The current model is a great machine. Apple just had the WWDC event June 13th and they didn't announce any new updates to the MBP so I just bought a new one for my daughter for college.
Apple typically will make another announcemet in October. You could wait till then I guess ?
Nobody really knows when a update will be,
I hear you. I have a drive on my 2012 but I never use it. You could always buy a external drive and hook it up to your USB. They're cheap. I bought one for my iMac but again, I've never used it.
Yeah, that is a good idea but it sucks because it's another thing that you have to carry around. I know they took it out to make the laptop lighter which is good!