I thought it would be better to wait a few days before writing about the MacBook Neo. After reading most of the reviews, the feeling I keep coming back to is jealousy, mainly because today’s college students get to have a genuinely great experience taking notes, working on projects, and even picking up hobbies like photography, film, or music.
I remember buying my first laptop: summer of 2007, Barcelona. My whole computing life had revolved around Windows machines, and I never seriously considered a MacBook. I knew Apple made them, but I wanted something I could game on too. I wandered through a few malls and stores, walked past a white polycarbonate MacBook without a second glance, and eventually had to choose between a bulky 15.6″ machine that weighed over 3 kg (6.6 lbs.) and a compact 12″ Packard Bell BU45. Portability won. I bought the Packard Bell.
It wasn’t great, but I made it work. Windows Vista, driver installs, antivirus software, I dealt with all of it. But the worst part was the battery: 1.5 hours. I used to show up to class early just to grab a seat near a wall socket.
Today’s students won’t have any of those problems. The Neo is fast, good-looking, compact, light, and has excellent battery life. And compared to what I paid nearly 19 years ago (€900) Apple’s most affordable MacBook at €700 is almost absurdly good value. That’s why it makes me jealous.
But it also makes me happy. This is exactly what technology should do: make a great experience more accessible. And honestly, I’m not surprised Apple is the one that pulled it off.
