My ThinkPad's LCD has higher pixel density than my netbook's LCD - read: it's harder to read. (2048x1536, 15") However, my netbook has much less pixels, so that's why it's worse - 1024x600 is ridiculously cramped. It'll get a 1366x768 panel, though, which will help.
I rarely use the optical drive on my ThinkPad, and honestly, last time I used a floppy drive on a modern system was 2003. (I use them on retro systems that require their use, of course.)
The point about TrackPoints, though, that's 100% valid.
And, a 2 pound $250 laptop is a quite handy thing for portability. They're quite handy when you don't want to carry much, or the computer might get banged around a bit, but still need the ability to compute.