They never stopped making laptops with the trackpoint and frankly, I don't know why they would ever consider stopping. I have never met somebody who had a thinkpad and did not like it; the only people it seems to annoy are people who have not had one.
I'd be glad to pay extra to get rid of it.unfortunately they don't offer that. The only time when I use it is when I push it by accident along with one of the keys.
Interestingly though, on some thinkpads you have the option to pay less and only have the trackpoint. I've seen a few cheaper R-model thinkpads without trackpads. You are right though, the opposite doesn't seem to be an option. My guess is they think it is too much of a signature touch to be excluded.
