"as before, the CPU, RAM, and flash memory are soldered to the logic board".
Apple should use standard ports and components, not soldered. And why is the very same make and model of RAM purchased from Apple Store two to three times more expensive than in retailers like Amazon?
That's just, like, your opinion, man (and boy have I read it almost word for word on so many threads). It's a poor opinion tho. USBC is a standard port. And when it comes to motherboard components, I want smaller, lighter and more power efficient in my portable.
As for RAM, while i don't know if what you say is true, I do know that having it covered under Apple's labor and warranty isn't free.
It makes sense that everything in a portable device like a laptop, a mobile phone, or a tablet is soldered on. The main concern is portability. You want to make a device that is sturdy and light. Socketing components adds weight, and potential failure points for both the electronic and physical integrity of the device.
On the other hand, in a "non-portable" device, like an iMac that's going to sit in the same place on a desk for most of its lifetime, you can afford to use socketed components since the typical stress load is lower, so it's much less likely for a component to come loose. Even so, Apple has other factors in consideration when making decisions about building its computers. At the moment, it makes most sense for them to build them the way they are doing it now, it's possible that next year those considerations will be different, and they will make different decisions as a result.
Apple guys - how big of an insult would be to have a second USB-C connector on the MacBook?!?!? You just updated the damn machine for the second time, why not address this - it IS a big handicap! The first gen MBA had a single USB - you fixed it pretty much right away. Here we're forced to use an atrocious white brick in order to be able to charge AND have an external drive connection... Not even mentioning the archaic 480p cam. Come on guys, this is really lame - please, take care of it!
I am actually seriously considering buying a MB instead of a MBP. Though I see your points I am not sure it would matter to me. I would probably get a small usb-c splitter so I could charge and attach a usb-c connected external SSD, but 90% of the time I would use the laptop either completely naked - No, the laptop, not me (though don't entirely exclude the possibility), and the rest of the time plugged into a 24 or 27" monitor / hub. The camera is a non issue for me. I use it probably less than once per year. Facetimimg is always done on the iPhone.
I am writing this on an MB, which I had for 2 years. I like very much the portability of the machine, the display is great. With the new processors and more ram it probably will not feel underpowered as the Core M feels, even it is was the top speed one at the time. However, the single port has been an issue quite a few times. The camera not so much, but one would expect something less archaic in 2017, especially for that kind of money. A touch bar might have been nice too... 😉
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As for RAM, while i don't know if what you say is true, I do know that having it covered under Apple's labor and warranty isn't free.
Bravo! nailed it.