Apple is basically banking on wireless technology being mature enough that optical is only really necessary when the data isn't made available for download (eg some software). Songs, movies, backup, and a great deal of software is all available with wireless networking, so strip out the optical drive and implement somewhat clumsy solutions for the rare times when optical is needed to steamline the portable experience for the 90% of the time when you don't need optical.
Obviously, this is only feasible if you mostly use your portable in places with good wireless access, preferably to an 802.11n hub. If this doesn't describe your usage habits, you will probably want to steer clear.
"The worst part about these reviews is they are [subjective]--and their scores often depend on how drunk you got the media at a Street Fighter event." — Mona Hamilton, Capcom Senior VP of Marketing
*Image indefinitely borrowed from BrainBoxLtd without his consent.
