How the MacBook Neo compares to Windows and Chromebook rivals

Apple's MacBook Neo lowers the entry price for a new Mac laptop to $599 ($499 with an education discount), making Mac ownership more attainable. It pairs a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, aluminum construction and up to 16 hours of battery life, positioning it against mid-range Windows laptops and higher-end Chromebooks.

For students, first-time Mac users, and people who need a machine for browsing, writing and everyday tasks, that combination is compelling. The Neo starts with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (512GB is $100 extra). It weighs about 2.7 pounds, includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual mics and Spatial Audio speakers, and charges via a 20W USB-C adapter from a 36.5‑Wh battery.

The A18 Pro’s integrated GPU is adequate for photo editing, light video work and casual gaming. Windows 11 laptops can match or exceed the Neo on memory, storage and ports, often using Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics.

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