TheRetroArcade
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Joined: Feb 2026
Joined: Feb 2026
A $600 MacBook would have been unusual even without the RAMpocalypse.
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I'm glad I wasn't the only one a bit shocked by Apple using the worst memory crisis in recent history to put out the most affordable MacBook it has ever launched. The Asus CFO, Nick Wu, seems similarly surprised. In a recent earnings call, he was asked about the MacBook Neo and had quite a bit to share.
As spotted by PCMag, Wu said: "Given Apple's historically very premium pricing, launching such an affordable product is certainly a shock to the entire market."
He does clarify that its rather low 8 GB of un-upgradable memory does limit its applications. He argues that, as a product, it is one more focused on content consumption. Wu clarifies that the Neo is a tad different to standard MacBooks, whose silicon M chips are capable of powerful video/audio/image editing, and even some gaming. "The Neo feels more like a tablet," he says, "because tablets are mostly for content consumption."
The MacBook Neo is an interesting device. Looking like a traditional MacBook (though with a few neat colourways), it's kitted out with the A18 Pro chip that found in the iPhone 16, plus 8 GB of what Apple calls 'unified memory'.
That's to say it's got specifically designed memory that implements software/hardware handshakes to get a little more performance out of the specs. The base model (available for $599) comes with 256 GB of SSD storage, and the 512 GB device costs $100 more.
Though we haven't got our hands on it, our pals over at Tom's Hardware say it's a "budget-priced game changer", praising its design and feel. Despite its relatively low specs, it seems like a bit of a home run for Apple, and it arriving in the middle of the RAMpocalypse must catch the attention of manufacturers. Wu says, "I believe all PC vendors, including upstream vendors like Microsoft, Intel and AMD, they're all taking this very seriously, seriously discussing how to compete with this product in the entire PC ecosystem."
One thing worth noting with the MacBook Neo is the convenience of it all. I think, if I were given $600 and told to pick up a device, I'd likely hold out for a refurbished M chip MacBook, or even a Mac Mini, which I contend is one of the best hardware packages out there for the price right now.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
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Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
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GamesRadar+
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Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!
I'm glad I wasn't the only one a bit shocked by Apple using the worst memory crisis in recent history to put out the most affordable MacBook it has ever launched. The Asus CFO, Nick Wu, seems similarly surprised. In a recent earnings call, he was asked about the MacBook Neo and had quite a bit to share.
As spotted by PCMag, Wu said: "Given Apple's historically very premium pricing, launching such an affordable product is certainly a shock to the entire market."
He does clarify that its rather low 8 GB of un-upgradable memory does limit its applications. He argues that, as a product, it is one more focused on content consumption. Wu clarifies that the Neo is a tad different to standard MacBooks, whose silicon M chips are capable of powerful video/audio/image editing, and even some gaming. "The Neo feels more like a tablet," he says, "because tablets are mostly for content consumption."
The MacBook Neo is an interesting device. Looking like a traditional MacBook (though with a few neat colourways), it's kitted out with the A18 Pro chip that found in the iPhone 16, plus 8 GB of what Apple calls 'unified memory'.
That's to say it's got specifically designed memory that implements software/hardware handshakes to get a little more performance out of the specs. The base model (available for $599) comes with 256 GB of SSD storage, and the 512 GB device costs $100 more.
Though we haven't got our hands on it, our pals over at Tom's Hardware say it's a "budget-priced game changer", praising its design and feel. Despite its relatively low specs, it seems like a bit of a home run for Apple, and it arriving in the middle of the RAMpocalypse must catch the attention of manufacturers. Wu says, "I believe all PC vendors, including upstream vendors like Microsoft, Intel and AMD, they're all taking this very seriously, seriously discussing how to compete with this product in the entire PC ecosystem."
One thing worth noting with the MacBook Neo is the convenience of it all. I think, if I were given $600 and told to pick up a device, I'd likely hold out for a refurbished M chip MacBook, or even a Mac Mini, which I contend is one of the best hardware packages out there for the price right now.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
What do you think about this?