Is the Under $20,000 NTD MacBook Neo Worth Buying? 30-Day Test Reveals Pros and Cons

Apple's new MacBook Neo aims to democratize MacBook ownership with a starting price below $20,000 NTD, a move that inevitably involves significant compromises. The 13-inch laptop boasts a Liquid Retina display and is powered by the A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM. While this configuration handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption smoothly, and even manages light photo editing and video work, it's not designed for demanding applications or gaming due to its fanless design and potential for thermal throttling.

The design retains Apple's signature aluminum build, offering a premium feel compared to plastic alternatives in the same price range. It comes in four vibrant colors: silver, pink, orange, and indigo. The 13-inch form factor is portable, though slightly thicker than the MacBook Air. The Liquid Retina screen offers good brightness and detail for general use, but lacks P3 wide color gamut and True Tone, making it unsuitable for professional color-critical work. A notable design choice is the absence of a notch, which some users may prefer.

Connectivity is a clear area of compromise, with only two USB-C ports – one USB 3 (10Gb/s) and one USB 2 (480Mb/s) – and support for only one external display. This setup reflects the cost-saving measures, though it can be mitigated with a USB hub. The keyboard offers a good typing experience with a color-matched design, but lacks backlighting, which is a significant drawback for low-light conditions. The trackpad remains excellent, a hallmark of Apple laptops.

Storage options are 256GB and 512GB, with the latter uniquely featuring Touch ID for convenient unlocking and authentication. Battery life is respectable, lasting 8-10 hours for typical use. However, charging is slow, with the included 20W adapter taking nearly three hours to fully charge from 1%. Ultimately, the MacBook Neo targets students and general office workers who prioritize affordability and the Apple ecosystem over high-end performance and features. It carves out a new entry-level niche, and comparing it directly to the MacBook Air or Pro is unfair given its distinct positioning.