Apple's MacBook Pro Design Screams 'Do Not Open!'

Once upon a time your computer would grow up with you. As the years passed you could refresh the hardware, either to replace worn-out components or to improve the specifications. As the general public moved towards laptop computers instead of desktops, the ability to replace components was diminished but still there.

It's one of the reasons that I'm happy with my own MacBook Pro from late 2011. Although it has Apple's tri-wing screws, once the back came off that laptop it's a simple matter to switch out the hard drive, bump up the RAM, replace the battery, and generally give the insides a clean up. Pop over to iFixit and you'll find guides to this and other laptops.

Unfortunately the move towards thinner laptops and integrated components has reduced the potential to perform these maintenance and upgrades on your personal hardware.

With the latest MacBook Pro machines, Apple has taken steps to make the replacement of specific components beyond the reach of enthusiasts. The SSDs used in the new machines are not only top of the line (and awkward for the individual to source) but they are soldered directly to the circuit board, reports Ben Lovejoy for 9to5Google:

It should be noted that although Apple’s SSD upgrade prices seem extreme, it is using the very latest generation of high-speed NVMe PCIe SSDs, which are frighteningly expensive no matter who you buy them from. And crazy fast.

There are benefits for Apple with this approach. Using connectors on a circuit board would increase the height on the board (and of the laptop), the component count would rise, and crucially it would suggest that users should be able to replace the broken part. There is more value for Apple in having any repairs carried out at an Apple Stores. And if someone wants to upgrade their laptop, then buying a whole new system is far better for Apple's bottom line than having a user buy and replace the components themselves.

Today's focus on sustainability and recycling is not a perfect match with the philosophy of the ultraportable laptop. Although Apple has the ability to recycle components on returned and swapped out units, the option for users to take care of their now hardware has been taken way from them in the name of fashionable design and increased manufacturing efficiencies.

Now read the internet's take on the new MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar...