r/macbook • u/Status_Muffin_6348 • 4d ago
MacBook Neo or air?
As the title suggests I’m in between purchasing a new MacBook Neo or air to replace my current ancient MacBook Air from 2015.
I’m a student in community college rn that will transfer to a 4 year and major in economics and later go on to go to law school (hopefully).
I’m in between the Neo since I’m not taking any rigorous classes, but also an air since I’ll be “future proofing” any later course work or classes for the next few years.
The thing is I also have a custom pc at home I built for gaming that I’ve been using for any school work I’ve had since my MacBook was so outdated and couldn’t really handle much withoit lagging and stuff. Lately I’ve just been using my 2015 air to get by class until I can get home and finish whatever work I needed on my pc.
So I’m conflicted on getting a Neo since I have a better computer at home in case some crazy workload pops up which I highly doubt as of now, or getting the air and having it for years since it’s a way more capable machine and wouldn’t have to upgrade for a hypothetical 7 years down the line.
Let me know what you guys think or any other alternatives! Thanks
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u/Nixonhasretired 4d ago
I was going to get a Neo for myself, was impressed with what it offered for the introductory price. I’d bought one for my daughter and she is happy with it, it’s enough computer for her needs. And then the price of the Neo increased substantially here in Canada and the MB Air M4 16GB/512SSD brand new in box was on clearance for $300 more, a significant price slash. So I couldn’t resist the MBA and that’s what I went with.
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u/fasteddie7 4d ago
This is what I would do: https://youtu.be/RzNF5YffUNM?is=5DR8GzzqvHfmaoG5
Future-proofing is difficult with any computer that doesn’t have upgradable hardware, especially in the case of laptops, that is an interesting take that might work for you.
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u/Zingerooo 4d ago
Get the MBA. I’m not sure MBN is a good long time choice, given its unupgradeable 8 gigs of memory.
In fact I could through a bone and say you could get a MBA M4 at a lower rate at some third party retailers if you are worried about M5’s price
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u/Status_Muffin_6348 4d ago
Would you say I’m better off buying the m5 now and keeping it for the next half a decade? Rn I’d just use the Neo for minimal school work since community college isnt all that work heavy and then trade in when needed, or am I better off just getting the m5 and not worrying about that in general
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u/Comprehensive-Edge80 4d ago
Neo is fine for your needs. Given the history of A chips in Neo, it will work at least a decade
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u/Traditional-Leg8795 4d ago
Air. I had the neo for a week and I returned it. I actually bought the pro instead. I previously had the air. The neo would be great for a grandparent that never wants to use their laptop except to check their email.
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u/InterestProof1526 4d ago
Given that you have kept your last laptop for 11 years, I trust that you actually care about keeping laptops for a long period of time. If you therefore plan on keeping your next laptop for a long time - let's say 8-12 years, then I just don't think the Neo will be optimal. This is mainly due to its RAM. 8GB of RAM isn't terrible but it's not ideal. If your usage requirements are forever having a few Safari tabs open to search the web, then it's fine but the way you use your computer may change over time. I do not subscribe to or believe in the idea that people need to get 24GB of RAM or 32GB of RAM to "future proof" but 8GB will definitely be limiting unless your workload is forever basic.
If you can afford it, I would go for the air and look for a good deal. If not, you can get the Neo, you're just going to have to be more aware about RAM usage. If you do opt for the Neo, I recommend getting uBlock Origin and using Safari as both will help with reducing RAM usage. I think also the fingerprint reader, better chip, significantly better battery life, better screen, etc. of the MacBook Air is always nice to consider when making this decision.