I went to the Apple Store recently and noticed the new Macbook Neo was selling like hotcakes, I was a bit shocked how many people were waiting for a 500 dollar Mac product. I saw someone crying because they thought they’d never be able to own an Apple Laptop. I also saw some impressionable wealthy Brazillian women buy 10 of them at once. I think because it’s cheaper to buy in the United States then ‘import’ the laptops yourself than it is to just buy the laptop in Brazil outright. (I’ve done something similar with fragrances from designers in Europe. Nearly 45% price difference from EU and USA markets!!)
What is fascinating about the Neo is actually the specs: it’s basically an iPad in it’s own aluminum chassis with a keyboard. It’s also impressive from a software and hardware perspective: Apple’s OS is ‘light’ enough for it to support 8 GB of RAM and the processors, used for smaller devices, are strong enough to be dual purposed for tablets and for a small laptop screen. I’m actually kinda glad a more affordable option was available, not everyone needs MacBook Pro or Air level of power. Now the MacBook Air can focus more on being lightweight and powerful and doesn’t have to compromise on power for the casual user.
The Neo is also very fixable too? I was watching iFixit and I was kinda shocked to see how many ‘cost cutting’ ways Apple did to make the Neo more ‘standard’ and ‘out of the box’ instead of having to use several custom, proprietary components. I’m kinda tempted to get one to mod later because I know there are modders out there who are salivating at the mouth at trying to make the device completely customizable despite the limitations. I say that because I haven’t seen a repairable MacBook like this since maybe the early 2000s or so, like the plastic casing ones.
I’ve found that I care about the ease of repair and upgrade of my devices so I don’t have to constantly be buying electronic after electronic contributing to e-waste. Even I’m thinking about the custom upgrades I could do with it. I like that most of the components are modular.
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