Tracked topic
This might make you wonder if the MacBook Neo is underpowered. As a whole, I'm guessing not. For years now, I've been skeptical that most people are even using the full power of the latest Apple Silicon in the MacBook Air. The M5 has powerful graphics and top-of-the-line CPU performance, and that's largely wasted on people who exclusively operate out of just a handful of browser tabs. That's a very large demographic. If that's you, you'll likely enjoy using the MacBook Neo and not be bothered by the limitations. Pay attention to what apps you have open, and you'll be fine. The comparison that
The MacBook Neo Cuts (Most of) the Right Corners… For the first time ever, Apple stopped selling a 256-GB configuration of the MacBook Air, which is why prices are higher overall than with last year's M4 MacBook Air. Other than the bump to the M5 and the additional storage, the M5 MacBook Air is otherwise identical to the previous iteration. …
… The MacBook Neo does depart from the MacBook formula in terms of design in a few key ways. It's a bit more playful than other MacBooks, using rounder edges, white keycaps, and some more brighter color options. …
… No Touch ID on the base model. basic MacBook. Or the cheap MacBook. Or the mini MacBook. It's the MacBook “Neo,” meaning new or young—a fresh take on an old idea. …
… In 2026, Apple increased both the starting storage capacity and price across the entire MacBook line, down to the 13-inch MacBook Air . This laptop is expensive for a typical MacBook buyer, but not expensive for this kind of laptop. …
… Of all the older MacBooks you can buy right now, the M4 MacBook Air is the best value for what you get. MacBook Air M3 : The M3 MacBook Air is also selling on Amazon new right now, despite being two years old. …
… It would have been easy for the MacBook Air to become lost in the mix. And yet, when considering which MacBook I recommend most people buy , the MacBook Air still has the do-it-all, Goldilocks quality that sets it apart. The Airy Laptop The MacBook Air is steadfast. …
… At 0.5 inches, it's exactly the same thickness as the MacBook Neo and right around the same weight too. Does the MacBook Neo have a bit more style and personality? …
… Still Not a MacBook The iPad and MacBook do exist as separate products, but the price and features of the iPad Air make it comparable in terms of use case with the MacBook Air. …
… You might be dissuaded from the MacBook Air for the attractive price of the new MacBook Neo. But if you work in front of a computer for eight hours a day, the performance, extra memory, super-fast storage speed, and Thunderbolt ports make the MacBook Air the right option. …
… But as Cook made clear, at least two different factors are driving shortages in Apple’s Mac business: The rapid adoption of generative AI and unexpected demand for the company's new, colorful, and more affordable MacBook Neo laptop. …