Macbook Neo is new type of laptop from Apple and at an amazing price
Apple have done something unexpected, they have released a cheap laptop. No, seriously, the all-new MacBook Neo is a laptop that runs MacOS and comes in at less than $800 for the basic model. Check out the video below to see why this new laptop is interesting.
While Apple have announced updates to some of their existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, those were just tech upgrades for products that people have known for years, the MacBook Neo is all new.
What makes this device different is that it is not using the most powerful tech for it, don’t misunderstand the Neo still has some great tech inside, it is aiming to be more of an everyday user device, rather than a powerhouse user. The core of the laptop is the A18 Pro, the same chip that powered the 2024 iPhones, which Apple claim is 50% faster than laptops that run the latest Intel Core Ultra 5. Partnering along side the CPU is the integrated 5-core GPU brings graphics to life while playing action-packed games or exploring creative hobbies. While there is some power in the new machine, the MacBook Neo is also fanless, so it runs completely silent.
What really sets the unit apart from other laptops around the same price point are the colours. Most laptops come in either Black or Silver, but not so for MacBook Neo, it has four bright colours, well three and a silver. The other colours are officially called Blush, Citrus and Indigo, with that yellow one appealing to us here.
One of the most important parts about the MacBook Neo is that the battery life is estimated to be around 16 hours between charges, which should cover off most of the daily use the laptop can do.
In terms of connectivity, there are the usual assortment of powers and wireless options, that is two USB-C ports that can be used for charging and unlike the iPhone from 2024, the MacBook Neo will also include a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth is offered as well if you want to use wireless headphones. Wi-Fi connectivity will be provided through the Wi-Fi 5E connection method, which should keep you accessing the internet without issue.
All of that tech, battery life and connection options mean that you can do a lot without needing to spend a lot.
The final thing to call out is the liquid retina display, which at 13 inches across, makes it a great size for a laptop, which also lines up with the other sizes Apple offer. There is one thing to be aware of with the MacBook Neo and that is storage and memory. The laptop can be bought in one of two offerings with 256gb of SSD space or 512gb, the latter option also comes with the TouchID button. While 512gb is a lot of storage, if you are someone who does either a lot of gaming or a lot of creative work, it can run out quickly, but you may not find this great for that.
The simple reason is that MacBook Neo only comes with 8gb of RAM, which will cover your basic web browsing, word document writing and music playing, but once you start to get into photoshop and other intense programs, it will quickly run out.
With all that said and done though, we need to talk prices, because I said at the top the laptop is coming in at under $1000 AUD, at least for one model. Here are the prices for regular shoppers:
MacBook Neo - 256gb - $899
MacBook Neo - 512gb - $1,099
If you are a student of any educational institution you can get the MacBook Neo for cheaper, the prices are:
MacBook Neo - 256gb - $749
MacBook Neo - 512gb - $949
As for when you can pick one up for yourself, the MacBook Neo will be available on March 11, with pre-orders open now.
