From Windows PC to Neo: Your Story

[ElPaso]

The relatively low cost of the MacBook Neo gave me a chance to make the jump from a Windows 11 notebook computer to this latest laptop from Apple. My experience with macOS and the MBN itself is very, very good - after using it for a month or so and giving myself a chance to get used to the new OS, I believe the Neo works better, is faster, and makes more sense than Windows computers. Specifically:

1. The solid build. This aluminum MBN feels tighter, higher quality, and more durable than any Windows computer in its price range. I can just feeeeeeeel the higher quality.
2. The Support. I bought my Neo at an Apple Store that is walking distance from my house, and I opted in on the AppleCare plan. If I have a problem, I have expert and almost immediate support. This level of support is not available for a Windows PC. Geek Squad? Best Buy? Nothankyou! Apple Store for me.
3. macOS is worlds ahead of windows. It took a little while to learn it, but once you get used to it, it just makes more sense. The UI is more direct, if you catch my meaning. It's easy to tell it what you want, and the Neo is more than happy to get it done.
4. Microsoft Office products run faster on the Neo! Word and Excel open faster and cleaner, the UI is better, and it's prettier. Same for Microsoft 365.
5. Google Drive (with Docs and Sheets) opens faster and works better on the MBN than a Windows device in the Neo's price range. This is true with all other Google products, like Photos, Chrome, Earth, YouTube and Maps.
6. The Eyefoan (iPhone) style Settings app is worlds ahead of Windows 11 overcomplicated labrynth of clicks and error messages.
7. Wait - there's more - but I can't think of anything else right now - - -

Is there any area where a similarly priced Windows PC is better than a MBN? Yes - the keboard. Apple should have backlit the Neo's keyboard.

What all this means is that if my computer needs start to outpace the Neo's abilities, I'm more likely to upgrade to an MBP or MBA than go back to Windows.

Has anyone else moved into the Neo-sphere from a Windows device? What are your thoughts?

 

[Technerd108]

I imagine there are a lot of others like you discovering MacOS for the first time with the Neo.

I also imagine that a lot of them feel the same way about upgrading when they do.

I bet this is exactly what the Neo is for. Scoop up Windows users at a low price and get them to switch over to Apple ecosystem or a better Mac.

There are reasons Windows has it's user base and why I still have a Windows laptop. However, it will probably be the last while I will continue to buy Macs for the foreseeable future.

Hope you enjoy your Neo!!

 

[Dex762]

I still have windows PC for gaming (at the moment my computer at my computer shop for repair) but this neo is for general such as email and surfing the website and sometimes use fb etc but I love Macs stuff it easy for me I used to have iMac 2011 it good machine and few years ago just before covid and I sold to my friend's son because he wanted for his schooling and some music it old Mac anyway

 

[ElPaso]

I imagine there are a lot of others like you discovering MacOS for the first time with the Neo.

I also imagine that a lot of them feel the same way about upgrading when they do.

I bet this is exactly what the Neo is for. Scoop up Windows users at a low price and get them to switch over to Apple ecosystem or a better Mac.

There are reasons Windows has it's user base and why I still have a Windows laptop. However, it will probably be the last while I will continue to buy Macs for the foreseeable future.

Hope you enjoy your Neo!!

I shall! Your post has some good insights, and I agree. The Neo's primary purpose is to onboard new Apple customers with the hope they move on to the more powerful (and expensive) MBA and MBP. But I think they will discover a large group of people (myself included) that will just stick with the Neo, because our computer "needs" are not beyond its capabilities.

 

[Technerd108]

I shall! Your post has some good insights, and I agree. The Neo's primary purpose is to onboard new Apple customers with the hope they move on to the more powerful (and expensive) MBA and MBP. But I think they will discover a large group of people (myself included) that will just stick with the Neo, because our computer "needs" are not beyond its capabilities.

Apple hopes you move up the ladder so to speak but either way more customers is good for Apple.

I think they should have done it years ago but I am happy they make a budget focused Apple laptop.

The m and a series chips are so good combined with Apple hardware is a pretty hard combination to beat.

I have a feeling that there are a lot of people like you who will be happy to stay with their Neo. The real test will be does Apple give the same general 7 year software support. If Apple gives long support Windows for the Neo like all other laptops these are going to be successful on another level besides the immediate success.

I also believe that there will be a subset of people who keep their Neos as long as possible before upgrading. Even with lower ram and lower performance chips they are so fast now it doesn't necessarily handicap the machine for a big percentage of people.