I'd like to imagine that most of the concerns about the design and size changes here are off the mark. Sure, new business for accessory makers, and tradeoffs for consumers. But shouldn't a change of this nature reflect more technological innovation and a strategic play on Apple's part for the future of the device? Perhaps the new dock allows for stronger TV Out capabilities, or a better capacity to interface with other technologies, along with the advantage of adding more room for other components. Focusing on the accessories and design doesn't provide a solid rationale for the change.
I cannot count the number of reviews of Android products by Apple oriented writers that have singled out the head phone jack on the bottom as a flaw. Now what will they say?