Is a Macbook Neo a realistic daily driver?

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mdf

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#325008 26-Jun-2026 12:45

Currently disillusioned with Windows. This happens cyclically and has previously produced bouts with all the other major options. But I invariably get frustrated by something or other and return to my Windows Dark Lord. However it's been a while since the last Mac escapade (2008-ish? Leopard/Snow Leopard days I think) and am again currently Mac-curious. This would just be a daily driver: Office/Email, Browser tools, VSCode etc. But I am also on Geekzone so, you know, bare minimums are unlikely to make me happy.

Am I giving Mac a fair crack with a Macbook Neo? Price is more than right but I'm somewhat leery about processor and (especially) 8GB ram. I'd obviously like a M-series Air but given my previous there is a more than even chance history will repeat itself.

littlehead

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#3506311 26-Jun-2026 13:02

I recently purchased a Neo for my mother. She wanted something small light with a good screen and the Neo fit perfect for the price. She's never used a Mac only Windows but has found it great. Took about an hour of coaching and setting up but she loves it.

Having set it up and used/tested it myself, it would be fine for Office apps and basic browser stuff, but likely would struggle with intensive browser apps or VS.Code if you used it heavily. It will be frustrating. Physically the fit is great, but you hit the limit of the CPU fairly quickly if you push it.

Considering the price of the Neo has just gone up $200 to $350 for the base model in the last hour depending on where and how you buy it (was about $1,129 now $1,379), if you still want a Mac you would probably be better off looking at a refurbished M1 or M2 Macbook Air with 16gb ram, if you can find one. Better CPU and RAM to give you overhead. The Neo is no longer such a great deal as it was.

michaelmurfy

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#3506314 26-Jun-2026 13:09

I've got the MacBook Neo as a "companion device" as a replacement for an iPad and love it.

Runs everything no problems. I've used VS Code on it, Firefox, Discord, Microsoft Office and many other things.

I do agree though; if you can get a M series MacBook with 16gb of ram then do that instead. But if you want a new and small MacBook then the Neo is actually great. Just a shame the price has gone up.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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