MacBook Neo review: Apple's $599 laptop is better than it should be

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Apple's brand-new MacBook Neo is the most affordable laptop it's ever made. In fact, the Neo's surprisingly low $599 starting price is likely the first thing people will notice. The second is its use of a mobile A18 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro. For longtime MacBook users, that combination might raise eyebrows: the price is undeniably appealing, but the chip may seem underpowered. In practice, though, most people don't need to worry.

For the money, the MacBook Neo isn't a compromise. It merely captures the essentials of what an Apple laptop is and makes it more attainable than it's been in a long time. Price is obviously important. I bought my first Mac in 2005 largely because the original Mac Mini debuted at $499. In that context, the $599 MacBook Neo feels like a clear signal that Apple wants iPhone users to consider this as their entry-level computer. If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, why choose a cheap Windows laptop or Chromebook when there's now a budget MacBook that works seamlessly with your other devices?

If you're trying to figure out whether the MacBook Neo is for you, I can help. I've been using the entry-level computer since it was released. I have some thoughts on whether you should be shopping for the MacBook Neo or a more powerful laptop like the MacBook Air.

What I like most and where it falls short

For those interested, the MacBook Neo's A18 Pro chip benchmarks somewhere between Apple's M3 and M4 chip for single-threaded tasks, like web browsing, email, and basic photo editing. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while a 512GB option is available for $100 more. Both options feature a 13-inch screen and come in four colors: Indigo, Blush, Citrus, or Silver.

But instead of going too far down the road with raw specs, I think it's more helpful to talk about the MacBook Neo a bit differently. With the Neo, it's less about splitting hairs over technical performance and more about the feel of what it's like to actually use.

First and foremost, I was expecting the laptop's A18 Pro chip to feel slow, but it didn't, and hasn't. There have even been times when I forgot I was using the Neo. Its aluminum case also feels very similar to that of a MacBook Air.

I had no problem with speed for my work needs, which include writing, editing, research, photo editing, light video editing, and listening to a lot of music. My biggest gripe with the computer is the lack of a backlit keyboard. The keyboard itself feels great to type on, but using the laptop at night is a little harder without light shining through the keys.

I also miss Touch ID on the 256GB model (it's only available on the pricier 512GB edition). This feature uses a fingerprint reader to unlock your computer, validate Apple Pay, and enter passwords. If you've ever had it on a computer or iPhone before, you'll miss it too. But here's a tip: If you have an Apple Watch, you can have the Neo unlock automatically when wearing it nearby.

But while the lack of backlit keys and Touch ID is a shame, other downgrades proved to be less of a factor than I expected. For instance, I don't mind the Neo's "basic" 1080p FaceTime camera. And in daily use, I forgot that one of the Neo's side USB-C ports only transfers data at 480Mbps, while the other one can reach 10Gbps. I never plugged a headphone jack into the 3.5mm port, so I didn't notice that it doesn't support high impedance headphones. You likely won't notice either.

The speakers even sound respectable for ones on a laptop. What's wilder is that spatial audio tracks in Apple Music actually give off a 3D effect. The advertised "all day" battery life is 100% realistic. I've had no problem getting a full day's worth of writing, photo editing, and web browsing out of the machine. The 16 hours of estimated time usually serve me fine for a couple of days of medium usage.

The all-aluminum body feels very solid and durable. There's never any fan noise because there is no fan. I never felt any heat either. The screen is bright and crisp. Indoors, its full brightness could tickle your eyeballs, but outdoors, it should be able to overcome a lot of weather conditions and remain usable.

A great first laptop or a solid secondary computer

Thanks to its affordable price and ease of use, the MacBook Neo is an especially great choice for first-time laptop buyers. This is particularly true if you're an iPhone owner, as you'll find the MacBook Neo experience more familiar than not.

Not only will a lot of similar apps that you use on iPhone be available as Mac apps, but you can literally run iPad and iPhone apps on a Mac. The Mac App Store allows you to re-download your apps with the click of a button. Your photos, messages, music, passwords, and Safari tabs all sync through iCloud. You can even see your iPhone screen on your Mac and control it from the computer. If you have an iPad, you can use it as a wireless second screen with the Neo.

Meanwhile, Apple newcomers willing to spend a few days getting to know the brand's operating system will be rewarded with a great computing experience, too. People who already own an iMac, Mac Mini, or a more powerful MacBook Pro can also benefit from a Neo. It just won't be as powerful as those machines.

This is where I'm at. I have a desktop Mac, but I don't always want to sit at my desk. I tried using an iPad Pro as my portable machine, but since the Neo has been released, I've found it to be a better solution. So, even if the Neo isn't powerful enough or doesn't have enough storage to be your main machine at home, it can work well as a secondary device for on-the-go use.

Who the Neo isn't for

Just as any Bluetooth speaker can play any song from your phone, the MacBook Neo should be able to launch and run most apps. But the reason you buy a larger, more expensive speaker is to get more bass, volume, and range. Similarly, the pricier MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offer greater speed, capacity, and versatility than the entry-level Neo.

One example of a use case where a more expensive Mac is a better fit is with multi-threaded tasks. So, if you know you'll be doing 3D modeling, video encoding, or developing apps using Xcode, the MacBook Neo isn't for you. Those more intensive applications are designed to take advantage of multiple cores in the processing chip. You'll want to look at least an M5 MacBook Air or a computer with the M5 Pro chip for those needs. Of course, gamers looking to play high-end titles should also look elsewhere.

Likewise, if you just have the cash to spare and want more speed and storage, or simply crave some of the nicer design touches that come with Apple's premium laptops, you should consider leaving the Neo behind for an Air or Pro model.

Should you buy the MacBook Neo?

Apple's MacBook Neo isn't just a good laptop; it's a great one. Anyone shopping for a laptop in the $500-$800 price range should consider the Neo first. You're just not going to find another machine as well constructed, with as good a keyboard and trackpad, with this battery life, and under three pounds, for this price.

Having 8GB of RAM may seem tight on paper, but if you're the type of user who's concerned about specs like RAM, then you should probably be looking at a MacBook Air to begin with anyway. The Neo is intended as an entry-level or secondary device. And in that context, it's a big winner.

Apple could have set the MacBook Neo at $699 or $799, and it would still be a solid purchase. The fact that it starts at $599 is simply delightful.