I think this is one way Apple brings their marketing in line with how average consumers think. Most non-gadget people don't know the difference between the iPhone 4, 4S, and 3GS , other than price. They assume the more expensive one is better and does more stuff. But model numbers (even if it's just a single number) are not the way most consumers think.
Similarly, the iPhone 4S simply says "iPhone" on the back and is not easily differentiated from the original iPhone 4.
I can believe it , most laptops have names that are pretty much impossible to remember which in turn makes it very difficult to recommend a specific model to anybody not to mention uninspiring.
Not that recommending a "15 inch Macbook Pro 2.4 GHz with a 2.5 GHz CPU, a 256GB Solid State Drive, and the Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display" is particularly straightforward or inspiring.
At least I know what that is. Ever try to dig up the tech specs of a discontinued 90s-era laptop from just its model number?
Apple has unique model number codes for all their products, but they try very hard to hide it in the logistics department. It's not listed anywhere on their online store, for instance, and in Apple Support documents they always use a consistent date system, e.g. "late 2011 Macbook Pro."
Also, you could have shortened that to: 15" MacBook Pro with the best CPU, 256GB SSD, and antiglare screen. 66 characters vs. 118. ;)
Yes it is, but people only understand model numbers if it's something they take a deep interest in. I'm into smart phones and computers so I know how the naming conventions work. But, I don't know or care about the naming conventions for things like TV's, sports stats, cars, etc. Example; I've been looking for a new car recently and I find the model naming conventions confusing. I just want 6 seats, reliability, reasonable overtaking performance, reasonable fuel economy. I don't give a crap about most of the other stuff and I'm annoyed at having to learn it all so I can chose which car to buy.
Similarly, the iPhone 4S simply says "iPhone" on the back and is not easily differentiated from the original iPhone 4.