Regardless of whether it is technically feasible to add a higher resolution display, it doesn't make sense from a business perspective. Let's not forget that the Retina display is one of the main USPs of the MacBook Pro, so why would Apple let it go to a cheaper product?
The current resolution of the MacBook Airs are certainly not a problem. These are consumer notebooks, afterall.
Misguided and backwards thinking, this is. All of the good MBA competitors have at least full HD screens, all are consumer mass market products. The MBA went from being a halo luxury product lying outside the standard product line at Apple to being the entry level laptop, taking over fromthe white plastic MacBook.
Basically it has to go retina just to keep up with the Robinsons. MB Pro is much more than retina...higher powered processors, discrete graphics, more and better SSD and RAM options, etc.
A relatively major form factor/facelift along with upgraded components and options across the line, not just retina (but that is a must) are needed for this to become the best ultrabook out there again.
Besides retina, I am hoping for 16GB RAM and 512GB next gen SSD options for BTO machines in an even more slimmed down form factor with virtually bezel-less design and edge to edge keyboard.
Like many are saying, a 12" machine easily replaces bith the 11" & 13" models. Those looking for 13" can go base model MBPro and not go up in profile, price or weight significantly from this year's 13" Air.
Never quite understand those that talk about big CAD and graphical design on an ultrabook class laptop. It is obvious your needs require a large realestate, high resolution screen. Isn't a desktop or an external monitor better suited to your people's needs - and whatever size screen you have is good enough when you are on the go, away from your normal work environment?
I'm a finance executive and I have had the 11" MBA as my primary machine for as long as I've had it. Never felt like the screen was too small, even when dealing with large complex spreadsheets and presentations.
Different strokes for different folks.