Comment by fao_

> The switch to widescreen mean the 7th row of keys competed with the trackpad for real estate.

Sure, but I would have preferred a smaller trackpad.

The lid latch was no longer needed as screens got lighter.

Their solution of ratcheting metal and plastic very tightly limits the lifetime, I'd prefer the latch so I don't have to worry about this in the future.

> Top-of-screen keyboard lighting got replaced by backlighting.

Top of the screen was better for, as another commenter posted, ambient lighting.