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8.3 / 10 Score Cnet Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Apple MacBook Neo $599 at Apple Pros Premium MacBook look and feel at much lower cost
13-inch display not much smaller than Macbook Air's
A18 Pro chip is powerful enough to provide fulfilling MacOS experience
Surprisingly impressive sound from stereo speakers Cons Touch ID costs $100 extra
Baseline 256GB SSD will fill up fast
No MagSafe or fast charging
Smaller battery and shorter battery life than MacBook Air
The $599 MacBook Neo is certain to become the first new, non-hand-me-down MacBook for many. The name "Neo" is intentional. Apple is appealing to new users who can't afford to spend more than $1,000 on a laptop. Neo is also geared toward parents who, having witnessed the degree of attention and care teenagers bring to their possessions (or lack thereof), aren't willing to spend a lot of money on a laptop for their children.
The MacBook Neo is a perfect compromise. By far the most affordable MacBook, it still offers the same premium design and durability as Apple's pricier MacBooks. It's also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry, and comes in three fun colors (plus standard silver). Unless your kid is a budding filmmaker or building their first LLM, they don't need the power of an Air or a Pro.
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