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I have an M2 MBA (16GB, 1TB): Would a 512 MBN have any advantages?
- Thread starter The Cockney Rebel
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TechRunner
macrumors 68030
For me, the MBN's value would be as a secondary/travel device. I certainly wouldn't trade an M-Series MacBook for one, but everyone has different needs/wants, so do what works for you.
I think it has better single core performance than your M2, but I don't know by how much or what that would translate to in real life. Maybe a slightly better webcam and radios. I think that's it. Pretty sure you'd be downgrading in a hundred other ways, some of them major.
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Many thanks, bud 👍🏼.I think it has better single core performance than your M2, but I don't know by how much or what that would translate to in real life. Maybe a slightly better webcam and radios. I think that's it. Pretty sure you'd be downgrading in a hundred other ways, some of them major.
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See what makes each Mac laptop and desktop different. And find the one that’s perfect for your life, your work, and your budget.www.apple.com
Using the link you shared, it seems like other than the colour of the MacBook, there’s literally no reason to get a Neo.
This is probably the only way the Neo should be better than your M2 Air. My experience with M series macs is that single core performance is noticeable in everyday use, but not enough to offset all the ways the MBA is better. From this link and the Geekbench Mac database, it seems that the Neo is between M3 and M4 single core performance.
Neo single core: 3461
M1 single core: 2347
M2 single core: 2587
M3 single core: 3041
M4 single core: 3696
M5 single core: 4228
(These are a mix of Air, iMac, and MBP from the database, but single core performance of the same processor is not that different between Macs)
Apple_Robert
Contributor
The Neo will not offer any advantage. If you want the color, get the Neo. That is what I did.
Apple_Robert
Contributor
Mainly color but, also for a cheap alternative if I want to go mobile with a Mac.
The Neo's advantage is primarily that it is affordable for those looking to get into the Apple ecosystem with a laptop, but don't necessarily want or need $1,000+ of computer for their needs to get there. Great for education and also great as a secondary travel device so you can keep your MacBook Pro/Air at home if the Neo is powerful enough to handle the tasks you need or want to get done on the road.
I think this is going to be a winner for Apple. Most interesting product they've released since the original Apple Watch.
I think this is going to be a winner for Apple. Most interesting product they've released since the original Apple Watch.
Apple_Robert
Contributor
I had the M4 MBA and sold it to a forum member. I am down to my iMac (Mac wise) until I get the Neo next week.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
The RDF is strong with the neo.
So let me ask you this,
What do you use your M2 MBA for? How much free space do you have on your 1TB drive and what apps are installed?
The Neo is a great laptop for simple tasks, i.e., office apps, youtube, web stuff, etc.
If I already had a M2 MBA or newer then I would not have bought the Neo. I bought the Neo since I don't own any other MB.
I've been using my M3 iPad Air with magic keyboard for portable uses but there are times that I need apps that only run on MacOS
I've been using my M3 iPad Air with magic keyboard for portable uses but there are times that I need apps that only run on MacOS
Resource Description Framework?
Rapid Deployment Force?
Rate Distortion Function?
Refuse-Derived Fuel?
Perhaps Rainy Day Fund has some connection with the low price? Or Revised Delivery Forecast if demand exceeds supply? 😉
dmr727
macrumors G4
Reality Distortion Field. It's an expression that came from the earliest days of Apple and working with Steve Jobs.
Folklore.org: Reality Distortion Field
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
As mentioned the Reality Distortion Field, basically how people who typically spend over 4,000 dollars on a high end MBP now want a low end/value proposition laptop because introduced something so new that its ground breaking
Hello bud.
I just use it for general day-to-day computing.
The 1TB SSD is practically empty.
4sallypat
macrumors 603
I have a 15" M2 MBA base with 8GB RAM and will be keeping her.
Works perfectly as my work desktop setup.
Never carry it anywhere - it just sits as a desktop w/ 32" display.
Neo is to replace our travel laptops - we currently have 12" rMB i5 and 11.6" i5 Air.
The real test will be Wednesday when I pick 2 Neos and transfer all the data from my work MBA and 12" rMB and see how they perform.
That will be the acid test for 14 days.
I predict some such Neo buyers will discover that they have been buying higher spec’d machines than they need, either for bragging rights or because they don't really understand their needs so overbuy just in case. I have done these at some time in my past.
4sallypat
macrumors 603
Yes, agree - people do buy more than they need - just a natural FOMO syndrome.
Having had a lot of Apple devices over the decades, this Neo is what I have been looking for as I retire and start more international travel.
BTW: My last foray into the Pro line of iPhones, I switched from 16 Pro to 17 Air.
That got a lot of MR members on my case about why I would "downgrade" my iPhone choice.
Can't believe I had to defend myself on that debacle!
jz0309
macrumors P6
So the 5
But I will strongly suggest that you trade-in or sell your MBA and also reconsider if you really need your MBP.
I will likely get the Neo to replace my iPad as my couch computer, I have no data needs so would go for the 256, in yellow, and don't need TouchID as I have the AW for that.
But really consider your computing device setup and usage before adding a new one
So the 512 would be just fine for you.
But I will strongly suggest that you trade-in or sell your MBA and also reconsider if you really need your MBP.
I will likely get the Neo to replace my iPad as my couch computer, I have no data needs so would go for the 256, in yellow, and don't need TouchID as I have the AW for that.
But really consider your computing device setup and usage before adding a new one
joshwithachance
macrumors 68030
The Neo is for those who either cannot afford the Air or are brand new the Mac ecosystem. You'd be downgrading in practically ever regard solely to get a more colorful machine just because it's the "hot new thing". Don't do it.
Some people might notice a big difference while others won't notice.
I didn't notice a difference when going from a 2018 11" iPad Pro to a M3 11' iPad Air.