Some have made the argument that this is like Apple ditching the floppy drive. I disagree. The floppy was a technology that was naturally coming to the end of its life because of other types of built-in storage options, namely the optical drive. It also was way too limited in storage capacity. Ethernet, on the other hand, is an old technology, but it is also everywhere and it is evolving. It also requires a cheap cable!
But ethernet is
not everywhere. It is not available for passengers on planes or trains, or in airline lounges, or at Starbucks, or in most people's homes. There are ethernet ports on most DSL or cable modems, but that doesn't do much for using the computer on the living room couch or in bed.
Even when I work in the office, the ethernet cable is more a hindrance than a help. I can't pick my computer up and take it to a meeting, or to a co-workers desk if I'm tethered to an ethernet hub. I'd much rather be connected via WiFi.
As for the ethernet port and ODD being included for no additional cost in current MBP models, that's true. The cost is built in to the selling price. Great for people who need/want it, but for people who don't need or want it, the extra cost, weight, and thickness could be better used for longer-lasting batteries, faster flash memory, and a slimmer profile.
If the new MBP has no Ethernet or ODD, it doesn't mean it will be cheaper than the current MBP. It could even be more expensive, but it will be cheaper than it would be if they kept those optional features as standard equipment. The money I would be spending for an idle ethernet port and a never-used DVD drive would instead go towards flash memory, retina display, and a lighter backpack.
If you like the old standard features more than the new standard features, buy your MBP now. Or wait, and you will find a lot of used recent-model used MBPs for sale very soon.
