When I said base model M1, I meant the CPU as opposed to the M1 Pro or Max, not the base model machine. The M1 CPU is fast enough to be "capable for years to come."
Also Asahi currently has decent support for up to the M2 Max, which is available in significantly higher configs and very much will be "capable for years to come".
Yes they still have soldered SSDs, but I have a feeling the 4TB SSD in my personal M2 Max machine will in fact last for many years. Not to mention that it's possible to solder on different NAND chips if the existing ones fail, though of course that requires a shop with sufficient skill and tools.
My point was only to say that keeping up with each years model may in fact be impossible, but the M1 and M2 line of chips are so capable that even if they stopped there, it would be a useful operating system for many years.
RAM memory is on chip, SSD storage is on the motherboard. The potential issue you brought up was related to the SSD, which can be replaced by a competent technician as they’re separate chips on the motherboard. DRAM also doesn’t wear out from use the way that NAND flash does.
Since they didn't mention a computer line but rather a CPU, I assume they used "base M1" to mean the CPU called "M1" as opposed to the "M1 Pro" or "M1 Max" or "M1 Ultra". I don't think they were referring to "base M1 MacBook Pro" or "base M1 MacBook Air" or "base M1 Mac Mini".
And they're right, the "base M1" (as in not the Pro, Max or Ultra) is a very capable chip.
