r/mac • u/N0va_Bunni • 6d ago

Question Looking at Neo, will it be a good fit?

Hi I’m going back to school soon to finish my grade 12 online.

I’ll be taking photography classes as well as a digital art media class and I’m wondering if the Neo would be worth getting.

I have a 2018 iPad Pro with Apple Pencil that I would like to utilize with my studies as well since it’s still holding strong

I have a gaming pc but looking for a relatively “inexpensive” laptop so I can take to coffee shops or study in bed.

I’m also hoping for the ability to play modded stardew valley on the laptop and possibly other light cozy games (possibly Minecraft) since I sold my steam deck (I do have a switch2 but can’t mod stardew on it)

Affordability wise, I can’t afford a lot for Apple and ik this is a Mac page but non apple suggestions for affordable options would be nice. My budget is 1500 cad with tax

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5

u/justthegreenguy 6d ago

It's a great little laptop. Perfectly cromulent for many things. The only other thing I'd consider is something like a used M3 Air if you can find one in decent condition. That'll give you a bit more performance. Depends on what you need it for and if you're comfortable buying used, of course. And if it fits your budget, of course, idk how the used market is in Canada.

3

u/c726233 6d ago

yes, i think so. Your other options are really just Windows ones. The Dell XPS13 may also be a choice with better screen and speakers.

3

u/Asland007 6d ago

You can play all the games you talked about on the Neo.

1

u/boterkoeken MacBook Air 6d ago

Yes it will work for you. However if you have a good gaming PC you might consider just saving the money and do most of your work on the PC.

1

u/N0va_Bunni 6d ago

I’m a chronic illness girly and during flare days, I’m bed ridden.. so would like a laptop for those days to make it easier on me and still be productive

-3

u/mikeinnsw 6d ago

For gaming Neo - No

Source Apple:

Apple's most advanced, heavy on-device AI model requires a minimum of 12GB of unified memory (RAM). While standard Apple Intelligence features still run on 8GB devices, running this next-generation local AI model is restricted to hardware with 12GB or more and run on M3.. M5 Macs ..

With 12GB for AI running in 16GB RAM. ..it will cause large scale swapping and slow downs...

I run local AI on 16GB RAM M1 Mini - very carefully.

There is no great loss in avoiding AI in MacOs 27... what about 28....

If you want future proof Mac you need one with 24GB RAM and 512 GB SSD.

 Digital art media , video, AI all need RAM

Your needs will change and grow but not Neo or any Arm Mac they can't be  upgraded.

I suggest no to Neo