15" is still 15" no matter how you swing it. And higher resolution isn't "higher-end". And what's so different about desktop monitors and laptop monitors?
Basically, the monitor is the workspace, yes? Let's compare it to an old fashioned workspace--a desk (gasp!). 4 feet wide, 3 feet deep. If I make things on my desk smaller, I can fit more things on it. Say a folder is 1'x1'. I can fit 12 folders on my desk. If I make my folders smaller (6"x6") do I have more space? Sure, but it doesn't make a 6"x6" folder "high-end". With that logic, I can make my folders 3"x3" and be top-of-the-line. Sure, I can't read the folder. I can't even read what the tab says nor flip the pages in it, but I have more space. Higher-end doesn't in any way mean higher resolution. Resolution should match the users' needs. Someone who struggles to read would love a 19" at 1024x768 while I'm perfectly fine with 15.4"w at 1280x800.