Analyst: Consumers will balk at new MacBook’s high price tag and single USB port (initially)

A new sales forecast from KGI Securities today says that Apple’s new super slim MacBook will see slim sales numbers, at least in the near term.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a very good track record on Apple futures, says the new machine will sell a mere 450,000 units in the first half of 2015.

The analyst cites consumer concerns about the single USB-C port on the device, and the need for a dongle for multiple connections. And the $1300 price tag will also take some time to get used to.

Here is the research note from Kuo:

We forecast shipments of the all-new design 12-inch MacBook of 450k units in 1H15; despite limited near-term contribution to the supply chain, the product boasts positive medium/ long-term trends. Given the higher price and concerns about the model having only one USB-C I/O, a potential inconvenience, along with supply chain constraints, we forecast shipments of the all-new design 12-inch MacBook will reach only 450k units in 1H15.

Despite limited near-term contribution to the supply chain, we believe the product will prompt the market to refocus on the thin and light form factor design trend, including metal casing, hinge, fanless thermal system, USB Type-C and thinner keyboard/ panel. Stocks for Action The 12-inch MacBook and Apple Watch have garnered mixed reviews. We see both products as having outstanding designs. Considering pricing and supply chain constraints in the foreseeable future, we believe shipments momentum is capped near term. Medium/ long term, we are positive on the industry trends represented by both products.

Apple announced the new MacBook at an event in San Francisco Monday. The event was expected to focus on the new Apple Watch, but many observers thought the new, and much smaller, MacBook stole the show.