If it was really that bad for customers, why do people keep buying the stuff?
Who's giving them a choice, other than not buying anything at all?
I think people value the benefits of the non-modular design more than you think.
I think people value other things that may or may not have anything to do with the lack of modularity, and I think they buy devices that have those benefits. Often, they probably don't even realise the lack of modularity or its implications at the time of making a purchasing decision, but even if they did, they might still value the other benefits over any downside due to lack of modularity.
We can't really conclude much from the current trends unless manufacturers also offer devices that have the benefits of modularity as well, potentially at a greater cost literally or in terms of things like bigger size or heavier weight.
There isn't much of a choice in the tablet or phone markets, but there's a ton of choice when it comes to laptops. If you want a modular laptop you can take your pick among a ton, but people still buy Apple's in large numbers.
Who's giving them a choice, other than not buying anything at all?
I think people value the benefits of the non-modular design more than you think.
I think people value other things that may or may not have anything to do with the lack of modularity, and I think they buy devices that have those benefits. Often, they probably don't even realise the lack of modularity or its implications at the time of making a purchasing decision, but even if they did, they might still value the other benefits over any downside due to lack of modularity.
We can't really conclude much from the current trends unless manufacturers also offer devices that have the benefits of modularity as well, potentially at a greater cost literally or in terms of things like bigger size or heavier weight.