MacBook Air M4 or MacBook Neo

[WarmWinterHat]

MagSafe is the deal-breaker for me. No MagSafe, no deal.

I don't know that MagSafe matters much anymore. I have it, but have not used it once since I got my M5 Air, nor did I use on my M4 Pro prior. I haven't even removed it from the box. It just doesn't make sense to carry a proprietary charging cable around when a USB-C cable works for literally everything I own, including my phone.

Additionally, I don't know that the MagSafe would break free or just would drag my MacBook off my desk with it. They magnet is a lot stronger than I remember from my 2012 MBP days, and I could almost dangle my laptop with the MagSafe cable.

At my home desk, the MacBook is connected via thunderbolt, so MagSafe doesn't work there either.

 

[1BadManVan]

I don't know that MagSafe matters much anymore. I have it, but have not used it once since I got my M5 Air, nor did I use on my M4 Pro prior. I haven't even removed it from the box. It just doesn't make sense to carry a proprietary charging cable around when a USB-C cable works for literally everything I own, including my phone.

Additionally, I don't know that the MagSafe would break free or just would drag my MacBook off my desk with it. They magnet is a lot stronger than I remember from my 2012 MBP days, and I could almost dangle my laptop with the MagSafe cable.

At my home desk, the MacBook is connected via thunderbolt, so MagSafe doesn't work there either.

I can see that to a point. If I'm travelling, i leave the magsafe charger at home, but at home, that's where my MacBook lives when not in use, on a laptop stand and connected to my magsafe

 

[retiredatty]

What are your thoughts on the M4 Air versus the new Neo? I have purchased the latter but have found an open box M4 Air for $150 more than the Neo. I love the Neo but the Air looks to be a better value.

What are people's thoughts?

I just bought the M5 MacBook air with 16GB/512GB at Best Buy for $949(on sale)13.6" screen and it is a beast. I am amazed at this machine and what it can do, and a beautiful screen. Best

 

[m1maverick]

I just bought the M5 MacBook air with 16GB/512GB at Best Buy for $949(on sale)13.6" screen and it is a beast. I am amazed at this machine and what it can do, and a beautiful screen. Best

I just set up my new Air and the display is gorgeous. I know the MBP screen is better but I don’t think Apple makes a bad display for any of their systems.

 

[1BadManVan]

I just set up my new Air and the display is gorgeous. I know the MBP screen is better but I don’t think Apple makes a bad display for any of their systems.

Yea I’ve never understood the complaints about the air screen honestly. It’s a gorgeous ips display, very colour accurate, I almost never go past half brightness on it either.

 

[Populus]

I just set up my new Air and the display is gorgeous. I know the MBP screen is better but I don’t think Apple makes a bad display for any of their systems.

Yes, I had the opportunity of trying an M5 Air, and I’m not sure when did they improve the screen, if it was with the M3, M4 or M5, but this one is impressive.

Some people won’t agree with me, but I could even perceive HDR playing a native game on it. Sure, it’s not at the mini-LED level, but it’s one of the few IPS panels where I’ve perceived it.

With the screen being so astronomically good, I don’t se the need to switch to OLED. What I think would be great is having a 12.5” MacBook Air, but I guess that now that we have the Neo, this is impossible.

 

[snipr125]

Yes, I had the opportunity of trying an M5 Air, and I’m not sure when did they improve the screen, if it was with the M3, M4 or M5, but this one is impressive.

Some people won’t agree with me, but I could even perceive HDR playing a native game on it. Sure, it’s not at the mini-LED level, but it’s one of the few IPS panels where I’ve perceived it.

With the screen being so astronomically good, I don’t se the need to switch to OLED. What I think would be great is having a 12.5” MacBook Air, but I guess that now that we have the Neo, this is impossible.

Yes agree its really good imo. Im used to Promotion displays (iphones, iPP M4 and qled tv), but don't really notice the 60 hz on mba probably because of the viewing distance.

 

[Zapdoc]

I used to think that way, but you know what? I've got MagSafe on my last two MacBooks pros (actually, all 4 MacBooks pros I've owned, only the air didn't) and these days the cable stays in my bag.

You know why?

Because every other device I use, uses type-C. I've already got a type C cable plugged into the MacBook charger to charge everything else.

I can use the same cable for my MacBook, phone, iPad, battery bank, car starter pack, etc.

I haven't even uncoiled the nice black MagSafe cable for my M4 Max (in like 18 months) - because whenever I use it at a desk it is plugged into a dock or monitor which powers it.

Battery life on modern machines is good enough that you're not using them on your lap with a power cable hanging out of them generally.

So yeah.. MagSafe is a neat idea. I love it. But the fact that it isn't compatible with everything else and doesn't do data (thunderbolt or DisplayPort) means that finally.... after more than a decade I have one cable/charger for all the things. Except my watches.

So given that, MagSafe on a machine like the neo..... total waste of time in reality; you're going to lose maybe 0.01% of potential customers.

Exactly same in my case - always liked having a MagSafe cable with computer BUT like you it has been un used for last 2 years in the box as I find USB C universal for my needs iPhone, iPad Pro, Beats Pill and I see them anywhere I need to change - rarely do I actually see anyone use a MagSafe cable despite them owning one
Suggest its time maybe Apple dropped MagSafe and saved a few pounds/ dollars

 

[throAU]

Exactly same in my case - always liked having a MagSafe cable with computer BUT like you it has been un used for last 2 years in the box as I find USB C universal for my needs iPhone, iPad Pro, Beats Pill and I see them anywhere I need to change - rarely do I actually see anyone use a MagSafe cable despite them owning one
Suggest its time maybe Apple dropped MagSafe and saved a few pounds/ dollars

DUnno if i’d go that far on the pro. Magsafe IS useful if you need the port for non-charging reasons, having a charge only port frees up one of the 3 USB ports.

But that’s pretty infrquent.

 

[Beanoir]

I used to think that way, but you know what? I've got MagSafe on my last two MacBooks pros (actually, all 4 MacBooks pros I've owned, only the air didn't) and these days the cable stays in my bag.

You know why?

Because every other device I use, uses type-C. I've already got a type C cable plugged into the MacBook charger to charge everything else.

I can use the same cable for my MacBook, phone, iPad, battery bank, car starter pack, etc.

I haven't even uncoiled the nice black MagSafe cable for my M4 Max (in like 18 months) - because whenever I use it at a desk it is plugged into a dock or monitor which powers it.

Battery life on modern machines is good enough that you're not using them on your lap with a power cable hanging out of them generally.

So yeah.. MagSafe is a neat idea. I love it. But the fact that it isn't compatible with everything else and doesn't do data (thunderbolt or DisplayPort) means that finally.... after more than a decade I have one cable/charger for all the things. Except my watches.

So given that, MagSafe on a machine like the neo..... total waste of time in reality; you're going to lose maybe 0.01% of potential customers.

I agree, no need for Magsafe now it’s defunct. Everybody is moving away from proprietary charger bricks.

No idea why Apple moved back to using one after they ditched it in favour of USB-C. Loved my MacbookPro with 4 thunderbolts and no Magsafe!

 

[torana355]

I have Magsafe on my M4 Air but i'm going to go back to charging via usb c as it allows me to connect just one cable to my powered USB C hub.

 

[throAU]

I agree, no need for Magsafe now it’s defunct. Everybody is moving away from proprietary charger bricks.

No idea why Apple moved back to using one after they ditched it in favour of USB-C. Loved my MacbookPro with 4 thunderbolts and no Magsafe!

To be fair it IS useful if you need to charge and use 3x USBs that aren’t chargers at the same time.

So whilst it’s not a dealbreaker, on a pro device it isn’t useless. You CAN charge via type C but if you need the port for data or video, you can charge without consuming a data port.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

To be fair it IS useful if you need to charge and use 3x USBs that aren’t chargers at the same time.

So whilst it’s not a dealbreaker, on a pro device it isn’t useless. You CAN charge via type C but if you need the port for data or video, you can charge without consuming a data port.

MagSafe is also good for true “lap” use, on the couch or in bed. If the cable gets flexed the wrong way, it just… disconnects. Rather than straining/breaking the USB port in the computer (a phenomenon with which I have intimate familiarity (－‸ლ))

Also surprised no one mentioned warranty as a benefit. OP didn’t identify how old the “Open Box” Air is; it certainly has reduced warranty and possibly none at all. To be clear, I certainly think the Air is a better deal at that price… but that IS a drawback.

 

[throAU]

True lap use, I'm generally on battery - battery life on the machines is good enough that for the rare times I'm using it on my lap I have plenty.

The other reason I don't use MagSafe much any more is because in addition to every other thing I own using type C, my dock (at work) and external display (at home) are also type C, and both charge the machine, which is probably 99% of the time I use the machine at a desk or leave it on a desk.

 

[Beanoir]

To be fair it IS useful if you need to charge and use 3x USBs that aren’t chargers at the same time.

So whilst it’s not a dealbreaker, on a pro device it isn’t useless. You CAN charge via type C but if you need the port for data or video, you can charge without consuming a data port.

Thats not MagSafe being useful, it’s an argument for needing more TB/USB-C ports…

 

[1BadManVan]

I agree, no need for Magsafe now it’s defunct. Everybody is moving away from proprietary charger bricks.

No idea why Apple moved back to using one after they ditched it in favour of USB-C. Loved my MacbookPro with 4 thunderbolts and no Magsafe!

I keep my MagSafe plugged in at my desk where I store my MacBook on its docking stand to charge. When I'm travelling, I just bring a usb c cable and charger, but I definitely enjoy having the MagSafe set up and ready to go when I go to dock and charge it

 

[Beanoir]

I keep my MagSafe plugged in at my desk where I store my MacBook on its docking stand to charge. When I'm travelling, I just bring a usb c cable and charger, but I definitely enjoy having the MagSafe set up and ready to go when I go to dock and charge it

How is that any different to having a charger with a USB-C on the end of it though? It would do exactly the same as you just described.

My MBP has no MagSafe and 4 TB ports - I have never once thought “I wish one of these TB ports was a MagSafe”

 

[throAU]

Thats not MagSafe being useful, it’s an argument for needing more TB/USB-C ports…

USB/Thunderbolt ports require PCIe lanes from the CPU. ALL the Mac ports on a pro are thunderbolt and thus consume many lanes.

There are no lanes spare.

 

[iaynnu]

I have both and the Air is a much better value. I thought the thickness of the Neo wouldn't bother me but there is a noticeable difference after handling both.

 

[Beanoir]

USB/Thunderbolt ports require PCIe lanes from the CPU. ALL the Mac ports on a pro are thunderbolt and thus consume many lanes.

There are no lanes spare.

Sure thing, but 4 is better than 3 or 2.