(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Apple price hikes are official for all of the company’s devices, and the MacBook Neo is no exception. Originally starting at $599, Apple’s budget laptop now starts at $699. Though still the most affordable MacBook available, the $100 price bump might make folks consider other options.In our latest TikTok video, we ask whether the MacBook Neo is still worth considering at $699. We detail what you still get for that price and discuss alternatives you might want to consider.Students once paid $499 for the MacBook Neo, but they’ll now have to pay $599, or the original asking price. If you’re a student who wants a MacBook for its compatibility with the Apple ecosystem, it’s definitely worth considering. The Neo isn’t a powerhouse in performance, but it’s more than suitable for typical student work.For everyone else, the MacBook Neo starts at $699. It has a 13-inch (2408 × 1506) Liquid Retina display and 256GB of storage. The $799 model, which used to be $699, features Touch ID and a larger 512GB SSD. Both models top out at 8GB of RAM, have a sturdy aluminum chassis, and lack a backlit keyboard.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell - Column 0 MacBook NeoDell XPS 13 (2026)Price (starting)$699 ($599 for students)$699 ($599 for students)CPUA18 Pro (6-core CPU)Series 3 Intel Core 5GPUA18 Pro (5-core GPU)Intel GraphicsDisplay13-inch (2408 x 1506) Liquid Retina13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch displayMemory8GBUp to 32GBStorageUp to 512GBUp to 1TBPorts2x USB-C (1x USB 3. 1x USB 2)2x USB-C (2x USB 3)ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0Dimensions11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches11.69 x 7.90 x 0.50 inchesWeight2.7 pounds2.2 pounds
