{"id":24616,"date":"2026-04-01T03:16:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T18:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616"},"modified":"2026-04-01T03:16:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T18:16:14","slug":"macbook-neo-assessment-the-price-range-apple-laptop-computer-powered-by-an-iphone-chip-apple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616","title":{"rendered":"MacBook Neo assessment: the price range Apple laptop computer powered by an iPhone chip | Apple"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Apple\u2019s model new entry-level laptop computer is powered by the chip from an iPhone and gives extra than simply the important MacBook expertise for an amazing worth, placing the PC business on discover.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"disclaimer\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.DisclaimerBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><span class=\"dcr-1iz7gbk\"><\/p>\n<aside data-testid=\"affiliate-disclaimer-inline\" data-component=\"affiliate-disclaimer-inline\" class=\"dcr-189ogop\">\n<p>The Guardian\u2019s journalism is impartial. We are going to earn a fee in case you purchase one thing by way of an affiliate hyperlink.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/info\/2017\/nov\/01\/reader-information-on-affiliate-links\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Study extra<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p><\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The MacBook Neo is the primary of its form from Apple. A 13in laptop computer that runs on an A18 Professional chip and brings the beginning worth for a model new MacBook right down to \u00a3599 (\u20ac699\/$599\/A$899) \u2013 \u00a3500 or the equal lower than the MacBook Air.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Neo is a completely new mannequin however shares nearly all its design DNA with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/apr\/10\/apple-macbook-air-m4-review-the-laptop-to-beat-now-cheaper\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MacBook Air<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2024\/nov\/08\/apple-macbook-pro-m4-review-faster-better-and-cheaper\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professional<\/a>, together with its high quality aluminium physique, modern strains and rounded corners.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"6e1ae8ee-5a0c-405c-bf81-9be6f1bfa8a5\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Regardless of being cheaper, the Neo doesn\u2019t look, really feel or work like a cut-price machine.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Neo is 10g lighter, 1.4mm thicker and barely smaller than the present Air by 8.6mm and 6.6mm on width and peak respectively, which makes it really feel fairly dense for the scale of machine. In apply it&#8217;s not materially smaller for becoming in a bag or on a desk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The components of the Neo that you just work together with are all top quality, belying its decrease price. The 13in display screen is smaller than the 13.6in fitted to the \u201c13in\u201d Air and lacks Apple\u2019s True Tone expertise however not like many cheaper laptops, it&#8217;s simply as crisp with the identical 500nit most brightness as the corporate\u2019s different laptops. It doesn\u2019t really feel like a downgrade in use.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The identical could be stated of the keyboard that&#8217;s simply nearly as good as its dearer siblings. The beneficiant trackpad is mechanical fairly than the top-class haptic variations as fitted to Apple\u2019s different machines, however is the very best of its sort I&#8217;ve used. Much better than the poor diving-board type trackpads nonetheless fitted to many Home windows and Chromebooks that merely can\u2019t be clicked in the direction of their tops.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"9553b778-1430-4411-a7fc-12d3f550aa7e\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The keyboard is colour-matched to the physique of the Neo however lacks a backlight, making it more durable to see at night time.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The bottom-model Neo doesn&#8217;t have a Contact ID fingerprint scanner within the energy button. It solely comes with the bigger storage mannequin costing an additional \u00a3100 or the equal, which is a little bit of a disgrace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The mics and 1080p webcam are fairly good however the latter lacks Apple\u2019s auto-panning and scanning tech. The audio system are additionally respectable: loud sufficient to fill a small room with music or a film and with out being too tinny. The Neo additionally has a headphone socket, which is an more and more uncommon however welcome sight.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_53 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-69ebdf27ca0d6\" ><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input aria-label=\"Toggle\" aria-label=\"item-69ebdf27ca0d6\"  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-69ebdf27ca0d6\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#Specs\" title=\"Specs\">Specs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#An_iPhone_chip_No_sweat\" title=\"An iPhone chip? No sweat\">An iPhone chip? No sweat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#MacOS_26_Tahoe\" title=\"MacOS 26 Tahoe\">MacOS 26 Tahoe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#Sustainability\" title=\"Sustainability\">Sustainability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#Worth\" title=\"Worth\">Worth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/?p=24616\/#Verdict\" title=\"Verdict\">Verdict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"specifications\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Specs\"><\/span><strong>Specs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Display screen:<\/strong> 13in LCD (2408&#215;1506; 219 ppi)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Processor:<\/strong> Apple 18 Professional (5-core GPU)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>RAM:<\/strong> 8GB<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Storage:<\/strong> 256GB or 512GB<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Working system:<\/strong> macOS 26 Tahoe<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Digicam:<\/strong> 1080p FaceTime HD<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Connectivity:<\/strong> wifi 6E, Bluetooth 6, 2x USB-C (USB3 and USB2), headphones<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Dimensions:<\/strong> 206.4 x 297.5 x 12.7mm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 1.23kg<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"an-iphone-chip-no-sweat\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_iPhone_chip_No_sweat\"><\/span><strong>An iPhone chip? No sweat<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"ad33d5a8-6eb0-429a-b4c0-be704a4ea87d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The Neo lacks MagSafe or quick charging, taking two hours, 20 minutes to completely cost by way of a 35W adaptor (not included), hitting 90% in 93 minutes.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Not like the remainder of Apple\u2019s Macs, which have beefier M-series chips, the Neo has an A18 Professional chip from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2024\/oct\/08\/iphone-16-pro-review-apple-levels-up-its-smaller-pro-phone-screen-camera-zoom\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iPhone 16 Professional<\/a>. Don\u2019t let the identify idiot you, the chip is very performant, notably in on a regular basis duties during which it completely flies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">In consequence the Neo can deal with most duties with aplomb regardless of solely having 8GB of reminiscence \u2013 half that of different Macs. It sailed by way of advanced edits to a number of giant file pictures in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affinity.studio\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Affinity<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fpixelmator-pro%2F&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pixelmator Professional<\/a> with out breaking a sweat and is definitely able to mild video enhancing. It is going to solely begin to decelerate within the sorts of duties that require giant quantities of reminiscence or multicore processing efficiency, which these shopping for a Neo are extremely unlikely to routinely want.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The laptop computer\u2019s battery life is superb for a skinny and lightweight machine, managing about 13 hours between costs for basic shopping, be aware taking, picture enhancing, chat and emails, which equates to a couple of day and a half of labor. You could be assured of leaving the home with out the charger and nonetheless getting all of your work achieved.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"03177939-37bd-44f7-8b03-63ba535a18fb\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The Contact ID fingerprint scanner works simply in addition to different Macs and is an improve price contemplating.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The port collection of the Neo is a bit uncommon. It has two USB-C ports however just one is USB3, leaving the second appropriate just for connecting slower USB2 equipment corresponding to a keyboard or mouse, or utilizing for energy. Solely the USB3 port helps connecting to a monitor and neither assist Thunderbolt, so gained\u2019t work with sure docks, shows or the quickest storage in the identical approach each different Mac can.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Neo can solely drive screens as much as 4K at 60Hz, which implies no excessive body charge shows. It is going to work with an Apple Studio Show, however solely at 4K, not the monitor\u2019s native 5K decision.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"macos-26-tahoe\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MacOS_26_Tahoe\"><\/span><strong>MacOS 26 Tahoe<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"0893d1ff-0e7a-4396-9945-f537a0209593\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Regardless of solely having 8GB of reminiscence, the Neo dealt with multitasking with aplomb, remaining snappy whereas operating many various functions.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Neo runs macOS 26 Tahoe, similar to each different current Mac, and helps all the normal software program, together with Microsoft Workplace, Chrome, WhatsApp, Adobe or internet apps. However Macs include <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/guide\/mac-help\/mchl110b00b7\/mac\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a variety of bundled software program at no cost<\/a>, together with a full, good workplace suite with Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Notes, Voice Memos and Freeform, and the superb Storage Band and iMovie for content material creation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">There are sometimes higher choices accessible within the App Retailer or third-party websites, however for a lot of, Apple\u2019s apps are greater than adequate for many duties.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sustainability\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sustainability\"><\/span><strong>Sustainability<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The MacBook Neo is made with 60% recycled supplies. Apple breaks down the pc\u2019s environmental affect in <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fenvironment%2Fpdf%2Fproducts%2Fnotebooks%2FMacBook_Neo_PER_Mar2026.pdf&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">its report<\/a>. The battery ought to final in <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fbatteries%2Fservice-and-recycling%2F&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">extra of 1,000 full-charge cycles<\/a> with no less than 80% of its unique capability, and could be changed from <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/mac-laptops\/repair?services=service\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a3149<\/a>. The restore specialists iFixit gave the machine <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifixit.com%2FNews%2F116152%2Fmacbook-neo-is-the-most-repairable-macbook-in-14-years&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">six out of 10 for repairability<\/a>. Apple gives trade-in and free recycling schemes, together with for non-Apple merchandise.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"price\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Worth\"><\/span><strong>Worth<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Apple MacBook Neo prices <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-neo&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00a3599<\/a> (\u20ac699\/<a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-neo&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$599<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fau%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-neo&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A$899<\/a>) with 256GB of storage or \u00a3699 (\u20ac799\/$699\/A$1,099) with 512GB and Contact ID.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">For comparability, the 13in MacBook Air M5 prices from <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00a31,099<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/11\/apple-ipad-air-m4-review-still-the-premium-tablet-to-beat\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iPad Air M4<\/a> prices <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fshop%2Fbuy-ipad%2Fipad-air&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00a3599<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/jun\/04\/surface-laptop-13in-windows-11-ai-notebook-review\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft Floor Laptop computer 13in<\/a> prices <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/store\/b\/buy-surface-laptop\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a3899<\/a> and the Asus Vivobook 14\u2019s RRP is <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asus.com%2Fuk%2Flaptops%2Ffor-home%2Fvivobook%2Fasus-vivobook-14-x1407q%2F&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/mar\/31\/macbook-neo-review-budget-apple-laptop-iphone-chip\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00a3799<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"verdict\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Verdict\"><\/span><strong>Verdict<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The MacBook Neo is a shocking entry into the sub-\u00a3600 laptop computer class that proves cheaper machines don\u2019t need to be garbage. Apple has reduce the precise corners to hit a worth that&#8217;s simply over half a MacBook Air, guaranteeing all of the components you straight work together with stay very top quality. The Neo simply doesn\u2019t really feel like a less expensive laptop computer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The A18 Professional iPhone chip at its coronary heart flies by way of on a regular basis duties. The brilliant and crisp display screen is a pleasure to have a look at and the keyboard and trackpad are greatest at school. Regardless of having a smaller display screen than the MacBook Air, the Neo isn\u2019t materially extra compact in the case of becoming it in a bag, nevertheless.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">There are many cuts in contrast with an M5 MacBook Air that could be deal breakers for some: no wifi 7, no Thunderbolt, no 5K show assist, solely 8GB reminiscence, a mechanical fairly than haptic touchpad, no backlit keys, no True Tone show and no Centre Stage webcam.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Should you want any of these options or can afford to pay extra, then the MacBook Air is a greater laptop computer all spherical. However for individuals who need a cheaper machine, notably at scholar costs, that are \u00a3100 or the equal lower than the RRP, Apple has set a brand new benchmark with the Neo. PC makers higher take discover.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-w9py1s\">\n<p><strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Execs:<\/strong> snappy efficiency, lengthy battery life, good and brilliant 13in display screen, nice keyboard, best-in-class mechanical trackpad, good mics and audio system, respectable webcam, Contact ID, good worth.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Cons:<\/strong> solely two USB-C ports (USB3 and USB2), solely 8GB of reminiscence, no wifi 7, no Thunderbolt, no backlit keyboard, no True Tone or Centre Stage tech, no Contact ID on most cost-effective mannequin, no MagSafe or quick charging, no M5 chip.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"19835fb7-353d-4310-babc-f748e9381572\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The MacBook Neo is a less expensive however no much less good on a regular basis Mac, best for college kids or anybody working in office-type apps or the browser.<\/span> {Photograph}: Samuel Gibbs\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apple\u2019s model new entry-level laptop computer is powered by the chip from an iPhone and gives extra than simply the important MacBook expertise for an amazing worth, placing the PC business on discover. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is impartial. We are going to earn a fee in case you purchase one thing by way of an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-24616","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-portable-computers"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24617,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24616\/revisions\/24617"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/24618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aireviewirush.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}