Originally Posted by Eric5273

I think it's fair to say that optical drives are on their way out in general. For now they are being kept around for Legacy purposes. Little tiny SD, mini-SD and micro-SD cards are now being sold with capacities larger than DVD & CD-ROMs, and they also have faster transfer speeds as well. And with broadband speeds continuing to get faster, and people having internet access from their phones, the days of needing any kind of physical media are quickly coming to an end. Some people will simply resist the change more than others, so they will continue to offer these devices with new computers to satisfy those who still want to use a dated technology.

The general ideas promoted at Macworld last week, including the new Apple TV online video rentals & backup via Wi-fi are the way the future is going. There will be no need for any kind of physical media as all your information will be stored online, and you will have access to it wherever you go.