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MacBook Neo is so popular that Apple doubled production (macrumors.com)

436 points by tosh · 86 days ago · 508 comments on HN

Article summary

Apple has reportedly doubled production of the MacBook Neo due to its popularity, with demand exceeding expectations and driving a record number of first-time Mac buyers. The laptop's starting price of $599 and features such as a colorful design and A18 Pro chip have contributed to its success. The company's supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, believes that MacBook Neo shipments will reach 10 million units in 2026. This has also led to a response from competitors, with Dell introducing a redesigned XPS 13 laptop.

Main themes

  • MacBook Neo popularity
  • Apple production increase
  • Competition in laptop market
  • Chromebook comparison
  • Laptop affordability
  • Tech industry trends

What commenters say

  • The MacBook Neo's popularity is due to its great price point and good build quality, making it an attractive option for younger folks and those looking for a affordable laptop.
  • The laptop's success is a result of Apple's control over its own chipset, allowing for better performance and pricing.
  • Some argue that the MacBook Neo is a good balance between affordability and performance, making it a great option for those who don't need high-end features.
  • Others believe that the laptop's popularity is a result of Apple's strategy to target the low-end market, particularly in education, where Chromebooks have been dominant.
  • There is a disagreement over the comparison between the MacBook Neo and older netbooks, with some arguing that the Neo is a significant improvement, while others think it's not that different.
  • Some commenters think that Apple's focus on their products and not entering the AI chip market is a good strategy, while others believe they should invest more in AI technology to compete with NVIDIA.
  • The discussion also touches on the issue of laptop repairability, with some praising the MacBook Neo's design for being easy to repair, while others are concerned that Apple may revert to gluing components together in the future.
  • There is also a mention of the environmental and cost benefits of the 'keep it after 4 years' program, which allows students to keep their laptops after a certain period, potentially reducing electronic waste.