MacBook Neo

Apple releases a laptop with a solid spec and low price

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Since the 12in MacBook was discontinued in 2019, Apple's only options for entry-level users have been an iPad with a keyboard or to stump up £1,000 for a MacBook Air. Now, with the MacBook Neo, the firm offers a more affordable alternative, and one that stands up against the PC competition. MacBooks are extremely powerful, and for the money, blitz the competition, but if you don't need to edit huge 4K videos, animations or audio compositions, one can be a little overkill. The MacBook Neo is a new beginning for the Mac, and therefore has a fitting name.

Not having an M-series chip may put off existing Mac users, but the Neo's A18 Pro chip - previously seen in the iPhone 16 Pro - is so powerful that, unless you are using really CPU-intensive applications, you really won't miss it. And if you do, you should probably be looking at the MacBook Air.

The old MacBook was criticised for being underpowered and expensive. The new MacBook Neo is both cheaper and considerably more powerful, making it the perfect option for students and families who just need an everyday laptop. Not only that, it feels premium in the way that a MacBook should.

Apple to the core

Despite being a budget device, the Neo features an aluminium chassis. Many laptops attempt to cut costs by opting for a plastic shell, however, the use of aluminium here gives that important premium feel. It’s the same weight as the 13in MacBook Air, but isn’t quite as thin, and comes in a choice of four colours, with a subtle colour wash on the keyboard and the feet to match. Unfortunately, the USB-C charging cable in the box hasn’t been colour-matched as it was on the blue MacBook Air.