Exactly a week back, Apple introduced its most budget-friendly laptop yet, the MacBook Neo. The 13-inch device is an entry-point in the Apple ecosystem for users who have been thinking of owning a MacBook for a long time, but never got around to doing so due to its price. The MacBook Neo, with a price tag of Rs 69,900, costs less than the vanilla iPhone 17. And it is available for sale starting today. You can simply head over to Apple’s website and press the favourite button of all Apple fans – Add to bag.
Now, it is also to be noted that the mid-range laptop market already has some interesting devices that are up for grabs at the same price. As a result, many people are confused if they should go out and shell out close to Rs 70,000 on the MacBook Neo. So before you make a decision, read on as we list 5 reasons to get the device, and 2 reasons you might want to skip it.
Also read: Where is Apple’s touchscreen MacBook? All rumours so far
1. To enter the Apple ecosystem
The MacBook Neo could be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to step into the Apple ecosystem. Once you have an Apple product, you get access to the whole ecosystem and its features. From Air Drop and iCloud integration to Find My Device and Family Sharing, there are many features. And if you already own an iPhone or are planning to buy one, you can use features like Continuity and Handoff that let you start a task on one device and finish it on another.
Moreover, the MacBook Neo also runs macOS Tahoe, which comes with built in apps like Safari, Messages, Photos and FaceTime, along with Apple Intelligence features designed to make everyday tasks easier.
2. Cost
Starting at Rs 69,900 for all users and at Rs 59,990 for those eligible for an education discount, the new MacBook costs less than the iPad Air M4 and even (in case you avail education discount) the iPhone 17e. And this is a big factor for those looking for a low-cost MacBook just to get by their day-to-day tasks.
Until now, buying a MacBook required spending significantly more. With MacBook Neo, Apple is rewriting that narrative. Even at this price, you still get a durable aluminium body, Apple silicon performance and the macOS experience. And that combination hasn’t really been seen before in this segment.
3. Promising performance for the price
Unlike the other MacBooks that run on Apple’s M-series chipsets, the MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip. This is the same chip that powers the iPhone 16 Pro and Apple says that the laptop can handle everyday tasks without hiccups. Apple, in its press release, said that the MacBook Neo is 50% faster for common activities such as web browsing compared to the bestselling PC laptop with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chip.
The chip also includes a 16 core Neural Engine that powers Apple Intelligence features and other AI driven tools. So be it summarising notes, editing photos or multitasking between apps like Safari, Excel, Canva and Messages, the MacBook Neo’s got your back.
Finally, the laptop comes with a fanless design, which means that it will run quieter than other machines.
4. Display and design
The MacBook Neo comes with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 by 1506 and brightness up to 500 nits. It also supports one billion colours, which means images, videos and text appear sharp and vibrant.
For most users like students, professionals, and creators, the display quality is an important factor while picking up a new laptop. And Apple says the MacBook Neo’s panel is brighter and has a higher resolution than many laptops available in the same price bracket. Now considering Apple’s reputation for including superior quality displays in their machines, this claim is quite believable.
Then of course is the design factor. Now some people prefer their laptops to match their personality. And the MacBook Neo, with its exciting colour options, is a machine that looks superb. So if design matters to you, the laptop builds a strong case for itself.
5. Apple’s after-sales support
For many users, Apple’s strong reputation for customer service plays a big role in them choosing a MacBook. The company is known for providing dependable after sales support, and there have been several cases where users received quick assistance or even device replacements when something went wrong. Even when a replacement is not possible, Apple service centres often help customers find the most practical solution. And this level of support can be important for budget conscious users who want their laptops to last for years. Because of this reliability and long term service support, the MacBook Neo could be a sensible purchase for many users.
1. No backlit keyboard
The MacBook Neo comes without a backlit keyboard, which can make typing in low-lighting a big challenge. We are now accustomed to backlit keyboards and the absence of it is something that might not be that big of a deal for some users, but others will definitely notice.
2. 20W charger in the box
The MacBook Neo ships with a 20W charger, which might feel too slow for a laptop. And even though charging speed may not seem like a major headline feature, it can make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
Also read: MacBook Air M4 now available with Rs 10,000 discount: Here’s how the deal works