I don't think Apple will make anything smaller than a 13" laptop for the forseeable future. Back when the Macbook was called the iBook, it was split into the 12" and 14" lines. Apple's decision to forego either and split the difference with a 13"-sized book suggested they didn't feel like splitting profit margins between two sizes (much less construction materials).
Ever since then, I knew there'd never be a 12" laptop again--at least until another shift as large as the iBook->Macbook Powerbook->Macbook Pro transition. This was only underscored further by the news of Apple's ordering several thousand 13" screens which, as we all know, were fitted into the MBA.
An equally logical prediction to the 13" holding pattern, in my opinion, is that the introduction of the MBA sealed the fate of the 13" MBP for good. They had the option to make one, and they chose to go with a consumer-focused lightweight laptop. So, no 15" Macbook, no 15" MBA, no 13" MBP. Unless the MBA is phased out, the laptop line will almost certainly be limited to the current three models.
Furthermore, I doubt we will ever see a 15" consumer-oriented laptop from Apple. For as long as they've had 15" laptops, they've kept them at the price, status, and performance premium of the "Pro" level. This was evident with the Powerbooks, and it's no different with the MBPs. If you want a larger screen, you'll need to go with an aluminum laptop.
Ever since then, I knew there'd never be a 12" laptop again--at least until another shift as large as the iBook->Macbook Powerbook->Macbook Pro transition. This was only underscored further by the news of Apple's ordering several thousand 13" screens which, as we all know, were fitted into the MBA.
An equally logical prediction to the 13" holding pattern, in my opinion, is that the introduction of the MBA sealed the fate of the 13" MBP for good. They had the option to make one, and they chose to go with a consumer-focused lightweight laptop. So, no 15" Macbook, no 15" MBA, no 13" MBP. Unless the MBA is phased out, the laptop line will almost certainly be limited to the current three models.
Furthermore, I doubt we will ever see a 15" consumer-oriented laptop from Apple. For as long as they've had 15" laptops, they've kept them at the price, status, and performance premium of the "Pro" level. This was evident with the Powerbooks, and it's no different with the MBPs. If you want a larger screen, you'll need to go with an aluminum laptop.
