MacBook Neo changes the role of the iPad as a laptop replacement

Apple has officially unveiled the long-awaited entry-level MacBook Neo – and the price has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. €699 for a Mac: That sounds tempting, and it is. But while most analyses classify the MacBook Neo as a direct competitor to the MacBook Air, there are strong indications that the iPad is the real loser in this announcement.

The MacBook Neo isn't simply a cheaper MacBook Air—it's a redefinition of what Apple's most affordable computer can do and what it's suitable for. With a starting price of €699, the device sets a new price point for the Mac lineup and forces buyers who previously opted for an iPad to ask an honest question: Why buy an iPad when the MacBook Neo is so much cheaper, more powerful, and more complete? For many, the answer is surprisingly clear.

There are use cases that only an iPad can fulfill

To be fair, there are a number of use cases where an iPad is simply the better choice and cannot be replaced by a MacBook. Anyone who digitally illustrates, does intensive image editing with brushes, takes handwritten notes, or edits PDFs directly with the stylus relies on the tablet form factor. Reading ebooks and digital magazines, streaming videos, and passively browsing the internet are also areas where the iPad's form factor shines. These use cases are real and shouldn't be underestimated – but they certainly don't apply to all iPad buyers.

For many, the iPad was simply a cheaper laptop replacement

A large proportion of iPad buyers use the device with a keyboard as a full-fledged laptop replacement. This isn't misuse—for years it was, for good reason, the most affordable and sensible option. A basic iPad combined with an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard cost significantly less than the cheapest MacBook Air for a long time. For those who aren't tech enthusiasts, only open one app at a time, and value instant startup and long battery life, this combination offered exactly what they needed. In this role, the iPad was more user-friendly than a Mac, easier to understand, and less expensive.

Even as iPad prices rose and the Magic Keyboard emerged as a significantly more expensive accessory, the iPad-laptop combination remained competitive. Instant wake-up mode, excellent battery life, and the easier handling of iPadOS were strong selling points – especially for users who didn't prioritize multitasking or complex software.

Apple Silicon has changed the signs

The switch to Apple Silicon fundamentally changed the landscape. The MacBook Air with the M-chip offers the same instant sleep/wake functionality and exceptional battery life that were previously considered iPad advantages. Moreover, in certain configurations, a 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple Silicon was even less expensive than a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. The iPad's 2-in-1 flexibility remained a selling point, but no longer a particularly strong one. Many who would have instinctively chosen the iPad previously opted for the MacBook Air from this point onward—and quite rightly so.

The MacBook Neo pushes the boundaries once again – drastically

Now comes the MacBook Neo, which significantly lowers the price point. The most relevant direct comparison: a 13-inch iPad Air with Magic Keyboard and 256 GB of storage. Same screen size, comparable keyboard quality. The price for that: €1,198. The MacBook Neo in a comparable configuration costs €699 – almost half the price.

For those looking for a more affordable entry point, there are other iPad options. A basic iPad model with a Magic Keyboard Folio costs the same as the Neo, but only offers an 11-inch screen. Even cheaper is a basic iPad combined with a third-party Bluetooth keyboard. These options exist – but whether they make sense depends entirely on whether your usage truly aligns with the tablet form factor.

Hardware: The Neo is simply more elegant

Anyone using an iPad as a laptop is always making a compromise. The combination of the iPad's casing and the attached keyboard is functional, but compared to the MacBook Neo, it's bulkier and less balanced. The Neo is designed as a laptop and feels like one – no gaps, no wobbling, no feeling of having two devices haphazardly joined together.

Software: iPadOS has caught up, but macOS remains superior

iPadOS has evolved considerably in recent years. Multitasking, Stage Manager, and numerous productivity-oriented features demonstrate Apple's intention to position the iPad more seriously as a work device. Nevertheless, the gap to macOS remains noticeable. Those who work seriously, manage multiple windows simultaneously, rely on a broad ecosystem of desktop applications, or simply desire more control over their operating system are better served by macOS. For the typical iPad-as-laptop user, the MacBook Neo offers a significantly more comprehensive software package.

MacBook Air suffers – but the MacBook Neo hits the iPad harder

The MacBook Neo will undoubtedly cost MacBook Air sales. However, the greater long-term impact could be felt in the iPad segment. For those who have previously used their iPad as an affordable, uncomplicated laptop replacement, this reason to buy simply no longer exists with the MacBook Neo. The Neo is cheaper, more elegant in terms of hardware, and more powerful in terms of software than any iPad keyboard combination in a comparable price range. The iPad retains its place – but only where it is actually used as a tablet. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)