I need a new Macbook but -.I need advice regarding the new fixed configurations

Question

I have a MacBook from 2007 and it probably needs replacing as I'm starting to see problems, little hints that any day it might completely stop working.  I was ready to buy a new computer but after reading about the new MacBook Pros, it seems like Apple has forgotten its roots.
Let's say you get 8 GB of RAM which is probably enough for my purposes( but I'm still not sure, I might get 16 though its very expensive) and there is a problem with the RAM.  Do you really have to replace the entire logic board and what are we talking in terms of parts and labor assuming you are out of warranty?  This happened to my current Macbook and it was very cheap because I was able to snap new chips in but everything is soldered  on the new Macbooks and I don't want to buy a computer that I might be throwing away in 2 years.
The same questrion applies in regard to the CPU.  If it fails, is this going to be a huge repair bill?
Another major concern regards complaints from dissapointed customers who are unhappy with the glare of the screen.  As I have eye problems, this could be a big issue for me.
Finally, but less of a problem, Its disappointing that you need to purchase an ethernet adaptor and have to buy an external CD/DVD drive. People look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about CD drives, but I listen to a lot of classical music which you cannot get on the net, and, even if you can, it is of low quality.  You have to go to a store like Amoeba to find the CD.   Not a huge deal, but a bit annoying and these little things add up.
I'm starting to think I may have to take a look at PC's,  something, I never thought I'd do again.

Answer 1

I'd recommend 8 GB RAM, based upon all the information available today it should be sufficient for a very long time. OS X "Mavericks" uses system resources extremely efficiently and the MBP's flash memory goes a long way toward masking a paucity of RAM. Apple claimed that Mavericks' new memory compression algorithm results in an effective increase of 50% more memory than what is actually installed, a claim that I have empirically determined to be accurate, perhaps a bit conservative. In other words 8 GB memory will perform as if 12 GB were actually installed, if not for OS X's memory compression algorithm. Even 4 GB is sufficient for Mavericks whereas it was barely adequate for Mountain Lion.
If you were to ask an iPad or iPhone owner how much memory it has, and if they actually understood what you were asking, most would not know, or care. Nor should they. Such is the future of the Mac product line.
The same questrion applies in regard to the CPU.  If it fails, is this going to be a huge repair bill?
It certainly will. Fortunately I have never heard of a single case in which a Mac's CPU has failed.
Another major concern regards complaints from dissapointed customers who are unhappy with the glare of the screen.
All you can do is try it for yourself. Matte screens have disadvantages too. If you don't like your MBP, return it for a full refund, no questions asked. You have 14 days to decide.
Classical music used to been a challenge to find on iTunes, but Apple has been getting better. You can still buy an external CD drive to import your music; they're not terribly expensive.
Any computer design is a study in compromises and an optical drive simply isn't worth the tradeoffs. People howled about Apple's decision to eliminate floppy disk drives too, even as they were ridiculed for originally promoting the 3 1/2" floppy disk format. What Apple creates, Apple destroys, lest someone else do it for them.
In any event optical discs are antiquated and obsolete, so get used to the idea.
I'm starting to think I may have to take a look at PC's,  something, I never thought I'd do again.
Choice is good. Knock yourself out.