I'm currently looking for a new laptop, which will probably be a Mac, given I'm not familiar with using Linux nor have I liked using Windows lately. Looking at the pricing for this, I can't see much of a reason for why I'd get this over a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro w/ Retina.

Using Australian prices -

This - $1799 11" Air - $1249 13" Air - $1399 13" Retina - $1799 (I've seen $1599 in authorised reseller stores) 13" Pro - $1549

Is a retina display and losing a third of a pound worth paying $400-$550 for? Nope. Paying the same price for less ports (if you're getting a Macbook Pro, ports are likely important) and and less speed? Nope.

I think Apple must be hoping this new Macbook is going to eat into 13' Macbook Pro sales (just as the 13" Pro ate into the old Macbook sales), because I can't see it eating into Macbook Air sales.