Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo — the most affordable laptop in its lineup. Its price starts at just $599, and for students and educators — at $499. For Apple, this is an unusually low price, as even basic MacBooks used to cost significantly more. But the low price didn’t come out of nowhere. To release such a cheap Mac, Apple had to seriously compromise the device. So now there’s a regular MacBook, and then there’s the Neo. The feeling is that one of these laptops wasn’t made by Apple.
Too many compromises for one device. Image: theverge.com
As a result, the MacBook Neo has a number of limitations that may make buying it not the best idea. Let’s set aside the iPhone processor. That parameter is purely subjective, and some people will find its capabilities sufficient. Let’s look at other aspects instead.
How Much RAM Does the MacBook Neo Have and Can It Be Upgraded
While the main specs of the MacBook Neo will outperform many cheap Windows laptops, the main limitation of Apple’s new computer is the amount of RAM. The laptop comes with only 8 GB of RAM, and it’s impossible to increase it at the time of purchase. Unlike other Macs, where you can choose configurations with more memory, there’s simply no such option here.
For comparison, all modern MacBooks already start with 16 GB of RAM. That’s a noticeable difference, especially if you plan to use the laptop for several years. Over time, programs become heavier, browsers require more memory, and 8 GB may start to limit performance.
Technically, this amount is enough for Apple Intelligence, because 8 GB is the minimum requirement. But for comfortable work with multiple applications, browser tabs, and background tasks, this amount can no longer be called generous.
Why the MacBook Neo Has Slow Memory
Another serious simplification is the memory bandwidth. In the MacBook Neo, it’s 60 GB/s, which is more than two times less than the MacBook Air. This directly affects system performance. Apple’s architecture uses unified memory, which is simultaneously used by the processor and graphics.
The higher the bandwidth, the faster complex tasks are performed. In practice, this means that graphics, video editing, photo work, and AI tasks will run noticeably slower. Even if the chip itself can handle the task, the bottleneck becomes the memory itself.
Does the MacBook Neo Have Fast Charging
No MagSafe, no fast charging. Image: digitaltrends.com
The MacBook Neo comes with a 20-watt charging adapter. This is the same power level that Apple uses for charging the iPhone. For a laptop, this is quite a modest figure. More expensive MacBooks support fast charging, which allows you to quickly replenish the battery.
For example, the MacBook Air can charge up to 50% in about half an hour. The MacBook Neo doesn’t have this feature. This means charging will be noticeably slower, especially if you’re used to quickly topping up your laptop before leaving home or between classes.
What Screen Does the MacBook Neo Have and How Is It Worse Than the MacBook Air
The screen is even smaller than the MacBook Air M1. Image: edition.cnn.com
Another difference is the display size. The MacBook Neo has a 13-inch screen, while the MacBook Air features a 13.6-inch display. The difference seems small, but in reality it’s noticeable. The MacBook Air’s screen is not only larger but usually has thinner bezels, so the workspace feels wider.
If you plan to work a lot with documents, spreadsheets, or the browser, those extra millimeters of screen really matter. I sometimes want to connect an external monitor to my 13-inch MacBook Air M2, and here we have an even smaller screen. Not great.
Does the MacBook Neo Have Keyboard Backlighting
No more working in the dark. Image: reuters.com
Another unexpected simplification is the lack of keyboard backlighting. For Apple laptops, this is quite an unusual decision, because backlighting has long been considered a basic feature. Without it, using the laptop in a dark room becomes less convenient.
For example, if you work in the evening, on a plane, or simply in dim lighting, the keys will be harder to distinguish. For MacBook Air and MacBook Pro users, this feature may look like a step backward.
MacBook Neo Sound Is Worse Than MacBook Air
The cutout is a speaker, and it’s now on the side
The MacBook Neo has a two-speaker audio system, with speakers located on the sides of the body. This is a simplified solution compared to the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air uses a four-speaker system that delivers richer sound.
