Do you think I would be happy with a Neo?

[Chevyguy2021]

Long story short. I have a windows PC for work that is locked down for the most part. I do not have a personal PC. I have an iPhone 17 pro max and a M4 IPP. I used my iPad daily for web browsing and YouTube and Netflix. That’s all. Banking and instagram I use on my iPhone.

One thing bothers me, I always have to hold the iPad or find a way to prop it up. With a neo I could place it in my lap or next to me in bed to watch content.
On a plane or train I usually watch content offline on my iPhone. I do take my IPad in a backpack when we travel.

I have tried cases that have a kick stand but they never work out well.

Am I a good candidate for a Neo? Not sure if I will see a difference in screen quality, that’s my only hiccup. Thanks!

 

[jaysabol]

From your description of what you'd like to do with a Neo, I think you are an excellent candidate for it. I love mine.

 

[Bazza1]

I will say that most laptops (especially those with no fans, like the Neo) ironically enough don't actually appreciate being on a lap - and most especially resting on soft covers or pillows. They will start to heat up - some uncomfortably so to user's lap - and that will cause they them to throttle down on speed. Or worse case - just shut down. Flat, solid surface (like a lap tray) and / or something that can give it a slight incline for air to get underneath will make for a happier device. Even just a couple of erasers under the back corners...

 

[Starfia]

Hi, ChevyGuy2021 –

Hopefully I understand you; I'm interpreting your post to mean you've never really used a Mac before.

If not, the biggest thing about that plan is that you'd have to learn to use one. If you've never felt like you've needed a personal PC of any kind, and the only thing missing is the ability to place your device on your lap or your bed, then a good keyboard dock sounds potentially fine. (Maybe the Brydge products if Apple's Magic Keyboards for iPad aren't hefty enough?)

(Incidentally, even the M4 iPad Pro sounds like way more than one would need just for web browsing, YouTube and Netflix!)

On the other hand: Macs are among the easiest computers to use, and it integrates beautifully with the iPhone and iPad in many ways. If the prospect of acquainting yourself with a Mac feels like a source of enthusiasm rather than a hurdle, then I'd certainly suggest doing a little homework, seeing one in a store if possible, and indeed considering it. (And the MacBook Neo seems to have turned out to be a great Mac for that kind of use. The only thing to really scrutinize might be the audio quality from the built-in speakers, if you intend to use the built-in speakers a lot.)

 

[1rottenapple]

I think you would be a great candidate. It’s cheap enough it won’t break the bank and you can always resell it. Or buy it on amazon they have a generous return policy.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

I think you would be a great candidate. It’s cheap enough it won’t break the bank and you can always resell it. Or buy it on amazon they have a generous return policy.

Thank you! I found one in stock today and pick it up it up after lunch later today. No harm in trying it out. If I don’t like it I can return it

 

[4sallypat]

Yes, Neo might be the perfect fit.
Mine has replaced my 2017 12" rMB for travels.

My IPP is not worth lugging around as the functionality is not the same as a computer.

I gave my wife my IPP and recent iPad 11th gen from my work.

 

[I7guy]

When we go out my wife takes her IPP. It’s a better form factor when traveling in a car.

 

[capamac]

I'd get the Air.

 

[snipr125]

Use the money to buy a MKB for your iPP M4 which will prop up your ipad perfectly, and add functionality with the keyboard, track pad and charging port. Half the price of the Neo, and has dynamic backlighting.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Update. Found a silver neo in stock. Picked it up at lunch and I am in love. iPad is now on swappa. Being able to type on a keyboard to reply to iMessages is a game changer. Great for surfing the web, YouTube, Netflix. I need to learn how to use a Mac. Could have waited for a m4 air refurbished to be available but glad I was able to save the approx $200 and get the neo today.

 

[racerhomie]

Long story short. I have a windows PC for work that is locked down for the most part. I do not have a personal PC. I have an iPhone 17 pro max and a M4 IPP. I used my iPad daily for web browsing and YouTube and Netflix. That’s all. Banking and instagram I use on my iPhone.

One thing bothers me, I always have to hold the iPad or find a way to prop it up. With a neo I could place it in my lap or next to me in bed to watch content.
On a plane or train I usually watch content offline on my iPhone. I do take my IPad in a backpack when we travel.

I have tried cases that have a kick stand but they never work out well.

Am I a good candidate for a Neo? Not sure if I will see a difference in screen quality, that’s my only hiccup. Thanks!

If you take a ton of photos of flowers and other bright colors and view them on Mac the non P3 compatible display won’t show all the colors. Your iPad and iPhone can. I would suggest you get an Air. If it doesn’t bother you then get the Neo

 

[snipr125]

Update. Found a silver neo in stock. Picked it up at lunch and I am in love. iPad is now on swappa. Being able to type on a keyboard to reply to iMessages is a game changer. Great for surfing the web, YouTube, Netflix. I need to learn how to use a Mac. Could have waited for a m4 air refurbished to be available but glad I was able to save the approx $200 and get the neo today.

Im glad you like your Neo, but you could have done these tasks with the Magic keyboard for only £250, and have a much better experience. You will also find the display on the Neo to be a massive downgrade to the OLED display on your iPad. It’s not too late to return the Neo.

 

[mpetrides]

I will say that most laptops (especially those with no fans, like the Neo) ironically enough don't actually appreciate being on a lap - and most especially resting on soft covers or pillows. They will start to heat up - some uncomfortably so to user's lap - and that will cause they them to throttle down on speed. Or worse case - just shut down. Flat, solid surface (like a lap tray) and / or something that can give it a slight incline for air to get underneath will make for a happier device. Even just a couple of erasers under the back corners...

FWIW, I use my M2 MBA on my lap, specifically feet propped on coffee table and MBA across my thighs, all the time and I never find it gets excessively hot or throttles. So I suspect the Neo would be similar. OTOH, I HAVE had my M4 iPad Pro cut out on me dt overheating when using it out on the deck in the sum (in Vermont not Texas or SoCal). I haven't really used the MBA in similar situations yet, so can't speak to how it fares on my lap out in the sun.

To answer OP's question, it sounds like the Neo would work well for you. I have recently supplanted my iPP with the MBA for content watching when on the couch or on the deck simply because it's easier to respong to texts and emails using the MBA keyboard than it is having to use the iPP/MKB combo--although that is admittedly a personal preference and YMMV.

 

[1rottenapple]

FWIW, I use my M2 MBA on my lap, specifically feet propped on coffee table and MBA across my thighs, all the time and I never find it gets excessively hot or throttles. So I suspect the Neo would be similar. OTOH, I HAVE had my M4 iPad Pro cut out on me dt overheating when using it out on the deck in the sum (in Vermont not Texas or SoCal). I haven't really used the MBA in similar situations yet, so can't speak to how it fares on my lap out in the sun.

To answer OP's question, it sounds like the Neo would work well for you. I have recently supplanted my iPP with the MBA for content watching when on the couch or on the deck simply because it's easier to respong to texts and emails using the MBA keyboard than it is having to use the iPP/MKB combo--although that is admittedly a personal preference and YMMV.

Same here m2 15 in has been spectacular. Fanless but works. I use mine everywhere. two work days per week plus my practice on the weekends. And random browsing. Its been a work horse.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

UPDATE 2 - The neo has gotten me hooked to MacOS. 🙂

Watching TV this evening in a dark room, no keyboard backlight kills the neo for me.
I decided to look again at the apple refurb store (I checked early this week before I purchased the neo) and this past wee they didn't have in stock the base m4 13 Air in silver or sky blue. I only wanted a base model and I only wanted Silver or Sky Blue. Silver was the number one choice but sky blue is fine too. No starlight or midnight.

Checked again tonight for shiz and giggles, they had a base m4 air in sky blue in stock. Ordered it. The price difference is approximately $170 after taxes. For $170 I think I made the right choice. Will trade in the iPad Pro when I pickup/return the neo next week at Apple.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Im glad you like your Neo, but you could have done these tasks with the Magic keyboard for only £250, and have a much better experience. You will also find the display on the Neo to be a massive downgrade to the OLED display on your iPad. It’s not too late to return the Neo.

It's being returned, but for a difference reason. Details in this tread.

 

[snipr125]

It's being returned, but for a difference reason. Details in this tread.

Yes saw your posts. I did say the MKB for the iPP has dynamically backlit keys! Anyway enjoy your MBA when it arrives, you got a good deal for sure.

 

[GeorgeRussell]

I will say that most laptops (especially those with no fans, like the Neo) ironically enough don't actually appreciate being on a lap - and most especially resting on soft covers or pillows. They will start to heat up - some uncomfortably so to user's lap - and that will cause they them to throttle down on speed. Or worse case - just shut down. Flat, solid surface (like a lap tray) and / or something that can give it a slight incline for air to get underneath will make for a happier device. Even just a couple of erasers under the back corners...

Not in my experience. I went from a fan-less M1 Air to a two fanned M1 Max 16" Pro. With both just doing normal work the M1 Air is much more comfortable on the lap in terms of heat. I suppose it's because the M1 draws much less power doing the same work. My 16" Pro sits between 40–50 °C, while the M1 Air would be 30–35 °C. Having fans doesn't really do much as they don't kick in by default until say 60–70 °C, unless of course you use some third party fan controller to kick the fans in earlier.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Be vigilant on the Refurb store, as well as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Microcenter, B&H -- many retailers

Super deals on MBAs, both M4 and M5.

If one can stretch ever so slightly from the more expensive Neo, there is a LOT more computer on offer with an MBA.

 

[Biro]

UPDATE 2 - The neo has gotten me hooked to MacOS. 🙂

Watching TV this evening in a dark room, no keyboard backlight kills the neo for me.
I decided to look again at the apple refurb store (I checked early this week before I purchased the neo) and this past wee they didn't have in stock the base m4 13 Air in silver or sky blue. I only wanted a base model and I only wanted Silver or Sky Blue. Silver was the number one choice but sky blue is fine too. No starlight or midnight.

Checked again tonight for shiz and giggles, they had a base m4 air in sky blue in stock. Ordered it. The price difference is approximately $170 after taxes. For $170 I think I made the right choice. Will trade in the iPad Pro when I pickup/return the neo next week at Apple.

Excellent choice. Might I suggest that you hang onto the iPad for couch/bed use? Or perhaps trade in the iPad Pro if you can get good money for it and pick up a base iPad for $299 on Amazon.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Excellent choice. Might I suggest that you hang onto the iPad for couch/bed use? Or perhaps trade in the iPad Pro if you can get good money for it and pick up a base iPad for $299 on Amazon.

Ive thought about it but know I won't use it.
I have it listed it on Swappa to see if it sells within the next week of so. I do not need both.
I would make about $75 extra if it sells on Swappa vs trading the iPad in to Apple.
Apple will give me $620 on trade in, Trying to get $700 on swappa.

So when I pickup the MBA, I'll return the Neo. All at the same time in store.

I proudly won't be able to do the swap until next weekend which is fine since I can continue to use the Neo.
Ordered a Fishskyn for the new MBA last night which should arrive next weekend as well 🙂

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Be vigilant on the Refurb store, as well as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Microcenter, B&H -- many retailers

Super deals on MBAs, both M4 and M5.

If one can stretch ever so slightly from the more expensive Neo, there is a LOT more computer on offer with an MBA.

That's what I told myself. For $170 more it's a no brainer going refund. I will likely never buy a new MB again and always go refurb as long as you are flexible with color and specs as of course sometimes they do have all options are have limited stock.

 

[snipr125]

Ive thought about it but know I won't use it.
I have it listed it on Swappa to see if it sells within the next week of so. I do not need both.
I would make about $75 extra if it sells on Swappa vs trading the iPad in to Apple.
Apple will give me $620 on trade in, Trying to get $700 on swappa.

So when I pickup the MBA, I'll return the Neo. All at the same time in store.

I proudly won't be able to do the swap until next weekend which is fine since I can continue to use the Neo.
Ordered a Fishskyn for the new MBA last night which should arrive next weekend as well 🙂

I was going to put my order into DBRAND for the vintage rainbow apple logo Skin for my MBA which they had a few days ago, but it's not on offer anymore!

 

[Chevyguy2021]

I was going to put my order into DBRAND for the vintage rainbow apple logo Skin for my MBA which they had a few days ago, but it's not on offer anymore!

check out slick wraps. they have a sale going on for Mother's Day weekend. about $50 for a full skin, they have a retro look with the rainbow apple logo. I almost got it for my air but decided on a very very light blue color to match my sky blue air.