I ditched the MacBook Air for a MacBook Neo for 48 hours — and I’m shocked
I ditched the MacBook Air for a MacBook Neo for 48 hours — and I’m shocked
Publish Date: 2026-03-17 00:15:00
Source Domain: www.tomsguide.com
Although Apple recently released the powerful MacBook Air M5 and the even beefier M5 Pro and M5 Max models, the laptop I’ve found most interesting is the MacBook Neo.
Starting at $599, this entry-level MacBook matches or exceeds the best Windows laptops in that price range. With RAMageddon still forcing companies to raise costs across the board, this budget-friendly MacBook is a welcome relief, and one I can easily recommend to most people.
In our MacBook Neo review, we called it the best budget laptop ever, thanks to its premium design, bright display, and solid A18 Pro performance. There are some trade-offs, but for $599, it’s a compelling purchase for anyone looking for a wallet-friendly laptop.
Article continues below
You may like
I just spent 48 hours with the MacBook Neo as my main computer, and the experience was insightful, to say the least. Though it’s a fantastic machine for what it costs, it also has some trade-offs — especially if you’re used to more powerful MacBooks. Here are my hands-on thoughts.
MacBook Neo: What I like
Design
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The MacBook Neo is a striking laptop, and not just because it’s available in several fun colors. Instead of the usual cheap plastic designs you see at this price, the Neo has an elegant all-aluminum frame like its pricier MacBook siblings, complete with the same rounded corners. It’s a beautiful machine that feels great to hold.
On paper, the MacBook Neo weighs 2.7 pounds, the same as the 13-inch MacBook Air. However, it feels slightly heavier because it’s a bit bulkier (and slightly thicker). Still, it’s a laptop you can easily slip into your backpack and forget it’s there.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
I really enjoy the Neo’s Magic Keyboard, which has the same snappy feedback as the one on the MacBook Air. It’s roomy and comfortable to type on, even if you have big hands like me. There’s no Force Touch trackpad here, but the…
