jakey rolling
macrumors 65816
If you don't understand the basic concept of an enthusiast forum where people share their opinions on a product, including whether that product is worth keeping or sending back, then I think you're in the wrong place.
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Why I Returned the MacBook Neo
- Thread starter Pbwallstreet
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turbineseaplane
macrumors Penryn
So talking about why and when you bought something, including sharing "UPS has mine out for delivery!" is totally cool and within the rules..
But if you return or sell something that didn't work out, that should not be talked about?
I'm trying to understand what's "ok" here.
I would have kept it just for the sole reason the Neo has no notch.
Thank you for sharing. I don't know why others are giving you grief for sharing your honest hands on experience of the computer.
I think one of the big stories with the Neo (and it goes in both directions) is that the Neo spec sheet is deceptive. It is surprisingly good in some ways that people weren't expecting and has some shortcomings that aren't immediately obvious unless you actually spend extended hands on time with the device.
I've watched like 10 Youtube reviews of this machine and this is the first place that I've seen really critical evaluation of the screen that doesn't just focus on the lack of P3 color gamut, something I could get from the spec sheet. Viewing angles and how much of an impact the relatively small (on paper) size difference makes is important information to know.
I have a M4 13" Macbook Air (fantastic device btw, I would get that one) so I already knew I didn't need the Neo for myself. But I'm also the unofficial tech consultant for my entire family and extended family, probably like many of you here. It's helpful to have this sort of information as I make tech purchase recommendations to friends and family who don't spend their time crawling macrumors.
So anyway. To offset some of the negativity. Thank you 🙂
I think one of the big stories with the Neo (and it goes in both directions) is that the Neo spec sheet is deceptive. It is surprisingly good in some ways that people weren't expecting and has some shortcomings that aren't immediately obvious unless you actually spend extended hands on time with the device.
I've watched like 10 Youtube reviews of this machine and this is the first place that I've seen really critical evaluation of the screen that doesn't just focus on the lack of P3 color gamut, something I could get from the spec sheet. Viewing angles and how much of an impact the relatively small (on paper) size difference makes is important information to know.
I have a M4 13" Macbook Air (fantastic device btw, I would get that one) so I already knew I didn't need the Neo for myself. But I'm also the unofficial tech consultant for my entire family and extended family, probably like many of you here. It's helpful to have this sort of information as I make tech purchase recommendations to friends and family who don't spend their time crawling macrumors.
So anyway. To offset some of the negativity. Thank you 🙂
jakey rolling
macrumors 65816
I always find it completely unhelpful to picture Robin Williams saying "same as it ever was" in that song instead of David Byrne.
Fravin
macrumors 6502a
The funny thing is the same guy posted in other thread “still waiting for delivery” 😀😛😂
Life is funny.
turbineseaplane
macrumors Penryn
I've had 2 such family questions so far re: Neo
With both, I've recommended spending a touch more and going for a refurb 13" MBA M4.
My in person experience confirms this feeling.
The Neo is a clear downgrade in basically all possible ways, certainly the noticeable ones for the target market of my casual family members, vs any MBA from M1 onwards.
One that might not seem obvious but actually relevant?
No MagSafe.
Many of my family members like to share and jointly use chargers for travel and around the house.
fenderbass146
macrumors 68000
...seems like you did lol. Everyone likes trying and playing with the new hot toy. You knew exactly what to expect based on specs...what did you expect with this post. lol
anthony13
macrumors 65816
Wow, I did not know returning a device was something people get heat for 🤣. Either way appreciate the first hand report on the screen. I'm a power use so this isnt for me on any day, but the Neo could serve some in the family as a house hold consumer device. that said iPad's currently fill that role and seemingly have much nicer screens, and I like the OP agree that once you get used to higher quality screen's its hard to go back.
Thanks. One thing that struck me was that just sitting in front of the Neo and not moving, but moving my eyes to look at the left or right of the screen, I noticed degradation of screen clarity due to inferior viewing angles of the panel. Meaning I didn’t need to move or move the laptop one way or another…
That pretty much broke it for me. It reminds me of the plastic Macbook screen. Obviously it’s better and higher resolution but it had a feeling of that screen.
turbineseaplane
macrumors Penryn
I don't even understand why folks are getting upset about the Neo having obviously lesser specs.
Is it just because they bought it and want to "believe" it's a much nicer Mac than it is?
The thing is dirt cheap (for a Macbook)
Apple hasn't suddenly decided to start taking a loss on selling a Mac.
By necessity this thing is going to have corners cut all OVER the place.
This is why I call it a GimpBook.
It literally is a gimped version of more expensive Macs.
Is it just because they bought it and want to "believe" it's a much nicer Mac than it is?
The thing is dirt cheap (for a Macbook)
Apple hasn't suddenly decided to start taking a loss on selling a Mac.
By necessity this thing is going to have corners cut all OVER the place.
This is why I call it a GimpBook.
It literally is a gimped version of more expensive Macs.
adrianlondon
macrumors 604
❌ Stuff not related to Apple, unless used as a comparison to Apple
❌ Waiting for delivery! Downloading now!
❌ Huge screenshots from the iOS software update tab
❌ Liquid ASS hahaha. Gimp Book LOL! Safari lasts longer hhehehehe! Battery is snapper lollol!
✅ Everything else
(Don't panic, I'm not a moderator 😁)
PBG4 Dude
macrumors 603
On topic, I almost want one to make it a headless macOS device for my AVP. Watching the tear down, removing the top/screen looks easy peasy.
macfacts
macrumors 603
he is creating supply for refurbished market.
The screen matches the price of the laptop, OP. Why are you comparing an OLED for the best phone you can buy today with a budget laptop? Or viewing angles?
That's like saying an LG OLED TV is better than a cheapo FHD LCD TV. I would hope so!!
That's like saying an LG OLED TV is better than a cheapo FHD LCD TV. I would hope so!!
raythompsontn
macrumors 65816
Shortcomings? Compared to what? A more expensive and higher specification machine? Is a Ford Ranger a shortcoming over a F-250? Completely different products.
A NEO is what it is. You can compare the product to others, you cannot claim shortcomings just because the device does not have a feature. That feature never existed in the device from the beginning.
EugW
macrumors P6
No, not the same at all. There are lots of LCDs with great viewing angles. It’s IPS after all. Here’s it’s a matter of degree. Judging by reports I had assumed the viewing angles would be the same on the MacBook Air, another IPS laptop, but it seems it isn’t the case. I will have to judge for myself though.
One of the Macs I hated the most was the 11” MacBook Air because the viewing angles were bad. I guarantee the Neo won’t be anywhere near that bad, but if what the OP says is correct, it might be enough to sway some people.
I can understand no Display P3, no True Tone, etc. but worse viewing angles would be a disappointment.
conmee
macrumors 6502a
The site would have half the posts it currently has if items 2-4 were deleted/banned. 😉
Besides the point and those are technicalities.
Think of it from a layman's perspective. You put someone in front of an LG OLED. Then you put then in front of the cheap LCD TV. Ask them which one looks better.
There is your answer, and the price will reflect that. But if you never owned an OLED TV (or monitor, or phone) you won't know what you are missing - and that is ok.
Please make a separate post about this post so that everyone can know loool
Interesting! I like the screen & don't really notice any large differences from my Air, but I usually use it plugged in to external monitors & the bult in screen becomes an additional one that I don't look at often. That iw weird about the degradation just moving your eyes. I don't see that at all. I wonder if they are using different suppliers & we got ones made by different companies, or if maybe yours was defective in some way.
Who knows. Oh well, at least you gave it a shot! Good luck with whatever you end up with (I feel like you mentioned that in the original post, but that was several pages ago & I no longer remember).
EugW
macrumors P6
No it’s not. That’s not even close to being an appropriate analogy. OLED and cheap LCD are completely differently technologies.
Here we are comparing Retina IPS vs Retina IPS.
jz0309
macrumors P6
So what? Those who are really looking at the Neo are not comparing it to other MacBooks, maybe some will look at a MBA and predominantly they'll compare it to entry level Windows laptops.
I had my Neo delivered yesterday and have not found a reason yet to complain, it does what I expected for that price point and then a whole lot more.
YMMV
Seriously!! 😂🤣
If that were really the case, then it would be the #1 Neo topic all over the internet. That's not something that would go unnoticed at all.
OP these Neos are going to sell out very fast and I can see stock being very low this year. Are you sure you allowed enough time to make your decision to return it?