[aiscott]

  They come in a lot cheaper than those new MBPs, too

That is simply not true.

Configured approximately the same as the cheaper Retina MBP, the verix cost $200 more than the retina macbook pros.

I say approximately because the mbp has 1600MHz ram vs 1333 in the verix, but I had to choose a 300GB SSD in the verix vs 256 in the mbp. As well, the verix option was for a 2.2GHz vs 2.3GHz of the MBP.

That was the cheaper MBP. Configuring the verix to match the costlier Retina MBP puts the Verix at $500 more.

[imperialWicket]

Good point, thanks for the correction.

I neglected to consider the flash storage costs in my initial glances. If you avoid a large flash drive (I usually run something like a 40GB ssd and a 256GB 7200RPM paired), the pricing leans towards the Verix, but not by much - and you aren't getting the same flash storage.

[mendocino]

  Verix: Dimensions: 15.6" (w) x 10.5" (d) x 2.2" (h) Weight: 7.10 lbs
  MBP: Dimensions: 14.13" (w) x 9.73" (d) x 0.71" (h) Weight: 4.46 lbs

A plastic monstrosity. For me, this is a non-starter at any price.

[aiscott]

Yeah, flash is still super pricey. I run a pair as well in my mbp. The ability to configure lesser options to make it cheaper counts for something as well.

With Apple you are stuck with very few yet pricey base configurations to start from.