDrive, despite the fact it probably costs Apple about $5 more than a combo drive, if that. I like Apple and I love their products, but they are well known for this type of nonsense.
Apple didn't include a bluray drive because it is pointless, why include a technology that the rest of the computer doesn't support? Plus, including combo drives with the current models help make the Macbooks affordable and low cost.
Macbooks are NOT low cost. For what you get, they are a premium price product. The combo drive is an insult. For the sake of what will cost apple about $5, they are shafting customers. Totally unacceptable. It's blinkered fanboyism to argue any other way. £350 laptops from very other manufacturer include DVD writers. That's HALF the price. I can't find a combo drive in the Dell line. Infact, HP, Lenovo, Acer, nothing. Apple are dragging their feet and shafting customers with a premium price laptop with a serious bargain basement component.
And what do you mean 'the rest of the computer doesn't support'. All modern Macs (save the MM) have all the power needed to play HD footage. I could plug in an external USB BR drive into my MBP, boot to XP, and watch BR movies without a problem.
Doug