For the first time in years, Apple is expanding its MacBook lineup with an entirely new model aimed at budget-conscious buyers and students.
The MacBook Neo starts at just $599 for the base 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option, replacing the Air has the entry-level option in the lineup. There’s also a $699 variant with double the storage.
The new MacBook Air M5, also announced this week, starts at $1099 but also comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
The MacBook Air features an aluminum build and comes in five different color options: Citrus, Indigo, Silver, and Blush.
This is the first time Apple has used its A-series chip in its laptop. The MacBook Neo is powered by A18 Pro, previously seen in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. It features a hexa-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.
Though not as powerful as other new Macs, it should get you through everyday tasks, like web browsing, checking emails, creating documents, and video calls. Apple is hopeful to replace Chromebooks which are still being used in schools for said tasks.
The Liquid Retina display here uses a 14-inch LCD panel 2408 x 1506 pixels resolution and 500 nits brightness. There is no TrueTone technology and P3 color gamut standard with other MacBooks.
The Neo also misses out on Apple’s Force Touch trackpad and instead settles for a more a non-haptic trackpad. The Magic Keyboard is not back-lit and Touch ID is also optional, reserved for the higher-end $699 model.
There are USB-C port on each side which you can use for charging and accessories. The left port can also be used to connect to an external display. There’s also a headphone jack for wired audio.
Moreover, Apple has included dual side-firing speakers, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and dual mics.
Inside is a 36.5 WHr battery, promising a 16-hour long usage on a single charge. Apple includes a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box.
MacBookBook ships with macOS Tahoe with Apple Intelligence included. It is available for pre-order and will be available in stores starting March 11.
