Apple MacBook Neo Review: The $599 Mac for the Masses
Apple's new MacBook Neo is essentially the M1 MacBook Air all over again — a laptop that changes the game at an accessible price point, now starting at just $599.
Why It Matters
The M1 MacBook Air (2020) became the default choice for anyone wanting a great thin-and-light laptop around $1,000. The Neo takes its place as Apple's cheapest laptop, and it runs on an iPhone chip — the A18 Pro.
Performance
Despite running on a mobile chip, the Neo delivers impressive performance that embarrasses "an entire class of affordable (and even far pricier) Windows laptops, as well as just about any Chromebook." It handles everyday tasks and lasts all day on a charge.
Hardware Highlights
- Screen: 13-inch, vivid and bright enough for outdoor use (Grade: B)
- Keyboard: Standard MacBook feel, but no backlight illumination (Grade: C)
- Trackpad: Mechanical but clicks corner-to-corner — sets the bar for mechanical trackpads (Grade: A)
- Speakers: Dual side-firing, fill a small room (Grade: B)
- Webcam: 1080p, sharp in low light (Grade: B)
- Ports: Limited — dongle life (Grade: D)
The Compromises
The Neo makes some cuts to hit its price: 8GB of RAM, slower storage, no keyboard backlighting, and only 20W charging with the included adapter. The design is the same 2.7-pound chassis as the MacBook Air.
The Verdict
The MacBook Neo is "it just works" at a lower price. It's designed to entice students and first-time laptop buyers into Apple's ecosystem. With no major hardware flaws, it puts on a clinic in the budget laptop category — Apple is essentially saying that $599 buys you a complete, polished laptop experience that most Windows OEMs can't match at double the price.
The Neo is available now starting at $599.