I used to have a ThinkPad and some of my friends still do (IT student), but I got totally converted to an Apple-Fanatic. I am just so much more productive when I use it compared to the Windows/Linux systems I had before.
What do you need ports for? Everything has bluetooth nowadays. You can connect a whole city block using bluetooth. I think they cut off the right pieces - big screen, big keyboard, that's what is important to me. Also it took me a while to get used to the tiny resolutions. 1400x1050 on 12"? Goodbye, eyes!
But..
You're happy with your ThinkPads, that's what counts ;-)
And I'm a huge fan of you and your tour thingy. This is a dream of mine that I'll hopefully live in two years, after my study is done.
Have fun!
PS: I want to marry Steve Jobs