Apple's MacBook Neo attracts new customers that probably do not care about the technical limitations

Apple enters a new market with the compact MacBook Neo, because starting at just $599, it is much more affordable than all the other MacBooks. It is out of the question that it is inferior to the MacBook Air 13 M4 or M5, but that is not really relevant. The low starting price means that Apple is targeting a completely new group of customers and the Neo can become a huge success, especially in the education sector where the price is $499.

One thing is clear after our in-depth review: Despite the smartphone processor, the small MacBook Neo just feels like all the other MacBooks. The handling is smooth and there is sufficient performance for everyday tasks, the typing experience is identical to the more expensive models and you also get a high-quality aluminum chassis, which is not a matter of course in this price range- The 13-inch IPS panel also offers solid image quality with very accurate colors, so you can also edit pictures in the sRGB color space. It is also pretty bright at 500 nits.

The operating system as well as the included software are other advantages. Compared to Chromebooks, you get the familiar macOS without any limitations, just like you do on any other MacBook. The comprehensive software package is a big advantage compared to Windows laptops, especially in this price segment. You can also get free alternatives for many apps (like Microsoft Office), but the MacBook Neo is already shipped with all important things like office apps (including Pages & Numbers) or iMovie to edit and create movies.

Sure, there are technical drawbacks and with some effort, you will probably find comparable Windows devices as well, but this should not matter for the designated customer group. The more expensive SKU for $699 is not as good from a price-performance perspective though. Please see our review of the new MacBook Neo for more information.