1.a new smaller cpu.... C2D 45nm batch!
2.wireless migration (this is a bigger deal than u realize)
3.no optical drive (optical drives are gonna go the way of floppies, floop,floop...)
4.small powerful logic board (big deal also..this can be used for a real ultraprotable)
5.a badass backlit keyboard
6.environmentally friendly
7.It looks great.

Positive Externalities

1.It's going to push all the other manufacturers = better products overall, consumers win.
2.the wares companies/content providers on optical (DVD/BD)will have to be feature packed since optical is going to die eventually.
3.The bar has been set pretty high design and function wise = consumers win again.

I could go on and on and on...

bottom line we all win.

the myopia in here is tragic.

oh well.