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> "They are also less future-proof than older revisions, due to non-exchangable RAM and storage."

In my mind the most problematic thing that Apple does is make the batteries difficult to replace. Last I checked replacing a MacBook Pro battery through official channels also includes replacing the topcase, making it a nearly $400 repair.

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Apple heavily discounts the top case replacement if the reason for replacing it is the battery, so the actual cost is between $130-200 [1]. I'm not sure what they do if your top case has other damage as well - if you break something in the top case, but also need a new battery, can you get a new case for the battery price?

[1] https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

Interestingly, if you can demonstrate that your keyboard has gone to shit and they thus have to do a top-panel replacement, they have to replace the battery, too.

At least that's what they did with my new Macbook Pro when a few of the keys came off with my fingers as I typed because I thought I could power through the crunches of debris that got under them.

Possibly the one (cheeky) advantage of a hard to replace battery: free battery replacement when something else fails. :)

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