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MB Pro, MB Air, and iPad Pro Owner: Why I’m Buying the MacBook Neo

Pbwallstreet said:
Great article. Summary:

The Macworld article “Tech bros are lying to you about the MacBook Neo” argues that many tech influencers and social-media commentators are misrepresenting Apple’s new $599 MacBook Neo by comparing it unfairly to higher-spec Windows laptops or older MacBook Air models. The author says these critics ignore the Neo’s intended audience—people who would otherwise buy cheap Chromebooks or budget PCs—and overlook strengths like its aluminum build, solid webcam and audio, good display, and full Mac experience at a low price. He also argues that recommending older MacBook Airs instead is poor advice because used or refurbished machines may lack warranties and will receive software updates for fewer years. Overall, the article claims much of the online criticism is based on misleading comparisons and misunderstanding of the product’s role as a basic, affordable entry-level Mac.

www.macworld.com

Apple-hating tech bros are lying to you

Apple’s new MacBook Neo has generated a torrent of opinions, and many aren’t based on facts.
www.macworld.com www.macworld.com
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Yes this article reminds me of the iPhone 17 Pro and Max who hated the Air for some strange reasons.

Influencers and MR members wanted to bash on the Air due to this and that missing.

For a majority of Air customers, they don't need/use the Pro features.

I for one hated my 16 Pro due to heavy weight and awkward struggling one handed with arthritic fingers. I only got the 16 Pro for AOD for my vehicle entry/exit ease.

Now that I have the Air, it is so much lighter, thin, easier to handle/balance one handed. I certainly love my Air just like I know the Neo will be my go to travel laptop.
 
joshwithachance said:
Correction: You're buying the Neo to feed what appears to be a tech addiction and FOMO.

Especially considering you're already thinking about returning the Neo you haven't even gotten yet...
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Correction: As I already detailed, I am moving on from the 15” MBA and the iPad Pro has failed me in the field. So the Neo is something for on the go and other business work. I’m objective and measured enough to have realistic expectations that I may not keep it given its performance yet to be tested, in which case I will be getting a MBA 13”.
 
joshwithachance said:
Oh I totally get that! But when it comes to laptops and tablets, I don't want to have to charge them daily. So for me, that 11 hours of mixed usage would mean I'd be plugging it in probably every other day compared to the Air lasting me a solid 3-4 days between charges.
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The M1 pro MacBook Pro was rated at 11 hours of mixed usage, as was the M2Pro and the M3Pro/Max.
These machines were anywhere from $2000-$7000.
And yet all reviews pretty much universally praised the battery life of these machines.
The M3Pro was literally only released two years and five months ago.
If it was fine for a $5000 machine in November 2023, it is more than fine in a $500 machine in 2026.
I would also like to point out that the MacBook Air advertises 15 hours of Web browsing and 18 hours of video watching, while the Neo advertises simply 16 hours of battery life. I don’t imagine that you will have to charge this daily if you only have to charge your MacBook Air once every four days.
 
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Lounge vibes 05 said:
The M1 pro MacBook Pro was rated at 11 hours of mixed usage, as was the M2Pro and the M3Pro/Max.
These machines were anywhere from $2000-$7000.
And yet all reviews pretty much universally praised the battery life of these machines.
The M3Pro was literally only released two years and five months ago.
If it was fine for a $5000 machine in November 2023, it is more than fine in a $500 machine in 2026.
I would also like to point out that the MacBook Air advertises 15 hours of Web browsing and 18 hours of video watching, while the Neo advertises simply 16 hours of battery life. I don’t imagine that you will have to charge this daily if you only have to charge your MacBook Air once every four days.
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The Neo advertises 11 hours of web browsing/mixed usage, which is 30% less than the Air (and makes sense with a 30% smaller battery).
Screenshot 2026-03-07 at 6.13.28 PM.png
 
For a portable writer (writing in cafes, on the move etc) this is fantastic. Less expensive than an iPad and keyboard. Not the target audience I know, but another group who will buy it happily. The only downside is the non backlit keyboard.
 
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Tajhad said:
For a portable writer (writing in cafes, on the move etc) this is fantastic. Less expensive than an iPad and keyboard. Not the target audience I know, but another group who will buy it happily. The only downside is the non backlit keyboard.
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Non backlit keyboard is also a positive: keys can be much more readable in daytime because the characters don't have to be transparent so the contrast is better.
 
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awshucks said:
Honestly I just think for a number of people the reason to swap their more powerful machines for a Neo is because men like myself like new toys 😃

As an Apple collector, I appreciate the color choice since it is the best since the iBook G3. Love the shade of Yellow.
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Even though I don't currently have a use for one, the yellow color and price have me thinking about buying one anyway. Really love that yellow!
 
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joshwithachance said:
It’s rated at 11 hours of mixed usage, which is 4 hours (30%) less than the Air. That’s kinda ****, honestly. But not surprising at all considering the battery inside the Neo is 30% smaller than the Air.

It’ll last most people all day, but there’s no technical reason whatsoever a thicker machine without a backlit keyboard being run by a smartphone chip should have less battery life and such a small battery in general. This was a deliberate decision made by Apple to ensure it doesn’t fully cannibalize the Air.
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I don’t know that it was a decision purely not to cannibalize the Air, as it could’ve just been one of the cost-cutting measures that allowed the price to get down to $599 / $499 for education.
 
I have turned my desire for this machine into an opportunity to do some housecleaning of my devices - I've already sold several other Macs that I have around here, currently have my M1 iPad Air for sale, and plan on moving more onward to new homes to make room for this machine. I have a number of older computers used for light tasks that I feel this machine can replace brilliantly, and I look forward to seeing how it integrates into my setup. Is it replacing my M4 Air? No, but it's complimenting it. The joys of being a tech enthusiast with some bit of disposable income, especially after selling a few machines 😀
 
Zazoh said:
The launch of the Neo has shown how many in the biz admitted to owning the 12” MacBook which was a poor performer and had the atrocious keyboard. This will be the number one seller this year.
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I had one of those unpowered MacBook.

It was absolutely fine for my work. I run an add agency, using adobe's suite in that time. I had an iMac on the table to handle my work, but when out of office, I relied on that "underpowered" Macbook. It was capable enough to run Illustrator and Photoshop. Final Cut Pro could process some light video editing.

i remember the time I was talking to a friend in an Apple Store about how good was that Macbook but he didn't believe it could run FCP. I pulled it off my backpack and showed him.

I think that people underestimate their tools wondering for better ones as they lack knowing their jobs and how to achieve it.
 
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DeepSix said:
Buying a Neo makes sense for the sole reason of no longer getting anxiety from the risk of having it stolen or damaged when using it in public places, like you get when using an Air or Pro. Health always comes first.
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If that’s big deal get AC+. Or don’t buy any device. The same fear will surface with Neo. Anxiety has a way to strike.
 
I'm a light user but have a 14" MacBook Pro, 13" iPad Pro but am still thinking of getting the Neo. I like the idea of something lighter when travelling. My 13" iPad Pro + Keyboard seems heavy. Lack of a backlit keyboard is a concern though. Still thinking. I am probably mad! 🤣
 
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As an aspiring writer, I have long desired a device that I can use to write in bed or take with me to the library, something that's full featured, yet light and portable. I have tried using my iPad Air that way, but the small (11") screen, cramped keyboard, and more limited OS just haven't cut it. The Neo is perfect for this, and I am strongly considering trading in the iPad Air (which hurts my wrists to hold for extended periods of time) for an indigo Neo. I only have a little over $200 in trade-in value on the iPad, but even so, that would make the 512GB / Touch ID model Neo even more affordable.

EDIT: After the $214 in trade-in value is applied, the Neo would end up being just $489. That's incredibly hard to beat.
 
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Performa640 said:
As an aspiring writer, I have long desired a device that I can use to write in bed or take with me to the library, something that's full featured, yet light and portable. I have tried using my iPad Air that way, but the small (11") screen, cramped keyboard, and more limited OS just haven't cut it. The Neo is perfect for this, and I am strongly considering trading in the iPad Air (which hurts my wrists to hold for extended periods of time) for an indigo Neo. I only have a little over $200 in trade-in value on the iPad, but even so, that would make the 512GB / Touch ID model Neo even more affordable.

EDIT: After the $214 in trade-in value is applied, the Neo would end up being just $489. That's incredibly hard to beat.
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You should check on Amazon as they are often cheaper than Apple. I just bought a 13" MacBook Air off Amazon that was over £100 cheaper than Apple. It can in Apple packaging so they come from apple anyway. Be worth checking. Not sure if you have CEX in the US but here in the UK it's a good place to sell your own tech.
 
I'm running this exact experiment. I just upgraded my 14-inch MBP to the M5 Pro chip, I own an M5 11-inch iPad Pro, and a 13-inch M5 MBA. The MBP spends most of its time docked, and I need a portable secondary that's a little lighter lift (physically and cognitively), hence the MBA. Last week, I decided to believe the online hype (totally my fault--I knew better) and trade in the MBA for a Neo because '8GB RAM and a mobile chip doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that it has no real I/O. It doesn't matter that it doesn't have a backlit keyboard.' As someone who is a decades-long Apple techophile (I even worked for the company for six years), I thought, 'Yes. A MacBook for half the price of an Air? Apple wouldn't do us dirty.' And when I brought the Neo home, I really liked it. At first.

Let me preface everything I'm about to say. The Neo is a great laptop--for little ones, older folks who aren't terrified of tech (so not for my mother, then), and people who truly want/need to do nothing other than very light usage. I am in none of those categories. I knew this, yet I still fell for online reviewers who claimed to have 'overclocked' the Neo and that it was capable of handling advanced multi-core tasks.

The 13-inch form factor is my favorite, from back in the 13-inch MacBook Pro touch bar days (Yes, I liked the touch bar. Sue me.) so I was excited about the Neo's size. I didn't think its weight would bother me, but for something that size, I expected it to feel lighter. The fact that it weighs the same as the MBA was actually distracting. It didn't feel like the grab-and-go laptop I was expecting. Why has no one mentioned this? Also, 'just touch-typing' to compensate the lack of a backlit keyboard was annoying. I do a lot of work after dark, and, while I'm a decent typist, I don't know the entire keyboard by heart. I still have to look sometimes, and it was distracting to have to find enough light to find certain keys. The display was not disappointing in any way--OP, I too value a notchless display--and the sound was just fine. I wasn't expecting MBP-level audio/visual.

I'm not a fan of benchmarks. I like real-world use tests. I know how to optimize a system. The Neo was fine with my browsing, streaming, and even handled a Teams call well enough, but as soon as I opened a couple other 365 apps (really, only a couple--Outlook and Word) it started stuttering. I don't know what planet the folks who were 'successfully running' FinalCut Pro live on, but it's not this one. Granted, I didn't get the Neo for creative work or 365 multitasking, but I do need a secondary machine that could handle light work if necessary. The Neo simply can't. It turns out that 8GB RAM (even with unified memory) does, in fact, matter.

After two days of telling myself it was 'still indexing' and trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, I sadly returned the Neo and repurchased an MBA, this time choosing the base model and only upgrading the storage. It was the right decision for my particular use case.

I want to reiterate that none of the issues I encountered were the result of the Neo's flaws. It's a great little computer for those it was intended for. (I'm actually trying to hard sell it to my daughter to get her off the garbage school-issued Chromebook she uses.) I'm just not in that population, and that's ok.
 
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fierce.juju said:
I'm running this exact experiment. I just upgraded my 14-inch MBP to the M5 Pro chip, I own an M5 11-inch iPad Pro, and a 13-inch M5 MBA. The MBP spends most of its time docked, and I need a portable secondary that's a little lighter lift (physically and cognitively), hence the MBA. Last week, I decided to believe the online hype (totally my fault--I knew better) and trade in the MBA for a Neo because '8GB RAM and a mobile chip doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that it has no real I/O. It doesn't matter that it doesn't have a backlit keyboard.' As someone who is a decades-long Apple techophile (I even worked for the company for six years), I thought, 'Yes. A MacBook for half the price of an Air? Apple wouldn't do us dirty.' And when I brought the Neo home, I really liked it. At first.

Let me preface everything I'm about to say. The Neo is a great laptop--for little ones, older folks who aren't terrified of tech (so not for my mother, then), and people who truly want/need to do nothing other than very light usage. I am in none of those categories. I knew this, yet I still fell for online reviewers who claimed to have 'overclocked' the Neo and that it was capable of handling advanced multi-core tasks.

The 13-inch form factor is my favorite, from back in the 13-inch MacBook Pro touch bar days (Yes, I liked the touch bar. Sue me.) so I was excited about the Neo's size. I didn't think its weight would bother me, but for something that size, I expected it to feel lighter. The fact that it weighs the same as the MBA was actually distracting. It didn't feel like the grab-and-go laptop I was expecting. Why has no one mentioned this? Also, 'just touch-typing' to compensate the lack of a backlit keyboard was annoying. I do a lot of work after dark, and, while I'm a decent typist, I don't know the entire keyboard by heart. I still have to look sometimes, and it was distracting to have to find enough light to find certain keys. The display was not disappointing in any way--OP, I too value a notchless display--and the sound was just fine. I wasn't expecting MBP-level audio/visual.

I'm not a fan of benchmarks. I like real-world use tests. I know how to optimize a system. The Neo was fine with my browsing, streaming, and even handled a Teams call well enough, but as soon as I opened a couple other 365 apps (really, only a couple--Outlook and Word) it started stuttering. I don't know what planet the folks who were 'successfully running' FinalCut Pro live on, but it's not this one. Granted, I didn't get the Neo for creative work or 365 multitasking, but I do need a secondary machine that could handle light work if necessary. The Neo simply can't. It turns out that 8GB RAM (even with unified memory) does, in fact, matter.

After two days of telling myself it was 'still indexing' and trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, I sadly returned the Neo and repurchased an MBA, this time choosing the base model and only upgrading the storage. It was the right decision for my particular use case.

I want to reiterate that none of the issues I encountered were the result of the Neo's flaws. It's a great little computer for those it was intended for. (I'm actually trying to hard sell it to my daughter to get her off the garbage school-issued Chromebook she uses.) I'm just not in that population, and that's ok.
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You payed for a computer that has the value of what you payed. Something rare in the Apple world. It’s very easy to find a use case for a computer that is not capable of handling said load.

I liked the Neo the instant I started working with it. And many weeks later still like it. My use cases fit the capacity.
 
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I7guy said:
You payed for a computer that has the value of what you payed. Something rare in the Apple world. It’s very easy to find a use case for a computer that is not capable of handling said load.

I liked the Neo the instant I started working with it. And many weeks later still like it. My use cases fit the capacity.
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Yes, agree - love my Neo - just runs so much better than my M2 MBA or M1 MBP for my needs / uses.

But when I need horsepower, I just change tools and hop onto my Mac Studio Max which is the most amazing powerhouse Mac I have.
 
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