The neo is really impressive for $600. It has a nice screen, an incredibly rigid aluminum chassis, loads web pages and videos super fast, boots quick. Impressive Bluetooth and WiFi range and performance (Bluetooth is so much better then my old laptop), good speakers(for a laptop), good battery life, a decent keyboard, excellent trackpad, decent web cam, looks nice, low heat output and no vents to get blocked, compact and light. Highly recommended for anyone shopping for a compact web machine.

The only negatives on the hardware are: lack of keyboard backlight, the interior edge of the chassis is sharp, not enough to cut you, but enough to be annoying when typing in some positions, not many ports just a normal USB C and a 2.0 speed USB C (both can be used for charging) and screen does not fold flat, so the laptop cannot be stood up against the wall.

I was a bit unsure about the Neo because of it using a cellphone chip, but that was not a problem at all. The Neo is super snappy, as fast as my Workstation/Gaming PC when loading web pages and videos. Also I have not noticed any issues with the amount of RAM, 8GB seems sufficient for running a web browser, just as long as you do not go crazy on tabs in Chrome or if you use Firefox that actually manages tabs properly. As a web browser machine I doubt that this will have any performance issues. I am sure that you would hit limits of the mobile CPU if you do did something serious like video editing, but it is more then enough for more casual use.

As someone who had never used a mac before I was a bit apprehensive about trying a different OS, but really it has been fine. I mostly just use my laptop to run a web browser, so I do not interact with the OS that much and MacOS is really pretty nice in many ways. The hardest thing to get used to will be the copy paste shortcuts using command instead of ctrl. Mostly MacOS functions about the same as windows, just better. You can just shut the lid on the Neo and it actually shuts off without hardly using any battery and instantly resumes when you open it again. When you do shut it down boot time is super fast. Mac's update system is pretty unobtrusive and just not stupid like windows update. Mac wants you to sign up to all of their AI and cloud stuff, but you do not have to. I did not even setup the app store. The only apps that I wanted were Firefox and a system wide EQ for my earbuds. I found eqMac on gethub, the free version works pretty well. Anyway don't let the different OS scare you away, MacOS is pretty decent and not really that much different then windows. I got used to it in 2 days of use. Also it should get 7 years of software support.

Here is a comparison of the Neo with the 4 year old Lenovo Yoga 13 it is replacing. The Lenovo was $550 when new so a very similar price category from 4 years ago. Not sure if this will be useful to anyone so I am putting this at the end, but I figure that a lot of people will be in the same situation switching from a budget windows machine from a few years ago, Overall the Neo is better in almost every way, except for the screen not being able to fold around like the yoga and the lack of a backlit keyboard.

The Neo is much faster, it way outperforms the AMD 4650u in my old lenovo when it comes to loading web pages and videos. My old laptop had started really chugging lately when loading YouTube and twitch videos. Not sure it there is something wrong my old laptop it or if web sites have just gotten that much harder to run.

My old lenovo Yoga 13 has an absurd amount of flex in the plastic chassis, when you pick up one corner of the device the other edge sags visibly, the keyboard flexes noticeably when typing, the entire chassis will twist with very little effort. The chassis has also cracked in several places and I have been having to superglue it back together to keep the chassis from literally falling apart. The Neo on the other hand is completely rigid you can lift it anywhere, no flex in the keyboard, you would have to really try to do anything to this thing, it is amazing for a laptop of any price, much less a $600 one. Unless you really do something terrible to it I expect the Neo chassis to last well beond the lifetime of the hardware.

The battery life on the neo is great, I would say it is about twice that of the lenovo, even though I just put a new battery in my lenovo 6 months ago.

The Bluetooth range on the Neo is at least 2 times better, my earbuds would loose connection to the lenovo if I walked 20 feet away to go to the bathroom. I can walk anywhere in the house and stay connected to the Neo, range of about 40+ feet in the house and about 80+ feet outside. Not only the range is better but also Bluetooth connects faster and just works kind of flawlessly, while in windows I constantly had odd Bluetooth issues. This is with just some basic $30 Anker Bluetooth earbuds.

WiFI range and throughput is also much better then my old laptop

The yogo 13 had a good screen, so I do not find the screen of the Neo a huge upgrade, it is noticeably more vibrant and it is higher res, although I found 1980x1080 to be fine at this size. Also the Yoga 13 screen could fold all of the way back and around into any position you want and it was touchscreen, so some improvements and some downsides. Still the color on the Neo screen is very nice.

The speakers in the Neo are many times better then the the Lenovo, my old Pixel phone even easily outdid the Lenovo, it had impressively bad speakers.

The webcam on the Neo is also a big upgrade over the Lenovo, higher res and just better all around.

The Neo has a macbook keyboard, so generally it is a very good laptop keyboard. It is not my favorite type of keyboard, but it works quite well and is fast to type.

The trackpad is great, it is so much better then any windows computer trackpad that I have used, it functions a bit different so it takes a bit of getting used to, but it is just so much better then windows trackpads.

As the Neo uses a cellphone chip it does not really need any cooling, so there are no vents and the chassis never gets hot or even warm. My old lenovo would get uncomfortably hot when charging and I had to be careful not to block the vents when using it on a bed or blanket, but that is not a problem with the Neo. There are no vents to block.

Overall this thing is just impressive for $600 and I just do not see any windows laptop coming close to competing for a thin and light web machine. Sure if you want something that can game or do more intensive work stuff, but I just wanted something to run a web browser and this does that incredibly well while also being a beautifully well made device.

I absolutely love my MacBook Neo! The performance is fast and smooth, the display is crystal clear, and the battery life is outstanding. Everything works seamlessly, whether I’m working, streaming, or multitasking. The quality is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Apple- reliable, user-friendly, and well-built. It’s up to date, runs flawlessly, and I haven’t had a single issue. Highly recommend!

The MacBook Neo 13-inch is an impressive laptop that offers excellent performance, portability, and value. The A18 Pro chip handles everyday tasks effortlessly, from web browsing and streaming to productivity work and AI-powered features. Everything feels smooth, fast, and responsive.

The Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp, delivering beautiful colors and great clarity for both work and entertainment. Despite its compact size, the laptop provides a comfortable viewing experience and is easy to carry anywhere.

The 256GB SSD offers quick startup times and fast access to files, while the 1080p FaceTime HD camera delivers clear video quality for meetings and calls. The Citrus color adds a unique and refreshing look that stands out from traditional laptop designs.

Battery life is excellent, and the overall build quality feels premium and durable. For students, professionals, and anyone looking for a lightweight and reliable laptop, the MacBook Neo is a fantastic choice.

If I were picking nits, I'd trim a half star for some of the cost-saving choices Apple made with the Neo --- worst among them being the lack of a backlit keyboard (or at least printing the keyboard characters in a highly contrasting color --- like white-on-gray and not dark gray on lighter gray). Also, having only two USB-C ports in close proximity (rather than on opposite sides) seems a poor design choice and having one of those ports be USB 2 in this day and age seems unnecessarily cheap. However, as I said, these are minor annoyances and don't detract all that much from the elegance of the machine.

What you are getting is the cheapest Mac money has ever been able to buy (cheaper even than most 2020 Macbook Air models on the used market. You're also getting a laptop that's highly portable, powerful, with great battery life, impressive graphics, Apple Intelligence and that can run iOS and iPadOS apps in addition to those for MacOS.

I got the Neo as a (relatively) cheap, take-anywhere traveling companion for a trip to the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. I needed to be able to run my usual software and didn't want to expose my primary laptop to the risks of theft, canoe travel, jungle heat and humidity or wet landings. I took precautions, yes, but the Neo performed perfectly (as I would expect).

For all its capabilities and price, I have no qualms about giving the Neo five stars...but Apple better do something about that keyboard in the next iteration.

The Neo has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of tech, and a big part of that comes down to two things Apple consistently gets right: MacOS and build quality.

This is my first MacOS product and it is a joy to use. Everything feels smooth, intuitive, and thoughtfully designed. From the seamless integration with other Apple devices to the clean interface and reliable performance, it just works in a way that lets me focus on what I’m doing instead of fighting with the system.

Then there’s the build quality, which is honestly second to none. The Neo feels incredibly solid the moment you pick it up. The aluminum chassis is sleek yet durable, with no flex or creaking, and the attention to detail is obvious in everything from the hinge to the keyboard. It has that premium feel that makes it clear you’re using a quality device. The trackpad is large and precise, easily the best I’ve used on any laptop, and the keyboard strikes a great balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Overall, the Neo delivers a polished experience that’s hard to beat. Between the reliability and elegance of MacOS and the exceptional build quality, it’s a laptop that feels worth the investment.

I purchased the Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch with the A18 Pro chip for one of my employees, and it has been an incredible investment. She absolutely loves it and has thanked me countless times since receiving it. The laptop is fast, lightweight, and handles everyday work tasks effortlessly. The display is beautiful, battery life is excellent, and the AI-powered features make productivity even better. The combination of performance, portability, and Apple’s smooth user experience makes this an outstanding choice for both professional and personal use. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality laptop that someone will truly appreciate, I highly recommend the MacBook Neo.

Using it right now and I LOVE it. It's fast, includes all the apps I enjoy on my phone and iPad, works great for personal and business use. Lightweight, nice keyboard, screen is great for watching streaming videos, etc.

It does not get hot and the battery lasts hours and hours. Would not hesitate to buy this product again.

I bought this with my own money — not a review unit, not sponsored — so let me give you the real picture.

I was skeptical about the A18 Pro chip going in. It's the same silicon Apple put in the iPhone 16 Pro, and the idea of an iPhone chip powering a Mac felt like a compromise. After a few weeks of daily use though, I have to admit it performs much better than I expected. Browsing, productivity work, running multiple apps at once, light coding — all completely smooth. It even handles 4K video editing decently for casual projects. The machine runs completely silent since there's no fan, which is a huge plus if you work in quiet environments.

The 13-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and vivid — text looks great and colors pop — though at 500 nits it can struggle a bit outdoors in bright sunlight. Not a dealbreaker but worth knowing. The build quality feels premium way above the $599 price point. Solid aluminum chassis, lightweight at 2.7 lbs, and the keyboard has a satisfying feel to it. The 1080p webcam is genuinely one of the best I've used on a laptop — way better than what you get on similarly priced Windows machines.

Battery life is solid. I'm getting around 9-10 hours of real-world use (web browsing, productivity apps, some YouTube), which tracks close to Apple's 11-hour web claim. The 16-hour video streaming claim is probably accurate if you're just watching offline video.

Honest drawbacks: Only two USB-C ports and nothing else. No HDMI, no SD card slot, no MagSafe. If you need to connect anything, budget for a hub. The base model only supports one external display, and the 20W charger included is slow — expect about 2 hours for a full charge. The keyboard also has no backlighting, which was genuinely surprising at this price. And 8GB of RAM is the only option — you can't upgrade it, so if you're a heavy multitasker or plan to keep this machine 4-5 years, that ceiling may bite you eventually.

Bottom line: At $599, this is an exceptional value if you're coming from a Windows laptop or upgrading from an older Mac. The A18 Pro is no slouch, macOS is rock solid, and the build quality punches well above its weight. Just go in knowing the port situation and the RAM limitation, and you'll be happy with it.

An amazing laptop! Compared to Windows laptops in similar price-ranges, the Neo has much better build quality, portability, and is much more user-friendly. This is all on top of having Apple's signature MacBook feel. So far, my Neo has easily outperformed all the Windows laptops I've owned previously. Apps open instantly, tasks feel incredibly fluid, and its performance doesn't drop even when I have a Zoom Call along with a dozen tabs open. I've even been able run heavier applications such as some 4k video editing.

Additionally, it's been very refreshing having a laptop that doesn't try to force AI and copilot crap down your throat.

Definitely recommend for anyone who is looking for that premium MacBook quality without spending $1000+. Obviously this thing won't be able to run some of the applications that an Air or a Pro can run, but if you are only browsing the web/watching Youtube or streaming services/working on docs or spreadsheets, then this is the laptop you want.

I have a gaming PC, but I needed something to use on the go - prior to getting this device I used a 2014 Macbook Pro, which was still functional but INCREDIBLY slow.

I am on a budget so didn't expect much from this machine, but it packs a punch! I use it for general surfing the web and watching videos. The most strenuous task I've given it is playing games like tabletop simulator, and it ran it well.

The battery life is also great on the device, I would absolutely buy it again.

Attached is the geekbench score!

This was the first MacBook I had ever purchased , I only bought it because my daughter loves her apple products. After using it for a short time I was impressed by the clarity and image quality of the small 13” screen. My eyes are not young anymore so the idea of using a 13” for daily use was unthinkable, but I am able to use it with only minor text size increases.

Storage wise it is tiny, 256gb will be used up too quickly and we will need to come up with a solution when that time comes. Worth dropping a star from the rating, but I was aware of this at purchase.

My daughter loved this laptop so much I bought my younger daughter the Yellow neo. Both girls now use it too much, and I am ok with that for now.

Overall, build quality is excellent, image quality is excellent, and the laptop is faster than I would have ever expected.

This was a good purchase.

This is a lovely little notebook for work or school. It comes with Apples office programs for free and will serve you well for most light computing and even some light gaming. It's integrated in Apple's ecosystem and you can use your iPad as a second monitor and mirror your iPhone screen and all sorts of other integrations. Safari makes it effortless to add your webapps to the dock and it runs iPad apps.

Despite costing half what my i7 laptop did and having half the ram the processor is 60% faster at running Powder Toy than the i7. It does this with no fan, while emulating the x86 Powder Toy with Rosetta. It uses a lot less battery than the i7 laptop does to do this. Performance is really, really good. Battery life is really really good.

The build quality is excellent. This thing is made of metal and it's hefty. The base stays on the table when you lift the lid. It feels like a much more premium device compared to my expensive plastic windows laptop.

One downside compared to my Intel laptop is that only 33 watt charging is supported over usb-c, and in fact the included charger is only 20 watt! That makes it take a bit longer to charge the battery full when depleted.

If you have never had a laptop before and you're in the Apple ecosystem already you should have one of these.

For the price, this is the best laptop I've ever owned. Nice screen, excellent battery life. Very portable and with no fan, no noise! Don't let the iPhone chip fool you. It's more powerful than a ton of Intel i5 processors and smokes my work Thinkpad laptop that has a 10th gen i5. No problem editing photos from a Sony A7 either.