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.
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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.
MacBook Neo |
Dell XPS 13 (2026) |
|
|---|---|---|
Price (starting) |
$699 ($599 for students) |
$699 ($599 for students) |
CPU |
A18 Pro (6-core CPU) |
Series 3 Intel Core 5 |
GPU |
A18 Pro (5-core GPU) |
Intel Graphics |
Display |
13-inch (2408 x 1506) Liquid Retina |
13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch display |
Memory |
8GB |
Up to 32GB |
Storage |
Up to 512GB |
Up to 1TB |
Ports |
2x USB-C (1x USB 3. 1x USB 2) |
2x USB-C (2x USB 3) |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Dimensions |
11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches |
11.69 x 7.90 x 0.50 inches |
Weight |
2.7 pounds |
2.2 pounds |
If you’re not married to Apple, one of the best Windows-powered alternatives is the new Dell XPS 13, which starts at $699 and at $599 for students. This laptop has a slightly larger and sharper 13.4-inch (2560 x 1600) touch display, starts with 512GB of storage (up to 1TB), has an Intel Core 5 Series 3 CPU, packs two USB 3.2 ports, and has a thinner, lighter aluminum design. Like the Neo, it starts with 8GB of RAM, but you can upgrade up to 32GB.
Make sure you watch the video above to see if the MacBook Neo is still right for you. Also, feel free to drop a comment or two down below. Is the MacBook Neo still a good option at $699, or are you looking elsewhere? Let us know!
