Updating to include the specs of the 2016 13" and 15" MacBook Pros:
  • 2010 MBP 13" 4.50 lb. 0.95" H x 12.78" W x 8.94" D (114.25" sq.)
  • 2015 MBP 13" 3.48 lb. 0.71" H x 12.35" W x 8.62" D (106.46" sq.)
  • 2016 MBP 13" 3.02 lb. 0.59" H x 11.97" W x 8.36" D (100.07" sq.)
  • 2010 MBP 15" 5.60 lb. 0.95" H x 14.35" W x 9.82" D (140.92" sq.)
  • 2015 MBP 15" 4.49 lb. 0.71" H x 14.13" W x 9.73" D (137.48" sq.)
  • 2016 MBP 15" 4.02 lb. 0.61" H x 13.75" W x 9.48" D (130.35" sq.)
2010-2015: Both got ~1/4" thinner and shed a ~pound, and their footprints decreased by ~8" sq. and ~3 1/2" sq., respectively.

2015-2016: Both got ~1/10" thinner and shed ~1/2 pound, and their footprints decreased by ~6.5" sq. and ~7" sq., respectively.

This is end cost of the "miniaturizations" (excluding the weight and space requirements of appurtenances)):
  • User-serviceable RAM & The option to upgrade against need: $100 (plus the loss of the OEM DIMMS for backup or sale)
  • User-serviceable SSD & The option to upgrade against need: $150 (plus the loss of the OEM SSD for backup or sale)
  • Ethernet port: $30 Apple adapter
  • Optical drive & Loss of the bay for an another drive: $79 Apple SuperDrive or $x.xx enclosure, as the case may be
  • Audio line-in: $40 Griffin iMic
  • Battery indicator light: Having to boot to determine battery status
  • State indicator light: Irreplaceable...cost measured in loss of peace of mind
  • SDXC card slot: ~$30 3rd party card reader
  • USB ports: ~$20 3rd party USB C to 4 x USB 3 adapter
  • HDMI port: $35 Apple adapter
  • MagSafe port: one less port for other purposes
Looking at this from several angles:
  1. An MBP alone, is sleek and beautiful.
  2. With cables plugged into it it isn't quite as, but it still is.
  3. But with adapters sticking out of its ports it looks like it's got hemorrhoids.
  4. And finally, because, after all, the MBP was born to travel: the overall package that you've got to take on the road with you in order to have complete functionality is bigger, bulkier, and not much lighter than it was when the functionality was built in.
It's hard to argue with what's presumably the product of Apple's market research, but I wonder how the respondents who opted for smaller and lighter feel about the total package?

And finally, battery life as reported my Mactracker has remained more or less static in the 9-10 hour range since 2010, which leaves me wondering if Apple is passing on more battery life in favor of less weight, and how that sits with the respondents if it's the case?

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire