You’re better off with a refurbished Mac than a MacBook Neo

https://www.pocket-lint.com/refurbished-mac-better-deal/

Publish Date: 2026-06-15 20:01:00

Apple’s MacBook Neo has been a smash hit for a reason. After years of selling comparatively expensive computers, Apple finally broke and sold a pretty good laptop for as little as $599. And it didn’t even have to make too many compromises to make it happen. If anything, the company’s attempts to differentiate the Neo have come with some real benefits, like bright, playful color options that the company doesn’t offer on many of its other computers.

The MacBook Neo is undoubtedly popular — even more popular than Apple expected, according to comments shared during the company’s recent earnings call — but if you have $600-$700 to spend on a new computer, it’s not necessarily the best option available to you. The Neo’s iPhone chip and limited RAM are minor annoyances now, but they could leave the computer in the lurch down the line. When you take into account Apple’s relatively generous trade-ins and program for refurbishing used devices, a used MacBook Air could offer even more value. If you’re willing to navigate the various deals on offer, a used M4 MacBook Air would not only offer you more power than a Neo right now, but also better support over time.

Quiz

8 Questions · Test Your Knowledge

Refurbished MacBooks
Trivia challenge

Think you know your way around a pre-owned Apple laptop? Put your
refurbished MacBook knowledge to the test.

Buying TipsHardwareHistoryApple CareValue

Begin

Where does Apple sell its own officially refurbished MacBooks directly to consumers?

AThe Apple Refurbished Store on apple.comBExclusively through Best BuyCOnly via Apple Stores in personDThrough a dedicated Apple Outlet app

Correct! Apple operates its own Refurbished Store at apple.com, where it
sells certified pre-owned devices at a discount. These units are thoroughly tested, reconditioned, and
come with a full one-year warranty just…

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