Apple’s affordable MacBook Neo, initially launched at $599, has seen a price increase to $699 due to chip shortages, raising questions about its competitiveness against more feature-rich Windows laptops in the same price range.
Apple’s MacBook Neo was meant to do something unusual: give the company a genuinely affordable laptop without stripping away the feel of a Mac. When it launched in March 2026, Apple pitched the 13-inch machine as a lower-cost entry point to macOS, with an aluminium chassis, Apple silicon, all-day battery life and a starting price of $599. The company also offered education pricing and a choice of colours, including blush, indigo, silver and citrus.
That pricing did not last. In June, Apple raised the base price to $699, with the education price moving to $599, after a global memory chip shortage pushed up component costs, according to reporting from MacRumors. Even so, the Neo remains Apple’s cheapest laptop, and review coverage has remained broadly positive. Tom’s Guide said the machine still delivers strong battery life, solid A18 Pro performance and a premium build, although it also noted compromises such as the lack of a backlit keyboard and extra charges for some features.
For buyers weighing the Neo against low-cost Windows laptops, the real comparison is not just price but specification. Windows machines in the same band often offer 16GB of RAM, more ports and sometimes better display coverage, which can make them more attractive for coding, multitasking or heavier coursework. Windows Central and Digital Citizen highlighted several sub-$1,000 options, including the Dell 14 and Asus Vivobook 14, that pair modest pricing with more memory and respectable everyday performance.
The downside is consistency. Budget Windows laptops can vary widely in build quality, screen quality and battery life, while Apple’s entry-level Mac tends to be more predictable in design and endurance. For students whose software runs cleanly on both platforms, the choice comes down to priorities: the MacBook Neo offers simplicity, strong battery life and a polished finish, while the Windows route can deliver more hardware for the money. For some courses, though, compatibility will decide the issue before specifications do.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
