Apple launches MacBook Neo priced from 16.5 million VND

True to the rumors, “Apple” today launched the cheapest MacBook model ever, Neo, priced from 16.5 million VND, cheaper than the new iPhone 17e launched a few days ago. In the US market, the price of the device is 599 USD, significantly cheaper than previous rumors of about 900 USD. At 16.5 million VND, Neo is enough to compete with low-cost laptop models running Windows – where Apple often had no “interest” in competing in the past.

In the context of rising memory chip prices, $500 laptops are increasingly scarce and on the verge of “disappearing”, the appearance of the MacBook Neo will be a big boost to the global computer market and even more special when it comes from a high-end brand like Apple. Along with the launch of the MacBook Air using the M5 chip and doubling the starting memory to 512 GB yesterday, Apple is showing moves to “go all in” for Mac computers to compete with Windows laptops in all segments.

MacBook Neo uses a monolithic aluminum frame with a design similar to the MacBook Air and a 13-inch screen. The weight of the device is 1.2 kg, slightly lighter than a MacBook Air of the same size. Similar to other low-priced Apple models, the product also has many colors to choose from: light pink, indigo blue, silver and gold.

One of the biggest reasons why the MacBook Neo has a low price is the use of the same A18 Pro chip on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, Apple says the machine is still 50% faster at everyday tasks like web browsing and three times faster at running on-device AI tasks compared to “the world’s best-selling PC using the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chip.” The device’s GPU has 5 cores and a 16-core Neural Engine processor that supports Apple Intelligence features.

The non-“rabbit ears” Liquid Retina screen on the Neo is 13 inches in size, displaying one billion colors. The resolution of 2,408 x 1,506 pixels is even higher than many Windows laptop models priced at VND 20 million, which only have Full HD screens. The device’s 500 nit brightness is also higher than competitors in the same price segment, which usually have parameters of about 350 nit. The screen also has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and two microphones for conversations.

Apple’s low-cost model is equipped with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (only available on the 512 GB version), Magic Keyboard and large touchpad that make up Apple’s brand. The Neo has two USB-C ports but no Magsafe charging standard. Network connection standard Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 6 shows that the device does not use the new N1 network chip produced by Apple. Accessories included in the box will include a USB-C dual-head charging cable and a 20 W power supply.

The MacBook Neo has a 16-hour battery life, slightly lower than the MacBook Air of the same size but more than enough for a whole day. The device’s starting internal memory capacity is 256 GB, the 512 GB memory version costs 19 million VND. For pupils, students, and people working in the education industry, the price of the machine is only from 13.99 million VND.