Apple dumps optical drives...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57541222-37/phil-schiller-optical-drives-are-anchors-on-where-we-want-to-go/

So is it a move to abandon old dated technology..or a way to increase profits with Apple's download service?

I personally think it is premature and ill advised.

Whilst there has been a decline in the use of optical media over a period of time, esp since more people download, stream media/tv, and USB drives/media cards have increased a lot in capacity and size, as well as reduced cost. I'm still of the view that the optical drive is useful, even the Compact disc has not died, Blu ray should be cheaper media wise..granted.

I wonder how many would prefer to put copies of photos on a USB drive or burn to disc. I'd wager the disc will be more stable longer term. Every one of my 10 year old CD's can read fine

Strange move from Apple.

As for moving forward I see they put an SD slot on the "back" of the new Imac..can you think of a worse place to put a removable media slot?