Logic behind slower Ram and less ports on nTB 13''?

[MBX]

Hi

What's Apple's exact logic behind including not only slightly slower Ram in the nTB 13'' vs the touch bar version but also only including 2 USB-C ports instead of 4 as on touch bar version?

And even less fast CPU options on the nTB 13''.

They should be both identical machines except for the touch bar.

I understand they can keep a cheaper base model of the nTB for those who just want a cheaper MacBook Pro. But I don't understand why not at least keep the same specs otherwise for those who want speed but without the touch bar?

I'm still buying it and I'm sure the slightly slower Ram isn't really noticeable much.

 

[killawat]

Some people treat the 13" non TB as a MacBook Air replacement. The slower processor, RAM and lack of the extra TB controllers means lower power consumption for longer runtimes.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Earnings. I thought that was obvious, especially since you are still buying it.

 

[leman]

In my understanding, its basically about providing a cheaper option to people who don't want to spend the cash on the touch-bar model (which is fairly pricey). The $300 difference between the nTB and the TB model probably more or less directly translates into the cost of the touchbar+RAM (the CPU should cost the same). Also, the price of the non-TB model lets it compete with laptops that use similar hardware such as Dell XPS 13 and MS Surface Book (the non-TB MBP is actually cheaper).

 

[flyinmac]

Apple doesn't like their machines to compete with each other. So they try to stage configurations so that a machine can only go so far before you just have to buy the next model up. Otherwise, someone might configure a 13-inch that would be as good as the 15-inch but just smaller. Apple would rather you buy the more expensive model instead.

 

[Sanpete]

As @leman says, it's cheaper. It's not there for people who don't like the touch bar but for people who don't need more and don't want to spend more. In addition to saving for no touch bar/Touch ID and cheaper RAM, you also have only one fan in the nTB.

 

[tubeexperience]

The nTB MBP 13" is suppose to be the MBA, but Apple decided to call it MBP to try to justify the price increase.

 

[jerryk]

To lower the price. It is the budget entry-level machine. And to hit the numbers then needed to pull things and recycle older tech. Once thing a COO like Tim Cook knows is how to protect profit margins.

 

[maflynn]

What's Apple's exact logic behind including not only slightly slower Ram in the nTB 13'

Money/profit margins

They should be both identical machines except for the touch bar.

No, because Apple wants you to buy the more expensive model, so the cheaper model has less features and slower components.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

It's the MacBook air retina replacement, its at a cheaper price point and they cut corners and features to met said price point that simple really.