The non-ULV processor can't cost that much more since they use it in the $1199 13" MBP.
The flaw is that isn't really a "better" MBP 13". The thin/lightweight is more a step up from a MBA than the MBP. For users who just want processor "horsepower" and don't mind the size and weight of the MBP 13" and the screen is not a value add .... Apple will happily sell you a MBP 13".
This device is price more relative to the MBA since is it is likley much closer to a MBA than a MBP.
This is also likely priced in the context of moving to Haswell next year. Like the original MBA this unit is likely a bit lacking when it comes to 3D graphics. Setting the price too low now will cause problems later.
Nope, it doesn't. It also costs $400 less than the rumored 13" MBP pricing.
The screen is unique. It is not only differentiated from the MBA 13" and MBP 13" ,but from any competitor for now also. That's is going to be priced higher than the mere component costs differences.
If it has value then buy it. If not buy one of the two other 13" Mac laptops. Apple needs three 13" laptops with the exact same pricing like they need a hole in the head. Two is a useful experiment to decide which of the two this rMBP eventually retires over next year or two.
Why would Apple use high density RAM chips on the 8GB model when it's all soldered to the logic board?
I would guess that both models would have the same number of chips. The 8GB version will just use lower density chips.
I would guess not. For the MBA the 4GB model has RAM on front/top of motherboard. On the 8GB model has RAM on front/top and bottom of the motherboard. The difference between the two is merely adding the same modules in higher number along with number of sides used. That increases the use of the same part and keeps the basic design constant for both. Buy the part in higher numbers and get better pricing.
For the rMBP 13" they'd use the exact same technique to get design/part reuse for this model. The 8GB just uses the top. The 16GB model uses the top and the bottom. Same part used in different numbers. Same manufacturing production line. The only difference in assembly is skipping the insertion on the bottom which is easily made an option stage along the exact same line.
This has side effect of making the lower memory model slightly more expensive, but it also lowers costs for the higher memory option.