The Neo Notebook

Apple's budget MacBook Neo has grown from a cheap laptop into an industry-wide pressure test — forcing Microsoft to slim down Windows 11, sending Dell's new XPS 13 into a pricing mess overseas, and pulling more schools off Chromebooks by the thousands. This week Marty, Dave, Eric, and Brett track the ripple effects, from color-matched Satechi accessories to a $449 Chinese challenger, and ask whether Neo owners should actually want more RAM.

The Windows Response: Neo Is Bending the Whole PC Market

Windows 11 Will Run Better Because of the Apple Effect, Says IDC (Windows Latest)

https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/08/06/windows-11-will-run-better-because-of-the-apple-effect-says-idc/

MacBook Neo Rival with Intel Wildcat Lake for $449 — Chuwi UniBook Laptop Review (Notebookcheck)

https://www.notebookcheck.net/MacBook-Neo-rival-with-Intel-Wildcat-Lake-for-449-Chuwi-UniBook-Laptop-Review.1360578.0.html

Dell Faces Pricing & Distribution Struggles With the XPS 13; Base Model in South Korea Going for $1,400, Double the U.S. MSRP (WCCFTech)

https://wccftech.com/dell-xps-13-south-korea-price-double-us-msrp-macbook-neo/

Education & Enterprise: Apple Keeps Naming Names

Apple @ Work: What IDC's Latest Shipments Mean for the MacBook Neo and Air in the Enterprise (9to5Mac)

https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/08/apple-work-what-idcs-latest-shipments-mean-for-the-macbook-neo-and-air-in-the-enterprise/

U of O Enhances Student Experience with MacBook Neo Initiative (University of the Ozarks)

https://ozarks.edu/news/u-of-o-enhances-student-experience-with-macbook-neo-initiative/

Omdia: People Bought MacBook Neo, Not iPads, ChromeBooks in Q2** (Apple Must)

https://www.applemust.com/omdia-people-bought-macbook-neo-not-ipads-chromebooks-in-q2/

Apple @ Work: Apple Says MacBook Neo Is Pulling Schools Away from Windows and Chromebooks (9to5Mac)

https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/01/apple-says-macbook-neo-is-pulling-schools-away-from-windows-and-chromebooks/

Accessories & Value: Living with the Neo

I Tested Satechi's New Color-Matching MacBook Neo Accessories — and These Two Are My Favorite (Tom's Guide)

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/i-tested-satechis-new-color-matching-macbook-neo-accessories-and-these-two-are-my-favorite

There Are Two Hidden Ways to Avoid the MacBook Neo Price Hike — Here's How You Can Snag It for $599 (Tom's Guide)

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/there-are-two-hidden-ways-to-avoid-the-macbook-neo-price-hike-heres-how-you-can-snag-it-for-usd599

Here's How the MacBook Neo Compares to Older MacBook Airs (Mashable)

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/heres-macbook-neo-compares-older-100245620.html

Thinking About Buying the MacBook Neo? Buy It for the Right Reasons (Medium — Mac O'Clock)

https://medium.com/macoclock/thinking-about-buying-the-macbook-neo-buy-it-for-the-right-reasons-89c586e3df34

Surely Adding More Memory to Apple's MacBook Neo Would Defeat the Point of It (Stuff)

https://www.stuff.tv/news/surely-adding-more-memory-to-apples-macbook-neo-would-defeat-the-point-of-it/

Community Corner: What Neo Owners Are Asking

Reddit shortlinks —

r/macbook thread https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/s/uRHMDV8caA

r/mac thread

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/s/qGSnZik827

r/mac thread

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/s/c6uAFBnSLt

r/macbook thread

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/s/ZOBtbCqpqG

Contact / Where to Find the Show

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheNeoNotebook — live Sundays, 9 PM Eastern

Website: ThePodTalk.Net

Email: [email protected]

The MacBook Neo just carried Apple to its best Mac quarter in years — $10.35B in revenue, up 29% YoY — even as a memory shortage pushes prices higher. Marty and Dave, break down the earnings, the new Mac roadmap, and what Neo owners are asking on Reddit.

• Apple (AAPL) Q3 2026 Earnings Report: Live Updates — CNBC
  https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/30/apple-earnings-live-updates.html
• Apple Reports 3Q 2026 Results: $29.8B Profit on $109.4B Revenue — MacRumors
  https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/30/apple-3q-2026-earnings/
• MacBook Neo Became Apple's Mac Revenue Champion For Q3 2026 — WCCFTech
  https://wccftech.com/macbook-neo-apple-q3-2026-mac-revenue-champion/
• Ternus's MacBook Neo Pushes Mac Sales to Unexpected Q3 Heights — AppleInsider
  https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/30/ternuss-macbook-neo-pushes-mac-sales-to-unexpected-q3-heights
• Apple Q3 Earnings Coverage Wrap-Up — 24/7 Wall St.
  https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/07/30/live-apple-reports-q3-earnings-tonight-will-their-new-5-trillion-market-cap-hold/liveupdates/9/

• Apple's 2026 and 2027 Mac Roadmap: Every Model and When It Ships — MacRumors
  https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/27/mac-roadmap-2026/
• Everything We Know About MacBook Ultra's All-New Design — MacRumors
  https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/27/macbook-ultra-all-new-design/

• MacBook Neo Refresh: Apple Targets Annual Consumer Upgrades — Forbes
  https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2026/07/26/macbook-neo-annual-refresh-apple-silicon-pricing/

• Apple Patent Points to a Modular MacBook Future — TechRadar (citing Patently Apple)
  https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/apple-patent-points-to-a-modular-macbook-future-and-a-record-player

• Can MacBook Neos Run Microsoft and SPSS? — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vaukrh/can_macbook_neos_run_microsoft_and_spss/
• MacBook Neo Destroys Dell XPS 13 — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vcb8xb/macbook_neo_destroys_dell_xps_13_in_terms_of/
• MacBook Neo Review From a Pilot — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vcjluy/macbook_neo_review_from_a_pilot_with_a_side/
• No Backlit Keyboard, No Problem — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vcpoej/no_backlit_keyboard_no_problem/
• Should I Buy the Neo If I'm a Graphic Designer? — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vd1qur/should_i_buy_the_neo_if_im_a_graphic_designer/
• Is Neo Screen Size Too Small for a High Schooler? — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vdh6yl/is_neo_screen_size_too_small_for_a_high_schooler/
• I Got a MacBook Neo as a Psych Major — Reddit, r/MacbookNeo
  https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1vdk4l1/i_got_a_macbook_neo_as_a_psych_major/

Connect with The Neo Notebook
YouTube: @TheNeoNotebook (live Sundays 9 PM EST) | ThePodTalk.Net | [email protected]

Bloomberg confirms the MacBook Neo 2 is coming with an A19 Pro chip and 12GB RAM, the Neo just helped Apple defy a global PC sales slump, and Dell's new XPS 13 is drawing head-to-head Neo comparisons — plus the secret history of Apple's viral mascot, Lil' Finder Guy.

TOP STORY: The MacBook Neo 2 Is Real — A19 Pro Chip, 12GB RAM

• MacDailyNews/MacHash: https://machash.com/mac-daily-news/413883/apple-preps-next-gen-macbook-neo-a19-pro-chip-memory-new/
• MacRumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/22/new-macbook-neo-two-upgrades/
• The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/tech/969434/apple-macbook-neo-a19-pro-ram-upgrade
• News18: https://www.news18.com/amp/tech/macbook-neo-2-specifications-release-date-features-10230944.html
• Startup Fortune: https://startupfortune.com/apple-is-refreshing-every-mac-it-sells-and-the-macbook-neos-chip-upgrade-signals-a-new-budget-laptop-war/

THE NEO IS WORKING: Apple Bucks the PC Slump

• AppleInsider: https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/23/apple-defied-a-global-pc-sales-slump-in-q2-2026-thanks-to-macbook-neo

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE: Dell's Answer to the Neo

• Gizmodo (Dell XPS 13 review): https://gizmodo.com/dell-xps-13-2026-review-truly-the-macbook-neo-of-pcs-2000789824
• TechRadar (back-to-school deals): https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/ive-picked-the-10-best-back-to-school-laptop-deals-how-to-choose-between-the-dell-xps-13-macbook-neo-hp-omnibook-and-more-to-get-the-best-value-for-money

BEHIND THE SCENES: Lil' Finder Guy Gets an Origin Story

• iPhonote/9to5Mac: https://www.iphonote.com/actu/385670/apple-lil-finder-guy-macbook-neo

COMMUNITY CORNER: What Neo Owners Are Asking (r/MacbookNeo)

• Buy at $570 or keep waiting?: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1v6ci0o/should_i_buy_a_macbook_neo_for_570_or_just_keep/
• Keysight open-source keyboard light: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1s2qs2j/keysight_a_totally_freeopensource_keyboard_light/
• If the Neo had stickers: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1v1e765/if_the_macbook_neo_had_stickers/
• A kind of review of the Neo: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1v3cbfi/a_kind_of_review_of_the_macbook_neo/
• Switching from a Pro to a Neo: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1v4q5rw/switching_from_a_pro_to_a_neo/

CONNECT WITH THE NEO NOTEBOOKYouTube: @TheNeoNotebook (live Sundays 9 PM EST)ThePodTalk.NetEmail: [email protected]

The Neo story splits in two this week. Satechi has shipped the first color-matched accessory collection built specifically for the MacBook Neo — two hubs and a mouse in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver — finally answering the port complaints.Meanwhile, DigiTimes reports Apple is cutting Neo production by as much as 40 percent, not because demand slipped, but because the DRAM crunch and TSMC's AI-chip priorities have made the A18 Pro too expensive to keep pumping out. The panel also digs into battery replacement costs and long-term ownership, the first credible MacBook Neo 2 rumors, and what the community is asking as back-to-school season kicks off.

Top Story: The Neo Production Cut

Apple MacBook Neo Production to Be Cut by 40%Due to DRAM Crisis (Notebookcheck)

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Neo-production-to-be-cut-by-40-due-to-DRAM-crisis.1344381.0.html

Accessories:The Satechi MacBook Neo Collection

Satechi Unveils Three New Matching Accessoriesfor Apple's MacBook Neo (Forbes / Yahoo Tech)

https://tech.yahoo.com/apps/articles/satechi-unveils-three-matching-accessories-160000948.html

Hands-On: Satechi's New Color-Matched MacBookNeo Accessories Add Ports and Extra Functionality (9to5Mac)

https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/16/hands-on-satechis-new-color-matched-macbook-neo-accessories-add-ports-and-extra-functionality/

Port-Limited MacBook Neo Gets Color-Matching Hub& Mouse (AppleInsider)

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/14/port-limited-macbook-neo-gets-color-matching-hub-mouse

9to5Toys News Weekly Recap — Satechi MacBook NeoGear and More (9to5Toys)

https://9to5toys.com/2026/07/19/news-weekly-recap-macbook-neo-gear/

LivingWith It: Batteries and the Long Haul

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a MacBook Neo'sBattery? (SlashGear)

https://www.slashgear.com/2214500/macbook-neo-battery-cost-to-replace/

LookingAhead: MacBook Neo 2

The MacBook Neo 2 Is Coming — and It Completely Redefines the Budget Laptop (Geeky Gadgets)

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/macbook-neo-2-specs-upgrades/

CommunityCorner: Neo-phytes Asking the Big Question

Is MacBook Neo a Good Choice for College?https://www.reddit.com/r/teenagers/comments/1uztajo/is_macbook_neo_a_good_choice_for_college/

Should I Get the MacBook Neo for School w/Coding? (Reddit — r/macbook)

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1uxnaoh/should_i_get_the_macbook_neo_for_school_w_coding/

Does the MacBook Neo Have Enough Power For...?https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1uv6iu3/does_the_macbook_neo_have_enough_power_for/

Is This Normal on the MacBook Neo? Coming From...

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1v069aj/is_this_normal_on_the_macbook_neo_coming_from/

Honest MacBook Neo Review as a Student Developerhttps://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1uy3x7u/honest_macbook_neo_review_as_a_student_developer/

Tonight'sTopic: Buying a Neo in a Shortage

Apple MacBook Neo Production to Be Cut by 40%Due to DRAM Crisis (Notebookcheck)

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Neo-production-to-be-cut-by-40-due-to-DRAM-crisis.1344381.0.html

Connect with The Neo Notebook

YouTube: @TheNeoNotebook — live Sundays 9 PM EST

Website: ThePodTalk.Net

Email: [email protected]

The gang brings you the Neo news of the week and then their top 10 apps to load on your Neo

1 | The $599 Hunt — Where Pre-Hike Pricing Still Lives

This Might Be the Last Place to Get a $599 MacBook Neo | Macworld

https://www.macworld.com/article/3178961/this-might-be-the-last-place-to-get-a-599-macbook-neo.html

Walmart Is Still Selling the MacBook Neo at Apple’s Original Price | Mashable

https://mashable.com/tech/june-1-apple-macbook-neo-walmart

The Refurbished MacBook Neo May Be Your Best Way Around Apple’s Price Hike | Digital Trends (via Yahoo Tech)

https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/apple-intelligence/articles/refurbished-macbook-neo-may-best-103727195.html

2 | Competition Watch — Microsoft and Dell Fire Back

Microsoft Fires Shots at MacBook Neo, But That Battle Looks to Be an Uphill Struggle | TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows-laptops/microsoft-fires-shots-at-macbook-neo-but-that-battle-looks-to-be-an-uphill-struggle-and-rumored-ditching-of-more-affordable-surface-laptops-wont-help

Microsoft and Dell Take a Dig at Apple MacBook Neo | Notebookcheck

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-and-Dell-take-a-dig-at-Apple-MacBook-Neo.1332671.0.html

Cheaper Than MacBook Neo: This 14-inch Dell Laptop with 16GB RAM Is $130 Off | Notebookcheck

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Cheaper-than-MacBook-Neo-This-14-inch-Dell-laptop-with-16-GB-RAM-is-130-off.1332334.0.html

3 | Head-to-Head — The Comparisons Everyone Is Making

MacBook Neo vs. Chromebook Plus: Apple’s Price Hikes Made This a Tighter Race | PCMag

https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/macbook-neo-vs-chromebook-plus-apples-price-hikes-made-this-tighter-race

4 | Long-Term Review and Buying Advice

Apple MacBook Neo Long-Term Review: 27 Days on the Road | HotHardware

https://hothardware.com/reviews/apple-macbook-neo-review

What to Consider Before Buying the MacBook Neo | Geeky Gadgets

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/macbook-neo-price-increase-2026/

5 | Looking Ahead — MacBook Neo 2 Leaks

Apple’s Next Budget Laptop: How the MacBook Neo 2 Plans to Beat the Original | Geeky Gadgets

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/apple-macbook-neo-2-2027-leaks/

6 | Accessories Corner

The TOP Must-Have MacBook Neo Accessories | Tom’s Guide (via Yahoo Tech)

https://tech.yahoo.com/videos/top-must-macbook-neo-accessories-180000858.html

7 | Community Corner — r/MacbookNeo

As an Engineering Student, Can AutoCAD and Coding Work on the Neo? | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1uod1ud/as_an_engineering_student_can_autocad_and_coding/

My New Citrus Neo Is Faster Than My Silver Neo | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1unuhxa/my_new_citrus_neo_is_faster_than_my_silver_neo/

MacBook Neo Battery Life at 3 Months | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1un0w1f/macbook_neo_battery_lift_3_month/

MacBook Neo for Physics | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1ulggna/macbook_neo_for_physics/

MacBook Neo Gaming Performance | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1ujo6q7/macbook_neo_gaming_performance/

Choice of Wired Earphones | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1uinxni/choice_of_wired_earphones/

8 | Video of the Week

MacBook Neo — Community YouTube Short

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RE4UlYhHiEM

Show Topic: The First 10 Apps

Eric’s list

BBEdit 

Mona 

Infuse

Movist

Firefox

Apple Remote Desktop 

Davinci Resolve 

MacPorts

Xcode 

Marty’s list

Bluesky

Claude

ChatGPT

Microsoft Excel 

Microsoft Outlook

Team

Zoom

Slack

Cleanmymac

Ominifocus

Text expander

Brett’s list

Carrot Weather

TripIt

Simple Mind Pro

Tapestry

Ivory

Final Cut Pro

Itsycal

Overcast

Tot

Dave’s list

Parallels Desktop

Parallels Toolbox

Hazel

macOS 27 Beta

Setapp 

Ecamm

Snagit 

CoPilot

1Password

Bartender 

YouTube: Youtube.com/@theneonotebook

Email: [email protected]

ThePodTalk.Net

Dave, Eric, Brett, and Marty cover this week's stories and a lot about the Apple price hikes and how they affect the Macbook Neo

1 | The Price Hike — What Happened and Why

The Most Surprising Apple Price Increase Is to the MacBook Neo | 9to5Mac

https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/25/the-most-surprising-apple-price-increase-is-to-the-macbook-neo/

Buying MacBook Neo or iPad? Get Ready to Pay More — Apple Increases Prices | PCMag

https://www.pcmag.com/news/buying-macbook-neo-ipad-get-ready-to-pay-more-apple-increases-prices

Apple Price Hikes Have Hit Australia, and the MacBook Neo No Longer Looks Quite So Cheap | TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/apple-price-hikes-have-hit-australia

With the Price Hike, This Is the MacBook Pro I Can Now Afford Instead | Reddit r/macbookpro

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/1uhb1l3/with_the_price_hike_this_is_the_macbook_pro_i_can/

2 | The Refurbished Angle — Apple's Built-In Workaround

Refurbished MacBook Neo Models Now Available, a Day After Price Hike | MacRumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/26/refurbished-macbook-neo-now-available/

Apple Now Sells Refurbished MacBook Neo, But You Probably Shouldn't Buy It | 9to5Mac

https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/26/apple-now-sells-refurbished-macbook-neo-but-you-probably-shouldnt-buy-it/

The Refurbished MacBook Neo May Be Your Best Way Around Apple's Price Hike | Digital Trends

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-refurbished-macbook-neo-may-be-your-best-way-around-apples-price-hike/

3 | Prime Day — A Narrow Window at Old Prices

Beat the Apple Price Rise — Get the MacBook Neo for $599/£599 | Stuff

https://www.stuff.tv/news/beat-the-apple-price-rise-get-the-macbook-neo-for-599-599/

MacBook Neo: Prime Day Deal 2026 | Mashable

https://mashable.com/tech/prime-day-deal-2026-apple-macbook-neo

4 | Windows Challengers — The Competition Smells Blood

I Can't Believe I'm Saying This, But the MacBook Neo's $100 Price Bump Means Budget Windows 11 Laptops Are Now the Better Buy | TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/i-cant-believe-im-saying-this-but-the-macbook-neos-usd100-price-bump-means-budget-windows-11-laptops-are-now-the-better-buy

The Best Windows Equivalent to the MacBook Neo | Gadget Salvation

https://www.gadgetsalvation.com/blog/the-best-windows-equivalent-to-the-macbook-neo/

Microsoft's New College Deal Is a Half-Hearted Answer to the $500 MacBook Neo | DeviceDaily

https://www.devicedaily.com/pin/microsofts-new-college-deal-is-a-half-hearted-answer-to-the-500-macbook-neo/

5 | Community Voices — Real Users, Real Questions

Is the MacBook Neo a Good Option for Making Music? | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1ucn6we/is_the_macbook_neo_a_good_option_for_making/

Would a MacBook Neo Be Good Enough to Run MuseScore? | Reddit r/Musescore

https://www.reddit.com/r/Musescore/comments/1uhfcti/would_a_macbook_neo_be_good_enough_to_run/

Should I Get a MacBook Neo? A Finance Major | Reddit r/mac

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1uhdhsv/should_i_get_a_macbook_neo_a_finance_major/

Apple Should Change How They Produce the MacBook Neo | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1udanmr/apple_should_change_how_they_produce_the_macbook/

MacBook Neo Community Roundup | Reddit r/MacbookNeo (Short Link 1)

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/s/VYhBJcPuuV

MacBook Neo Community Roundup | Reddit r/MacbookNeo (Short Link 2)

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/s/OSSgZ5sGzP

MacBook Neo Community Discussion | Reddit r/MacbookNeo (Short Link 3)

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/s/73lf0LnvP0

6 | Reviews and Photography Perspective

Apple's Cheapest MacBook Ever — Amazing Deal | Fstoppers

https://fstoppers.com/gear/apples-cheapest-macbook-ever-amazing-deal-903220

7 | Video of the Week

MacBook Neo — Community YouTube Feature

https://youtu.be/9BepF3pfqTY

YouTube: @TheNeoNotebook • Sundays 9PM EST

[email protected] • ThePodTalk.Net

Dave, Eric and Marty to a good look at the new MacBook Neo not-so competition from the released Dell XPS 13, along with other news

1 | The Competition Responds — Dell XPS 13 vs. MacBook Neo

This Is the Windows Version of the MacBook Neo

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z_snJx3XmwU

Dell's MacBook Neo Rival Is Finally Here for $599 | Yahoo Tech

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/dell-macbook-neo-rival-finally-143019435.html

Apple MacBook Neo vs. Dell XPS 13: The Low-Cost Laptop Fight of the Year | PCMag via Yahoo Tech

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/apple-macbook-neo-vs-dell-155337133.html

2 | AMD Takes Aim — The Gaming Argument Nobody Asked For

'Ok, but no one is buying a MacBook for gaming, right?': AMD Launches Misguided Marketing Campaign Against MacBook Neo | TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows-laptops/macbook-neo-comes-under-fire-in-amds-latest-marketing-campaign-but-its-a-poorly-thought-out-attack

3 | Is the $599 Price Tag Living on Borrowed Time?

'The $599 MacBook Neo Was Fun While It Lasted': Mac Fans Fear the Worst After Tim Cook's Price Warning | TechRadar via Yahoo Tech

https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/apple-intelligence/articles/599-macbook-neo-fun-while-111904569.html

4 | Community Conversations — Real Users, Real Questions

Are People Being a Bit Hysterical Over the MacBook Neo? | Reddit r/macbook

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1uar96k/are_people_being_a_bit_hysterical_over_the/

MacBook Neo Trackpad False Click | Reddit r/mac

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1ual7l7/macbook_neo_trackpad_false_click/

What Do You Think — Should We Expect More from a $599 Mac? | Reddit r/macbook

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1ua8bbf/what_do_you_guys_think_should_we_expect/

Weird Kind of Ghosting Effect on Brand New MacBook Neo | Reddit r/macbook

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1ua40mk/weird_kind_of_ghosting_effect_on_brand_new/

5 | From the Community — YouTube Shorts Roundup

MacBook Neo Unboxing — YouTube Short

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gXjo85MQYP8

MacBook Neo Review Clip — YouTube Short

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TERlm6f7tTc

6 | Switcher Support Spotlight — When macOS Surprises You

Firefox Profile Cannot Be Loaded — Brand New Mac | Reddit r/firefox

https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/1u7f0y4/firefox_profile_cannot_be_loaded_brand_new/

Switcher Support Links

Mac Tips for Windows Switchers | Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102323

10 Mac Tips for Windows Switchers (macOS 26 Guide) | iDropNews

https://www.idropnews.com/gallery/windows-to-macos-26-switching-guide-2026/253838/

9 Things Windows Users Should Do First When Switching to macOS | Tom's Guide

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macos/9-things-windows-users-should-do-first-when-switching-to-macos

Switching from Windows to Mac? Here Are 15 Apps You Need First | TechPP

https://techpp.com/2026/05/08/switching-from-windows-to-mac-apps/

Must-Have Mac Apps for Windows Switchers | Julian West

http://blog.julianwest.me/must-have-mac-apps-for-windows-switchers/

Youtube: Youtube.com/@theneonotebook

Email: [email protected]

ThePodTalk.Net

The Neo gang talks about WWDC changes to MacBook Neo, this week's news, and if and how we cover our Neo.

1 | MacBook Neo Sales & Market Impact

1.1 Million MacBook Neo: Apple Takes Over the Entry-Level Segment | Research Snipers

https://researchsnipers.com/1-1-million-macbook-neo-apple-takes-over-the-entry-level-segment/

MacBook Neo Sales Are Breaking Records | Jerusalem Post

https://www.jpost.com/consumerism/article-898308

MacBook Neo Is So Popular, Dell Is Baiting PC Shoppers Again | Macworld

https://www.macworld.com/article/3153464/macbook-neo-is-so-popular-dell-is-baiting-pc-shoppers-again.html

Amazon Deals: MacBook Neo Delivers as Soon as Tomorrow | 9to5Toys

https://9to5toys.com/2026/06/12/amazon-deals-macbook-neo/

2 | The Competition — Dell, Acer, AMD, Intel

MacBook Neo vs Dell XPS 13: $599 Budget Battle | AppleInsider

https://appleinsider.com/inside/macbook-neo/vs/macbook-neo-vs-dell-xps-13-599-budget-battle-compared

Dell Copied Apple’s Best Ideas. Windows May Ruin It | PCWorld

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3158033/dell-copied-apples-best-macbook-neo-ideas-windows-may-ruin-it.html

AMD: MacBook Neo Can’t Run All Your Games, But Ryzen Laptops Can | WCCFtech

https://wccftech.com/amd-says-macbook-neo-cant-run-all-your-games-while-ryzen-based-laptops-can/

Intel Project Firefly Could Challenge the MacBook Neo | Techgenyz

https://techgenyz.com/intel-project-firefly-wildcat-lake-budget-laptops/

Acer: MacBook Neo Was a Shock, But Competition Is Good | Lowyat.NET

https://www.lowyat.net/2026/395235/acer-macbook-neo-shock-but-competition-is-good/

Acer COO at Computex 2026: “The Neo May Help the Industry” | TechFinitive

https://www.techfinitive.com/interviews/interview-with-jerry-kao-acer-coo-at-computex-2026-i-think-the-macbook-neo-may-help-the-industry/

3 | Reviews & Head-to-Head

MacBook Neo Review: Apple’s Budget Laptop | Mashable

https://mashable.com/review/apple-macbook-neo-budget-laptop

MacBook Neo vs MacBook Pro | CNET

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-pro/

Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Neo | ZDNet

https://www.zdnet.com/article/dell-xps-13-2026-vs-macbook-neo/

I Tried Dell’s $699 XPS 13 — What It Has Over the Neo | PCMag

https://www.pcmag.com/news/i-tried-dells-699-xps-13-what-it-has-over-apple-macbook-neo-computex-2026

4 | From the Community

MacBook Neo for Engineering Student | Reddit r/mac

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1u4r9kh/macbook_neo_for_engineering_student/

Can MacBook Neo Handle Editing a Podcast? | Reddit r/LogicPro

https://www.reddit.com/r/LogicPro/comments/1u4p9hk/can_macbook_neo_handle_editing_a_podcast/

New to macOS — Why Aren’t There Many Apps? | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1tvrgam/new_to_macos_why_arent_there_many_apps_for_the/

Battery Life Experiment: I Tried to Kill the MacBook Neo | Reddit r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1tv7ag4/did_a_silly_battery_life_experiment_where_i_tried/

The MacBook Neo Takes on Retro Gaming | MacStories

https://www.macstories.net/linked/the-macbook-neo-takes-on-retro-gaming/

5 | Inside Apple — Aluminum Recycling Patent

Apple Patent: CNC Waste Recycled into MacBook Neo Frames at 125°C | WCCFtech

https://wccftech.com/apples-next-aluminum-breakthrough-could-turn-cnc-machining-waste-back-into-iphone-and-macbook-neo-frames-at-temperatures-as-low-as-125-degree-celsius/

YouTube: @TheNeoNotebook — Sundays 9 PM EST

Email: [email protected]

ThePodTalk.Net

The Neo sells a ton of laptops but the story of the week is all the new Neo competitors announced.

The Neo Notebook — Show Links

1 | MacBook Neo Dominates — The Sales Numbers Are In

MacBook Neo Outsold Every Other Mac in Its Debut Quarter

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/02/macbook-neo-outsold-every-other-mac/

Apple's MacBook Neo Is Winning Over New Buyers

https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/02/apples-macbook-neo-is-winning-over-a-new-generation-of-buyers/

MacBook Neo Sales vs. M5 MacBook Air and Pro

https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/02/heres-how-macbook-neo-sales-compare-to-m5-macbook-air-and-pro/

Analyst Ups MacBook Neo 2026 Shipments to 10 Million Units

https://macdailynews.com/2026/05/29/apple-analyst-ups-macbook-neo-2026-shipments-to-10-million-units/

Kuo Confirms Massive MacBook Neo Demand

https://www.applemust.com/kuo-confirms-massive-macbook-neo-demand/

2 | The Competition Swarms — Dell, Acer, and Nvidia Strike Back

MacBook Neo Is So Popular, Dell Is Baiting PC Shoppers Again

https://www.macworld.com/article/3153464/macbook-neo-is-so-popular-dell-is-baiting-pc-shoppers-again.html

Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Neo: A Full Comparison

https://www.igeeksblog.com/dell-xps-13-vs-macbook-neo/

Dell Takes Aim at MacBook Neo with XPS 13

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/dell-takes-aim-at-macbook-neo-with-xps-13/

Acer Swift Air 14: A MacBook Neo Rival at $699

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/acer-swift-air-14-peppy-115153317.html

Acer's Swift Air 14 Wants to Take on the MacBook Neo

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/acer-swift-air-14-wants-180050072.html

MacBook Neo Rival Launched at $599; Nvidia ARM Chip Takes on Apple Silicon

https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/01/macbook-neo-rival-launched-at-599-nvidia-pc-chip-takes-on-apple-silicon/

Dell and Acer Take on MacBook Neo with One Major Compromise

https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrycollins/2026/06/01/dell-and-acer-take-on-apples-macbook-neo-with-one-major-compromise/

MacBook Neo Rivals: A Roundup of the Challengers

https://applemagazine.com/macbook-neo-rivals/

Asus ZenBook 14 vs Apple MacBook Neo

https://www.firstpost.com/tech/asus-zenbook-14-vs-apple-macbook-neo-which-portable-powerhouse-is-right-for-you-14017956.html

Dell Unveils $699 Laptop with Features Not on a MacBook Neo

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/dell-unveils-699-laptop-with-features-you-wont-find-on-a-macbook-neo.2483156/

3 | Real-World Tests — Coding, 3D Sculpting, and the 8GB Question

Is 8GB RAM Enough for Programming? Testing the MacBook Neo

https://medium.com/macoclock/can-the-macbook-neo-handle-coding-my-two-month-experience-running-postgrad-hobby-projects-84f7317f31a0

MacBook Neo Blender Sculpting: Honest Polycount and Memory Performance Test

https://www.blendernation.com/2026/05/27/macbook-neo-blender-sculpting-honest-polycount-and-memory-performance-test/

MacBook Neo After Two Months: A Professional Programmer's Review

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1tsoh9k/my_review_as_professional_programmer_and_the_neo/

4 | From the Community — Hidden Accent Colors Found in macOS

Found Hidden MacBook Neo Accent Colors in macOS

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1tuvfmb/found_hidden_macbook_neo_accent_colors_in_macos/

YouTube: @TheNeoNotebook

Email: [email protected]

ThePodTalk.Net

This week on The Neo Notebook: Google launches Googlebook, Intel fires back with Project Firefly, Kansas City orders 30,000 Neos, and have you seen a Neo in the wild?

MacBook Neo at 60 Days: What's Known, What's Still Open

https://the-gadgeteer.com/2026/05/18/macbook-neo-update-review/

MacBook Neo Worth It for Gaming? Apple's Budget Laptop Tested

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/316825/20260519/macbook-neo-worth-it-gaming-apples-budget-laptop-tested-gaming-benchmarks.htm

A New Cheapo Intel Laptop Outperforms the MacBook Neo — Does It Matter?

https://gizmodo.com/a-new-cheapo-intel-laptop-outperforms-the-macbook-neo-does-it-matter-2000760011

MacBook Neo Is Living Rent-Free in PC Rivals' Heads

https://www.macworld.com/article/3135834/macbook-neo-is-living-rent-free-in-pc-rivals-heads.html

Lenovo Intros New Wildcat Lake Laptop Globally to Surpass MacBook Neo

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-intros-new-Wildcat-Lake-laptop-globally-to-surpass-MacBook-Neo.1303679.0.html

Chuwi's UniBook Is a $449 Laptop Chasing the MacBook Neo's Crown

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/chuwi-unibook-449-laptop-chasing-193706041.html

Microsoft Is Planning a 13-Inch Surface Laptop with MacBook Neo-Level RAM — Charging $1,300

https://wccftech.com/microsoft-is-planning-to-launch-a-13-inch-surface-laptop-with-apple-macbook-neo-level-ram-while-charging-1300-for-the-device/

Intel Reveals Project Firefly: Cheap Wildcat Lake Laptops That Rival MacBook Neo

https://tech.yahoo.com/computing/articles/intel-reveals-project-firefly-cheap-101816432.html

Introducing Googlebook — Official Google Announcement

https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/platforms/android/meet-googlebook/

Google Announces Its Chromebook Successor — The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/tech/928479/google-googlebook-laptops-android-tease-aluminium-chromebook

Googlebooks Aren't Just Android Laptops — They're a Trojan Horse for Gemini

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3136774/googlebooks-arent-just-android-laptops-theyre-a-trojan-horse-for-gemini.html

8 Critical Questions About Googlebook — Computerworld

https://www.computerworld.com/article/4169703/googlebook-android-chromeos.html

MacBook Neo in K-12 Schools — Jamf

https://www.jamf.com/blog/macbook-neo-in-k-12/

Kansas City Schools Go "All-Apple" with MacBook Neo — iDrop News

https://www.idropnews.com/news/kansas-city-schools-macbook-neo-switch/263974/

Apple's Faulty Chips Are Big Business — and Not Just in the MacBook Neo

https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/18/apples-faulty-chips-are-big-business-for-the-company-and-not-just-in-the-macbook-neo/

How the MacBook Neo Has Forced Windows and Google to Up Their Budget Laptop Game

https://iol.co.za/technology/gadgets/2026-05-24-how-the-macbook-neo-has-forced-windows-and-google-to-up-their-budget-laptop-game/

Pushing the MacBook Neo to Its Absolute Limits — Hackster.io

https://www.hackster.io/news/pushing-the-macbook-neo-to-its-absolute-limits-6cf695b1d7cc

Unlocking the True Power of a MacBook Neo by Cooling It — Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2026/05/20/unlocking-the-true-power-of-a-macbook-neo-by-cooling-it/

DIY: Add Water Cooling to Your MacBook Neo — Boing Boing

https://boingboing.net/2026/03/30/diy-add-water-cooling-to-your-macbook-neo.html

Coming from a Chromebook — Now That's an Upgrade! — r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1tfuxh4/coming_from_a_chromebook_now_thats_an_upgrade/

Charged My MacBook Neo Up to 80% Before Shutting It Down — r/MacbookNeo

https://www.reddit.com/r/MacbookNeo/comments/1tkjgu9/charged_my_macbook_neo_up_to_80_before_shutting/

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New episodes drop every Sunday at 9PM EST on YouTube.

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