Initial NEO thoughts

[mk313]

Just got my NEO Delivered. Still transferring data over, so I'm anxious to use it, but two really quick first impressions.

1. Keyboard is pretty nice (although if they sell an upgraded version with lighted keys next year, I'll get it). Much better than the 12" (which is a really low bar). Seems about the same as my M2 Air, BUT the keys seem to be spaced a tiny bit closer together. For my hands, I like it better, but it's really subtle (measuring the keyboards it does appear to be slightly narrower)
2. Trackpad has a nice feel to it. I was a little worried going back to a mechanical one, but it feels just like however I have my current one set.
3. The trackpad is noticeably louder than the M2. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it really jumped out at me on first usage.

 

[Yr Blues]

How hard do you have to press?

 

[mk313]

How hard do you have to press?

Same that I have to press for my Air. Don't notice any difference at all. I don't remember if you can set firmness settings on the trackpad, but if you do, mine is definitely set to whatever the factory default is.

 

[jclardy]

How hard do you have to press?

To me it feels like the highest setting on a Force Touch trackpad. It feels quite nice for mechanical.

I also really like the keyboard (Compared to M4 MBP.) Screen looks like a nice Apple LCD, not as good as MBP/Air but doesn’t look like the junk you get with windows laptops for $500 (Crappy viewing angle TN panels or oversaturated dim OLED.)

The build quality is impressive, if this thing had thunderbolt 4, backlit keyboard and MagSafe, you’d be hard pressed to tell a difference from the Air. I think some people would think it is more expensive than the air because of the color matched keyboard which just looks more expensive. Of course if you are adding those things, then you end up at the higher price of the Air anyways.

 

[Mike Boreham]

3. The trackpad is noticeably louder than the M2. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it really jumped out at me on first usage.

The first thing I turn on all Apple laptops is the “Tap to click” setting. Has this gone? I haven’t heard a trackpad click in a long time!

 

[ScanTheNavian]

Just got my NEO Delivered. Still transferring data over, so I'm anxious to use it, but two really quick first impressions.

1. Keyboard is pretty nice (although if they sell an upgraded version with lighted keys next year, I'll get it). Much better than the 12" (which is a really low bar). Seems about the same as my M2 Air, BUT the keys seem to be spaced a tiny bit closer together. For my hands, I like it better, but it's really subtle (measuring the keyboards it does appear to be slightly narrower)
2. Trackpad has a nice feel to it. I was a little worried going back to a mechanical one, but it feels just like however I have my current one set.
3. The trackpad is noticeably louder than the M2. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it really jumped out at me on first usage.

How does it feel intuitively to use? Does it spark joy?

 

[mk313]

How does it feel intuitively to use? Does it spark joy?

No more joy than my Air, but I do like the size.

I was not concerned, but curious about the trackpad, as that was the biggest variable. Glad to see that it feels 'normal' (although loud) to me. Everything else is nice. Agree with jclardy on the screen (and overall build)

 

[mk313]

The first thing I turn on all Apple laptops is the “Tap to click” setting. Has this gone? I haven’t heard a trackpad click in a long time!

I will have to check that out later. I'm transferring data from another laptop right now.

 

[KPOM]

Citrus stands out the most. Blush is very subtle. The trackpad from my limited use in the Apple Store seems fine. Not sure I’d have known it was mechanical and it definitely is not like the mechanical trackpad on my work Lenovo.

 

[4sallypat]

Citrus stands out the most. Blush is very subtle. The trackpad from my limited use in the Apple Store seems fine. Not sure I’d have known it was mechanical and it definitely is not like the mechanical trackpad on my work Lenovo.

Hoping I can swap colors today when I pickup at the Apple store.

 

[jz0309]

Just got my NEO Delivered. Still transferring data over, so I'm anxious to use it, but two really quick first impressions.

1. Keyboard is pretty nice (although if they sell an upgraded version with lighted keys next year, I'll get it). Much better than the 12" (which is a really low bar). Seems about the same as my M2 Air, BUT the keys seem to be spaced a tiny bit closer together. For my hands, I like it better, but it's really subtle (measuring the keyboards it does appear to be slightly narrower)
2. Trackpad has a nice feel to it. I was a little worried going back to a mechanical one, but it feels just like however I have my current one set.
3. The trackpad is noticeably louder than the M2. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it really jumped out at me on first usage.

Cool. I’m looking forward to receive my citrus 256 “before 9pm” today

 

[Andeddu]

Feels like a premium device on the level of any other MacBook. I love it! I am using it to type this message right now.

 

[4sallypat]

Cool. I’m looking forward to receive my citrus 256 “before 9pm” today

Same - UPS says 10:30-2:30pm.

 

[dmr727]

I completely forgot about the trackpad while playing with one in the store today - I guess that's a good thing! Felt just like my Air.

Enjoy!

 

[jz0309]

Same - UPS says 10:30-2:30pm.
View attachment 2612299

Mine still says “by 9pm” but if the map is a true reflection of where the delivery truck is, it might be here before noon 😉

 

[chrono1081]

The MacBook Neo is not for me due to my work type but I think they're adorable and I'm happy everyone is enjoying theirs.

 

[svish]

Went to an Apple Store to see the new MacBook. Build quality is excellent and I like the Citrus. Had bought a MacBook Air M4 15" few months ago and hence not going to buy the Neo. Think it is a very good computer and should last a long time.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Just picked up a Citrus 512gb. Feels mostly like another MacBook, just easier on my wallet. 😛

The Display is excellent. Text is sharp and photos look good. Pretty much the same as on any normal retina iPhone/iPad. The noticeable difference is the Color Profile. And YES, you will notice. I wouldn't use this for any professional color editing. The color profile is decent though, just noticeably not as good as the Air or Pro. The 500 nits brightness is nothing to complain about and is not a complete washout under direct sun light. Found no issues viewing from different angles.

Speed test is good. Getting over a 1gb on dwn and up.

After a good 5 minutes, I already forgot the trackpad is mechanical. Especially if you select "Tap to click" under settings.

Keyboard feels like the average MacBook keyboard, but it's noticeably louder.

Speaker audio doesn't get that loud, but it definitely sounds very good with plenty of depth. I don't hear any distortion at max volume, but I can tell there would be if they allow the volume to go any higher. The volume is more than enough for music, videos, games and etc. I think Apple did a good job with the speaker audio.

Apps seem as responsive as any other MacBook, but honestly this is too early too tell, as I haven't messed with any larger apps yet.

Love the Citrus color. A nice change from the muted colors I always choose.

 

[4sallypat]

Mine still says “by 9pm” but if the map is a true reflection of where the delivery truck is, it might be here before noon 😉

Just got UPS delivery !

Wife is looking at the Citrus Neo...

 

[Andeddu]

Spent 30 minutes playing Resident Evil 2 using the 'quality' preset at 1920x1080p with a 30fps cap. It's very playable with no notable drops in performance and the machine stayed cool throughout. Seems like the Neo is a solid all-round entertainment device, good for some AAA gaming, web-browsing, word processing, FaceTime, video streaming, music, video/photo editing, etc...

I wasn't expecting a Pro level machine or anything but I am really impressed with what we've been given at this price point.

 

[maflynn]

How does it feel intuitively to use? Does it spark joy?

Sorry, couldn't resist 🙂

 

[jz0309]

Sorry, couldn't resist 🙂
View attachment 2612341

Why do you feel compelled for this response?
You don't like the Neo, that's fine, you criticize a lot of posters for getting it in the other threads... why not let those who've ordered it have some joy?
Makes no sense, but then again we're on the internet where everyone has an opinions...

 

[Apathist]

The first thing I turn on all Apple laptops is the “Tap to click” setting. Has this gone? I haven’t heard a trackpad click in a long time!

No, it should still be an option (see this post).

 

[maflynn]

Why do you feel compelled for this response?

How are you determining that I'm being critical?

It was a joke

The other member asked does it spark joy? So I grabbed a meme that showed; this one sparks joy, this one does not spark joy

If you read my post carefully, you can see I was not saying its good, bad joyful, or sad. It was a meme. You know a joke.

Edit: let me just ask. What part of the meme are you taking as I'm being critical? I'm asking honestly, so I can better communicate.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Why do you feel compelled for this response?
You don't like the Neo, that's fine, you criticize a lot of posters for getting it in the other threads... why not let those who've ordered it have some joy?
Makes no sense, but then again we're on the internet where everyone has an opinions...

Wow, I think you need to read the post in question a little more closely, then reply again.