28th July 2011, 9:06 PM
In something of an ironic counterpoint, 500GB discs are on their way.
I do believe that ditching optical drives in portable computers is a good idea--reduces weight, cost, and power consumption for a device many people probably don't use all that often. External drives should suffice for those who need both that particular functionality with portability.
Eliminating them from desktops, on the other hand, is probably a bit premature. Streamlining the physical product doesn't make much sense for a desktop form factor, and cutting cost makes no sense for Apple because the whole point of owning an Apple is so you can look down on the unwashed hordes who didn't spend $1,700 on a $1,000 computer.
I do believe that ditching optical drives in portable computers is a good idea--reduces weight, cost, and power consumption for a device many people probably don't use all that often. External drives should suffice for those who need both that particular functionality with portability.
Eliminating them from desktops, on the other hand, is probably a bit premature. Streamlining the physical product doesn't make much sense for a desktop form factor, and cutting cost makes no sense for Apple because the whole point of owning an Apple is so you can look down on the unwashed hordes who didn't spend $1,700 on a $1,000 computer.
YOU CANNOT HIDE FOREVER
WE STAND AT THE DOOR
WE STAND AT THE DOOR