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- Thursday March 05
- 11:30 amApple’s long, strange trip to the MacBook Neo
Macworld In late 2008, Steve Jobs hopped on the company’s quarterly phone call with analysts and, besieged by questions about Apple being threatened by low-cost PC laptops called “netbooks,” he explained how Apple approached its product decision. “We don’t know how to make a $500 computer that’s not a piece of junk,” he said. It took Apple nearly 18 years to figure it out, but here we are. The announcement of the $599 MacBook Neo ($499 for education buyers!) is the low-cost laptop Mac users have been wondering about for years. But there are plenty of reasons it took this long. Laptop dreams In the early days of laptops, they were flat-out expensive. Apple’s PowerBooks were great, but you had to pay a premium to get a portable Mac made out of miniaturized parts. And even then, the laptops were generally slower than their desktop equivalents. Apple’s first budget laptop was the iBook. It was $1,600.Apple As a graduate student in 1992, I bought a PowerBook 160 to replace my Mac SE. It cost $2,400, equivalent to more than $5,000 today. I loved that thing, and I did end up using it for years in all sorts of places, even writing stories while riding BART trains through the Bay Area. The high cost of Mac laptops meant that even lower-end models were aimed more at a professional audience, the equivalent of today’s MacBook Pros. It was only when Steve Jobs returned to Apple and drew his famous four-quarter product grid that things got really interesting. That grid separated the Mac into four product categories, divided by audience (pro, consumer) and type (desktop, laptop). The pro desktop was the Power Mac. The consumer desktop was the iMac. The pro laptop was the PowerBook. So what was the consumer laptop?? Jobs smiled and moved right along with his presentation. Only later, at Macworld Expo in 1999, did Jobs unveil his consumer laptop: the iBook. It cost $1,600, which was better than what I had paid for my PowerBook, at least! The original iBooks were aggressive with color–you could get them in tangerine and blueberry, and later in indigo and key lime. They were also big, weirdly shaped, and (in my opinion) completely adorable. I bought one for my mom. But if you look at it objectively, it’s hard not to label the original iBook a failure. Not only did Apple replace it with a much more conventionally-shaped iBook just two years later, but it came only in white, ending the era of truly colorful Mac laptops forever. (Until now!) That iBook started at $1,299, a record low for a Mac laptop. The MacBook Air was never really cheap, but it sold like it was.Jason Cross/Foundry With the Intel transition, the iBook became the MacBook, and it was a perennial favorite of Mac users, especially students. But in the 2010s, it faded away, replaced in our hearts by the MacBook Air, which transformed from a pricey ultraportable into the heart of Apple’s affordable laptop line. After a shaky few years in the mid-2010s–Apple stopped updating the Air and released a Retina MacBook that was overpriced and underpowered–the Air finally got a Retina display and, a few years later, went into overdrive with the release of the M1 MacBook Air. In the 2020s, the Air has settled into the sweet spot in Apple’s product lineup. Starting at $999 or $1,099 for most of the modern era, it’s become the top-selling Mac. And yet… while $999 is a far cry from what I paid for my first PowerBook, it’s also not that close to the $500 laptop Jobs said Apple couldn’t build. Which left some room down there for another laptop, if Apple could swing it. The Neo era? This brings us back to the MacBook Neo. It’s got colors not seen since the original iBook (including one of the original colors, indigo), but its styling is pure 2020s Apple. The MacBook Neo will remind longtime Mac users of the iBook colors.Michael Simon / Foundry What has changed since 2008, when Jobs said Apple couldn’t make a $500 laptop that wasn’t junk? So much. But in particular, Apple has become incredibly efficient with its manufacturing techniques, including being perhaps one of the companies with the most knowledge of how to shape aluminum to its will. For me, though, the final catalyst is Apple silicon. One of the reasons the original MacBook Air and the mid-2010s Retina MacBook failed is because they were sorely underpowered. Apple’s chips were designed to work in small portable devices like iPhones, and it turned out that they translated perfectly to the Mac. Today’s iPhone chips are so capable, they’re as fast as the M1 was a few years ago. And so Apple saw an opening: there was room for a Mac laptop to exist, powered not by an M-series chip, but by a chip designed to power an iPhone. That’s one of the reasons the MacBook Neo can exist at a price no Mac laptop has come close to before.10:31 amUnleash the full power of your iPad with ESR
Macworld The iPad is more than a tablet—it’s a portable office, creative studio, and entertainment hub. With the right accessories, it becomes even more powerful. ESR, a global tech brand trusted by over 130 million users worldwide, designs smart accessories that integrate seamlessly into daily life—boosting productivity while delivering serious protection. Here’s how ESR helps you unlock more from your iPad. iPad Productivity: Work smarter, create freely ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) ESR At the heart of iPad productivity is flexibility—and the ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) delivers exactly that. Its secure magnetic detachable design lets you instantly switch between laptop-style typing and a streamlined tablet mode for reading, drawing, or gaming. Whether you’re reading, watching, sketching, or gaming, you can switch modes effortlessly. Unlike fixed keyboard designs, this setup lets you detach into single-case mode for total freedom. The Bluetooth keyboard works independently, allowing you to position your keyboard and iPad separately for maximum comfort. Adjustable angles support every task: 20°–75° landscape mode for work and entertainment 70° portrait mode for browsing 20° drawing mode for stable, secure and comfortable sketching The 100% clickable edge-to-edge trackpad (4.4 × 2.8 in) supports intuitive multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipe. Despite its functionality, it’s ultra-thin (7.2 mm) and lightweight—about 20% lighter than many alternatives. Reinforced Air Guard corners add dependable protection. For extra flexibility and choice there are two secure Pencil storage options: a magnetic holder and an easy-access elastic pouch. View ESR Shift Keyboard Case on Amazon View ESR Shift Keyboard Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Flex Keyboard Case (Detachable) ESR The 6.9mm thick Flex is another iPad keyboard case with a protective yet productive magnetic detachable design and large precision trackpad that enables the user to switch between their iPad and Mac for a seamless workflow. The two stable viewing angles are a 65° angle for working, watching, or reading, and a 20° angle for sketching or writing. Both angles provide a firm and stable setup for comfortable viewing and use. View ESR Flex Keyboard Case on Amazon View ESR Flex Keyboard Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19); iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Geo Digital Pencil ESR The ESR Geo Digital Pencil brings precision to notes and artwork with palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and a fine tip for detailed strokes. Adjust line thickness naturally by tilting the nib—perfect for shading and sketching. Built-in Apple Find My compatibility helps you quickly locate the stylus with sound alerts—unlike Apple’s official Pencil. A Bluetooth connection enables iPad shortcut buttons for seamless iPad interaction and real-time battery monitoring. A 20-minute USB-C charge provides up to 12 hours of use. Compatible with iPads released after 2018, it’s a reliable tool for students and creators alike. View ESR Geo Digital Pencil on Amazon View ESR Geo Digital Pencil at ESR Compatible with: All iPad models 2018 and later iPad Protection: Confidence in every environment ESR Shift Magnetic Case ESR The ESR Shift Magnetic Case features a strong magnetic connection that ensures a secure and stable stand across different surfaces such as desks, sofas or laps—improving usability and convenience during everyday use. It offers five practical modes: viewing, browsing, typing, gaming, and writing. Dual support brackets and magnetic grooves provide up to nine adjustable angles. Portrait mode is ideal for FaceTime, and the detachable back case allows full hands-on access. It can even attach magnetically to your fridge for convenient viewing. View ESR Shift Magnetic Case on Amazon View ESR Shift Magnetic Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 ESR Flip Magnetic Case (Pencil Holder) ESR The ESR Flip Magnetic Case (Pencil Holder) supports both creativity and protection. Two standing modes—45°–60° for viewing and 25° for writing—adapt to work or entertainment. Its folding triangular structure makes vertical browsing effortless. A secure Pencil slot allows easy storage and charging, while the dual-layer design delivers 360° protection against scratches and bumps. View ESR Flip Magnetic Case on Amazon View ESR Flip Magnetic Case at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch (2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19) ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protectors ESR ESR screen protectors ship with an UltraFit Tray and dust-removal strip for a simple-to-install, fast bubble-free finish. The ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector features Armorite technology with 7x the impact absorption of standard protectors. High-alumina tempered glass withstands up to 110 lb of pressure and offers 9H scratch resistance. At 0.33 mm thin, it preserves clarity, responsiveness, and full Pencil support. View ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector on Amazon View ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector at ESR ESR For creators who prefer texture, the ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector (Tempered Glass) combines durability with a natural writing feel and drawing experience. It is made with premium PET material and uniform micro-grit surface, therefore offering a paper-like texture as well as tough screen protection. The ultra-thin design preserves precise touch sensitivity, enabling smooth and controlled strokes that are ideal for stylus use. Offering 5x impact absorption, it features a matte, anti-glare surface ideal for outdoor use while minimizing Pencil tip wear. View ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector on Amazon View ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel Screen Protector at ESR Compatible with: iPad Air 4/5/Air 11 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad Air 13 inch(2024/2025/2026); iPad 10/11(A16)/12(A19)iPad Pro 11 inch 2024/2025; iPad Pro 13 inch 2024/2025 With ESR’s ecosystem of productivity tools and protective solutions, your iPad becomes more capable, more versatile, and built to handle everyday demands—wherever you go.08:00 amOwn Microsoft Office for Mac forever for just $60, no subscription required
Macworld TL;DR: Save on Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac with this lifetime license, available now for $59.97 (reg. $219.00). If you’re still handing over cash to Microsoft every month for a 365 subscription, it’s time to stop. Right now, you can grab a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for just $59.97, a one-time payment that gets you permanent access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote on your Mac. There are no renewals, no recurring charges, and no surprises. The license ties to your Microsoft account (not your device), delivers instantly via email, and is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and the latest Tahoe. It installs just like any official Microsoft app, so setup takes minutes. This deal is rated an impressive 4.8/5-stars on average from over 730 reviews. One recent five-star review reads, “Operates as intended, and very pleased with the ease to purchase this product license through Stack Social.” For home users and small business owners who just want reliable, familiar tools without an ongoing bill, this is about as straightforward as it gets. Get this Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac license for $59.97 (reg. $219.00) today. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.01:57 amFrench thriller series ‘The Hunt’ premieres on Apple TV after three-month delay
Following a last-minute delay due to reported allegations of plagiarism, French drama The Hunt was released on Apple TV this Wednesday. Here are the details. more…01:39 amFeds call Anthropic supply-chain risk, tech companies aren't happy about it
A group that includes Apple, Google, and others has sent a letter to the US Department of Defense concerning Anthropic's supply-chain risk designation, clearly concerned about how that might affect future tech contracts.The tech industry could be affected by arbitrary use of supply-chain risk designationsAnthropic took a moral stand against the United States government's request for unrestricted access to AI tools. The Trump administration retaliated by ordering all government entities to stop using Claude and designated the company as a supply-chain risk.The designation is usually reserved for foreign national entities that pose a threat to United States infrastructure. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:10 amBenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 review: ideal desk lighting for nearly any situation
BenQ is back with the ScreenBar Halo 2 to light up your workspace with not just one but two highly customizable light sources.BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 I got my first BenQ ScreenBar all the way back in February of 2020. While I thought it was somewhat novel, I told myself, "Surely this isn't going to be something I use regularly."I didn't like the utilitarian aesthetic, and I'd spent years illuminated only by my monitor. Was there ever going to be a real reason that I'd need to have a light attached directly to my monitor? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:49 amIndustry group representing Apple voices concern to Pentagon over Anthropic ban
The Information Technology Industry Council, whose members include Apple, sent a letter to the Pentagon addressing Anthropic’s designation as a “supply chain risk.” Here are the details. more…12:33 amMacBook Neo name chosen to reflect its 'fun, friendly, and fresh' look
An interview reveals Apple's approach with MacBook Neo was a complete rethink of a budget-friendly laptop, not simply rehashing old tech at a lower price.The MacBook Neo is a new budget-friendly productThe MacBook Neo is a brand new category in the lineup that has a new-to-Apple moniker to go with it. It's not just a new laptop, but a new market for the premium product seller.According to an interview with Director of Mac Product Marketing, Colleen Novielli conducted by Techradar, the MacBook Neo is meant to be competitive in the $599 price range. It brings Apple's attention to detail and premium materials to a product nearly half the price of the MacBook Air. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our ForumsWednesday March 0411:17 pmAI content in Apple Music can now be labeled, if distributors so choose
AI-generated content in the Apple Music app can now be more easily spotted, but only if record labels and distributors actually label it as such.Apple Music now has optional AI-disclosure tags for distributors and record labels.Apple continues to enhance the iPhone's built-in Music application, with Apple Intelligence features such as Playlist Playground set to make their way to end users as part of the iOS 26.4 update.Now, the company has implemented an additional AI-related safeguard, referred to as Transparency Tags. They're essentially disclosure labels that let music distributors and record labels indicate specific content was made with the help of artificial intelligence. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:16 pmMacBook Neo will warn you if you plug a display into the wrong USB-C port
MacBook Neo is a great laptop for users who almost never use an external display. If you do connect MacBook Neo to a monitor, there are a couple of things to know. more…11:00 pmDon’t underestimate it: MacBook Neo packs surprising performance
Apple’s decision to put an A-series chip in the new MacBook Neo raised more than a few eyebrows. And doubts about its performance. But a comparison of the performance offered by the A18 Pro in Apple’s new notebook with Apple’s previous Mac processors shows that it’s surprisingly powerful, despite the processor originally being intended for […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)10:45 pmThe MacBook Neo’s Carefully Considered Compromises
With the MacBook Neo, Apple has introduced an entry-level laptop to complement its MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines. In an attempt to wrest market share from Windows and Chromebook competitors, the MacBook Neo makes numerous small compromises that bring the price down to $599, making it the most affordable Mac laptop ever.10:16 pmApple Music introduces metadata tags to disclose AI-generated content
Today, Apple introduced new metadata tags that will let record labels and distributors disclose when artificial intelligence was used in the creation of music, artwork, and more. Here are the details. more…10:04 pmWalmart will continue selling Macs after proving market for MacBook Neo
Walmart is staying in the business of selling Macs, with the retailer officially selling the $599 MacBook Neo. That’s no surprise since Apple basically used Walmart as the proving ground for a lower-cost Mac laptop without the fastest processor. more…10:01 pmApple’s MacBook Neo offers premium build quality at a remarkably lower price
Apple has previously offered more affordable products, such as the $329 and $349 iPad models as well as the former $429 iPhone SE… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.10:00 pmMacBook Neo isn’t the MacBook Air killer you might think
The MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest low-end MacBook, but there are still plenty of reasons to buy Apple’s midrange laptop. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)09:36 pmApple’s new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR have two different chips
Apple’s new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR have a lot of differences, but we can now add one more to the list: they come with different A19 chips. more…09:29 pmBilly Zane lands recurring role in Apple TV’s golf comedy ‘Stick’
The Titanic and Twin Peaks actor will join Stick as a recurring cast member for season 2. Here are the details. more…09:04 pmWhy MacBook Neo is Apple’s best new model for most people
It’s only March, but Apple has already launched eight new products this year, including seven just this week. And the most exciting of the bunch is the MacBook Neo. more…08:40 pmMacBook Neo vs M5 MacBook Air: Budget notebooks compared
The MacBook Neo is Apple's new lowest-cost MacBook, taking the role from the MacBook Air. Here's where the differences are looking at the spec sheets of the the two least-expensive MacBook lines.MacBook Neo [left], M5 MacBook Air [right]Early March has seen Apple launch two new value-focused MacBook options for consumers on a budget. Built to reduce the entry cost as much as possible, it's an unusual model that uses Apple Silicon still, but a chip designed for the iPhone and iPad.This is a big shake-up in Apple's pricing strategy. It that replaces the MacBook Air as the entry-level MacBook option, which it has served as for quite a few years. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums