Initial NEO thoughts

[eltoslightfoot]

If you turn on the 'tap to click' option, there is no sound at all with the trackpad. People who say the Neo trackpad is inferior are people who are biased, and don't want to use anything besides the haptic trackpad.

I enable this on every Windows and Apple laptop I have ever used. It’s so much better.

 

[platinumaqua]

The physical click of the trackpad felt very satisfying. Force Touch trackpad's click felt fake (I mean it is fake) when compared side by side.

 

[bookcase]

I finally saw a silver Neo at Costco, displayed next to the MBA. I know it's not drastically different in size, but that 0.6" made it look much smaller -- and made me want to buy one. But I'll wait for the next refresh.

 

[Tikatika]

I'm the old disabled guy on Social Security that posted in this thread earlier. I saved up $600 and was just about to order the base Indigo Neo when an unexpected windfall came in the mail. It was a refund from the local hospital for $107. I reposted it and bumped up my order to the 512GB model.

It arrived this afternoon. Every picture I had seen of the Indigo model looked different. My God, it's beautiful! Slate Blue. And it's rock solid. One thing I noticed is that nowhere on or inside the case does it say "MacBook Neo". It's plain in that sense. I use a mouse but used the trackpad to set things up. It's solid. The screen is nice and bright and the colors vibrant. I checked viewing angles from the sides. Not bad. I love the feel of the keyboard and I have no trouble distinguishing the letters on the keys. I'm glad I was able to get the 512GB model - I love Touch ID.

The only third party software I have on it so far is my Epson software. Because my need are light, I don't expect to add a lot of software. They still include iWork. Sound is very good, surprising!

I didn't know if I was ever going to be able to buy another new Mac, so this paradise for me!

Reading your post actually brought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy for you and wish your an abundance of wondrous days with your Neo!

 

[bapegg]

I am still happy with the Neo a month later. It does everything I want/need and fits into my budget.

The Neo pairs well with my Mac mini and iPad Air.

 

[Apple_Robert]

In my opinion, far too many people on here spend way too much time in their life analyzing and overthinking that which is already flowing naturally. And that kind of self-induced decision paralysis often leads to an unfulfilled life. It really doesn't matter how the Neo was built or whether or not it can withstand some YT creator video / audio hailstorm. What truly matter is whether or not the Neo strikes a chord with you the buyer. Don't try and solve some mystical riddle as to whether or not you will still hear and enjoy that same cord 5 years from now. Worrying over something so meaningless robs you of living in the moment and making the most of that moment. The Neo isn't meant to meet every need a user may have. The same can be said of any computer. The Neo was made to help you explore and interact with your life, whatever that may be at any given moment in time. The same principle also applies to interpersonal relationships.

There is so much wasted life moments on this forum due to self-induced paralysis. Stop being that person. Conversely, stop trying to justify your happiness to others. That is wasted time you will never get back.

 

[Populus]

No notch with rounded top corners looks heavenly.

First time we have seen this on Mac oddly enough.

Actually, this is a feature for me. Not that I hate the notch, but after using the Neo, even tho the screen is inferior in color reproduction, the shape and dimensions are just perfect.

However, I think there’s no green LED signaling the webcam is on, right? Is that on the Air?

 

[Populus]

In my opinion, far too many people on here spend way too much time in their life analyzing and overthinking that which is already flowing naturally. And that kind of self-induced decision paralysis often leads to an unfulfilled life. It really doesn't matter how the Neo was built or whether or not it can withstand some YT creator video / audio hailstorm. What truly matter is whether or not the Neo strikes a chord with you the buyer. Don't try and solve some mystical riddle as to whether or not you will still hear and enjoy that same cord 5 years from now. Worrying over something so meaningless robs you of living in the moment and making the most of that moment. The Neo isn't meant to meet every need a user may have. The same can be said of any computer. The Neo was made to help you explore and interact with your life, whatever that may be at any given moment in time. The same principle also applies to interpersonal relationships.

There is so much wasted life moments on this forum due to self-induced paralysis. Stop being that person. Conversely, stop trying to justify your happiness to others. That is wasted time you will never get back.

Sometimes, digging into tech rabbit holes, starts as a form of entertainment, followed by passion, and may end up as a form of evasion from ****** moments or ****** life.

Some people use music, video games, alcohol or drugs… I guess some of us navigate the tech enthusiast seas hoping to find a bit of peace, far from the shore.

Regardless, I concur with your opinion. We should just not overthink that much…

 

[Populus]

Fully agree with this. I'd happily pay a lot more for a M5 chip and a nano-texture display option. I just love the form factor of the Neo - it's perfect.

I share the sentiment. You and others in the thread have pointed this out, but many people keep telling me that the 13” MBA has roughly the same size…

I’m not sure if this people have had a Neo on their hands and have carried it around, because it’s much easier to just grab it and move. And when it is open, it’s gravity center makes it more stable than the 13” Air (in my opinion). This is, I find it has a better balance overall.

This alone is a reason to love it, however the A18 Pro falls a bit short for me and I’m debating whether returning it, or keeping it and, due to the high demand, selling it later… just to get the next gen Neo.

 

[Purrific]

I love my Neo, and I'm actually really enjoying the screen - I was so used to babying my MacBook Pro screen with the polishing cloth, it took a while to notice the Neo screen - although (unarguably) "worse", is actually better for me because it is more robust - it lets me wipe it down without my having to worry about damaging the coating. So I find it more relaxing to be around.

 

[Kiwikat88]

I have only touched my MBP a couple times since I got the neo, same with the iPad Pro. It has been the embodiment of the "This is brilliant, but I like this" meme. The color, size, and feel are exactly what I want in a laptop, and the performance, screen, speakers, battery, keyboard, and trackpad are more than adequate- actually fantastic for the price. I will absolutely buy a A19P version when available, and pass this on to my parents. It will be loved for years to come.

 

[tomtad]

I finally saw a silver Neo at Costco, displayed next to the MBA. I know it's not drastically different in size, but that 0.6" made it look much smaller -- and made me want to buy one. But I'll wait for the next refresh.

Exactly the smaller size is the big reason I bought one. It's very lapable

 

[throAU]

Still waiting for delivery. Has anyone tested hotspotting with the Neo?

Speaking of which they should add cellular to the Neo. I mean its already maybe even in the SOC from the iPhone?

 

[bapegg]

Speaking of which they should add cellular to the Neo. I mean its already maybe even in the SOC from the iPhone?

If iPads and Apple Watches are any indication then adding cellular to the Neo would also add $100 - $150 to the price. Apple charges $100 more for an Apple Watch with cellular and $150 more of iPads with cellular.

I agree that it would be a nice feature for those that want it. But will it make sense to ad additional cost to the Neo when one can always tether it to a cell phone.

 

[throAU]

If iPads and Apple Watches are any indication then adding cellular to the Neo would also add $100 - $150 to the price. Apple charges $100 more for an Apple Watch with cellular and $150 more of iPads with cellular.

I agree that it would be a nice feature for those that want it. But will it make sense to ad additional cost to the Neo when one can always tether it to a cell phone.

That's if they have to add any hardware. I'm not sure if the modem is built into the A18/A18pro SOC or not.

 

[bapegg]

That's if they have to add any hardware. I'm not sure if the modem is built into the A18/A18pro SOC or not.

They would have to add a separate radio chip for cellular.

Even iPhones require a separate radio chip for Bluetooth/WIFI and cellular.

 

[teralpar]

If iPads and Apple Watches are any indication then adding cellular to the Neo would also add $100 - $150 to the price. Apple charges $100 more for an Apple Watch with cellular and $150 more of iPads with cellular.

I agree that it would be a nice feature for those that want it. But will it make sense to ad additional cost to the Neo when one can always tether it to a cell phone.

I would be willing to spend the extra $100-$150 for a cellular option on the Neo. 🙂

 

[bapegg]

I would be willing to spend the extra $100-$150 for a cellular option on the Neo. 🙂

I would consider getting cellular in the Neo if offered since I always get WIFI and cellular on my iPads.

We probably won't see a cellular option on the Neo unless Apple decides to offer the option on all MacBooks.

 

[maflynn]

I would be willing to spend the extra $100-$150 for a cellular option on the Neo. 🙂

Why not just your phone as a hot spot?

 

[Zapdoc]

Why not just your phone as a hot spot?

Exactly no additional line contract needed

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Why not just your phone as a hot spot?

My phone gets unlimited data but only 3GB of tethering/month. Personally that’s worked for me for whatever hot spotting I’ve needed but it may not work for everyone.

 

[Zapdoc]

My phone gets unlimited data but only 3GB of tethering/month. Personally that’s worked for me for whatever hot spotting I’ve needed but it may not work for everyone.

I had similar allowance here in UK but changed providers from O2 to Tesco Mobile who actually use O2 network and they allow all my data to be used same as for roaming in EU where O2 only ally 25gb of my allowance - if you can may be worth checking other networks ?

 

[4sallypat]

.....
There is so much wasted life moments on this forum due to self-induced paralysis. Stop being that person. Conversely, stop trying to justify your happiness to others. That is wasted time you will never get back.

100% agree - I say see a psychologist if you are unhappy with your life.

Just be happy we have first world problems....

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I had similar allowance here in UK but changed providers from O2 to Tesco Mobile who actually use O2 network and they allow all my data to be used same as for roaming in EU where O2 only ally 25gb of my allowance - if you can may be worth checking other networks ?

I’m not worried about it in my case, just wanted to explain why hot spotting doesn’t work for everyone. As for changing networks, my wife gets a 25% discount through work so we aren’t moving any time soon.

 

[teralpar]

Why not just your phone as a hot spot?

I do use my iPhone as a hotspot currently, but it’s not always reliable—especially for consistent work use. That’s why I prefer having built-in cellular. All of the iPads I’ve purchased have been cellular for the same reason—it provides a more stable and dependable connection without relying on another device.