Odd cpu choice

[ls1dreams]

I realize they are trying to hit a price target, but why not just move to the A19 pro at least that has 12gb of RAM? That extra 4gb of RAM buffer would make a big difference especially if they roll out more AI/Apple intelligence features.

I realize that the A19 has only 8gb, but I would expect phones to have lower AI needs than laptops.

 

[Andeddu]

Because they are aiming for a price point of $499 (with a student discount) or $599. I don’t believe the Neo would be a great proposition at $699 and $799 with those upgrades you’ve mentioned as it’ll be priced too closely to the M5 Air at $1099.

 

[JPack]

You’re wondering why?

The keyboard isn’t backlit, the WiFi is from MediaTek, even the power cable is shorter at 1.5m instead of 2m.

This thing is a custom designed weapon against low-end Windows PCs and premium Chromebooks. Every dollar counts and Apple needs to be able to knock it down to even $449 or even $399 when the battle begins during Back to School.

 

[ls1dreams]

You’re wondering why?

The keyboard isn’t backlit, the WiFi is from MediaTek, even the power cable is shorter at 1.5m instead of 2m.

This thing is a custom designed weapon against low-end Windows PCs and premium Chromebooks. Every dollar counts and Apple needs to be able to knock it down to even $449 or even $399 when the battle begins during Back to School.

I realize though 8gb is quite limited for a laptop, especially if they want these to last at least 5 years with some future AI support. Also remember Apple designs these cpus so the cost difference is probably like sub $10 between an A18 and A19 pro. Maybe even sub $5. I could be wrong though if TSMC pricing on 3nm is still pretty expensive even for A chips.

 

[JPack]

I realize though 8gb is quite limited for a laptop, especially if they want these to last at least 5 years with some future AI support. Also remember Apple designs these cpus so the cost difference is probably like sub $10 between an A18 and A19 pro. Maybe even sub $5. I could be wrong though if TSMC pricing on 3nm is still pretty expensive even for A chips.

With the way things are going, local AI isn’t going smoothly for Apple.

Apple only designs the chips. They have no say on the wafer prices for logic or DRAM supply. Hyperscalers have signed contracts extending to 2030.

 

[BSDnostalgia]

A19 has EMTE. Reason enough to use some version of A19.

 

[PaulD-UK]

@ls1dreams "I would expect phones to have lower AI needs than laptops."
iPhone Pros use massive amounts of Machine Learning for the cameras. That's why they have the latest Neural Engine each year. That's not really needed for 1080p FaceTime, so it's there for new Siri haha

 

[Mlrollin91]

I realize though 8gb is quite limited for a laptop, especially if they want these to last at least 5 years with some future AI support. Also remember Apple designs these cpus so the cost difference is probably like sub $10 between an A18 and A19 pro. Maybe even sub $5. I could be wrong though if TSMC pricing on 3nm is still pretty expensive even for A chips.

8GB of unified memory is more than sufficient for a budget laptop. Hell, I still have an early 2010s MBA with 4GB of RAM that is more than fine at web browsing or word processing. I truly do not get the obsession with RAM. The target audience for this machine does not need more than 8GB of RAM.

 

[4sallypat]

8GB of unified memory is more than sufficient for a budget laptop. Hell, I still have an early 2010s MBA with 4GB of RAM that is more than fine at web browsing or word processing. I truly do not get the obsession with RAM. The target audience for this machine does not need more than 8GB of RAM.

Yes, agreed.

8GB is fine for 90% of the users who are the target for this new line.

I will be putting it thru the paces as if it's my work laptop next Wed when I pick up 2 Neos.

 

[Mlrollin91]

Yes, agreed.

8GB is fine for 90% of the users who are the target for this new line.

I will be putting it thru the paces as if it's my work laptop next Wed when I pick up 2 Neos.

I'm half tempted to pick one up for on the go so I don't need to lug my MBP around for basic tasks.

 

[4sallypat]

I'm half tempted to pick one up for on the go so I don't need to lug my MBP around for basic tasks.

My thoughts exactly.

Between my 15" MBA, 13.6" MBP, and 16" MBP - all of which I don't want to tote - the Neo will be my choice for travel and nighttime use before bed.