The screen is the primary interface between the user and the device. It should be made as good as possible on all of our devices. We basically have Apple to thank for dragging us out of the doldrums of the race-to-the-bottom the PC manufacturers were engaged in for years to see who could fit the worst screen to the most expensive laptop (see mid-to-late 2000's Thinkpads with prices well north of $2000 and barely functional TN screens.)
And no, you don't need a dongle to connect your external monitor. You need a cable. Just like before.
Well....... We watch 1080p on a 65" TV and are fine with it.. I agree at least a 1080p screen is required on a laptop but more than that is really not needed IMHO...
Apple does have nice, scratch that, gorgeous screens but there was nothing wrong with last years screen either. Now for those who use the computer outdoors and in the middle of the desert on a bright and sunny day, the added brightness will be a nice bonus..