Apple and the Incredible vanishing CD drive

  Okay so Apple is coming out with new upgrades or versions of their technology every five minute's it seems.  So what is the newest upgrade for the Apple computers?  (1)The vanishing act of the CD drives.  You know that little slot on the side of the computer that you can insert CD's in for your computer to read? (2) That they are doing it, so it seems, for a more sleeker and saves space---it creates more work for someone if they want to rip a CD or even make copy's of CD's if they want to. (3)  This might also push people to look at iTunes stores for their music instead of actual CD stores.  (opinion 1)  I think this kinda sucks.  I mean what if you don't have or cannot afford to get a external drive.  Or you have no need for iTunes (someone who doesn't own an iPod.) then what?  (opinion 2) If they are doing away with the drives then they should include an external drive with the computer as a bonus.  People are gonna pay a lot of money on Apple gear anyway, why not right?  So here is my question;  What do you think is best?