1: Non-removable is not the same as non-replaceable. The new 17" MBP battery can be removed,. It just takes removing 4 screws on the base of the computer to access the battery. The battery is not soldered in, so removing it to exchange it with a new battery is not difficult even for the mechanically challenged.
The only problem would be for those who carry an extra battery in order to get longer life during a trip. In the tradition of "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few", this very small minority is being accommodated by the newer, longer-lasting battery.
2: Using your MBP on AC power with the battery removed is not a good idea and Apple recommends against doing so.
3: No one has said that you can't upgrade the hard drive or RAM yourself. Again, all it takes is removing the same 4 screws in the base plate of the MBP. If you have ever upgraded the memory on the new unibody MB, you know that you also have to remove the screws in the baseplate. The owners manual in the box shows you how to do this. So PLEASE learn about this before making ignorant comments about having to buy your memory upgrade from Apple at the time of purchase.
4: Those who think the new 17" MBP prices are too much, look at the model it replaces. Then keep in mind that the new one has better construction, a faster processor, more RAM, the high-res display option, longer battery life, two GPUs, etc.
5: For those disappointed by the lack of new hardware, Apple will be doing another hardware event in February. Here they will introduce the Mac mini replacement and the upgraded iMacs. These were not introduced at MWSF so as to not steal away from the thunder of Apple's own event. Introducing the 17" MBP at MWSF was a small (and already expected) token to the attendees of that show. From now on, all new product introductions will be own Apple's on schedule and not the mandatory first week in January.
6: BD will not be coming to the Mac lineup any time soon, because it conflicts with Apple's business model for iTunes.
7: The anti-glare option is indeed the same as the "matte" option in prior models. It costs more simply because it is a build to order (BTO) option which costs Apple more from a business logistics point of view.
8: Those who predict that Apple is crazy with its pricing or is unaware of the current world economy should take a look at the top selling computers as ranked by Amazon. 6 of the top 25 best selling notebook computers are Macbooks and Macbook Pros. Except for the Toshiba L305, all other models are sub-$500 netbooks. This means that no other notebook computers in the "over $500" category (except for the L305) sell better than Apple's offerings.
