I decided to wait on the MacBook Neo. I hope the next version addresses these 5 minor issues before I spend any money.

      The MacBook Neo caught my attention, not solely because it's an impressive piece of technology that resonates with my inner enthusiast. It's the overall value proposition that Apple presents — an aluminum construction, efficient silicon, and excellent battery life — all at an unbelievable price of $599. I was eager to get a firsthand experience with it, and I almost made the purchase a few weeks ago.

      However, I ultimately refrained from buying it. It wasn’t due to any shortcomings of the Neo itself. I had the chance to use the device for a few days (thanks to my friend who made the investment), and the more I examined the features Apple had omitted to achieve such a low price, the more inclined I felt to defer my purchase until the Neo is improved.

      Here are five improvements I hope to see in the next MacBook Neo:

      Understanding the trade-offs is one thing, but I’m puzzled by why some decisions were made that seem to compromise the quintessential MacBook experience rather than simply reducing costs. So, dear Apple, if you can address these five areas in the next MacBook Neo, I'll be ready to purchase before pre-orders even begin.

      **Specifications of the MacBook Neo (2026):**

      - **Chip:** Apple A18 Pro (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)

      - **RAM:** 8GB unified memory (not upgradeable)

      - **Storage:** 256GB / 512GB SSD

      - **Display:** 13-inch Liquid Retina, 2408×1506, 500 nits, 1 billion colors

      - **Battery:** Up to 16 hours

      - **Ports:** 2x USB-C (left: USB 3, right: USB 2)

      - **Camera:** 1080p FaceTime HD

      - **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

      - **Starting Price:** $599 ($499 education)

      **The A19 Pro could enhance performance significantly**

      For a first-generation product, the MacBook Neo performs admirably with the A18 Pro chip (derived from the iPhone 16 Pro but with one less GPU core). I was impressed by how effectively it managed everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and especially multitasking with numerous Chrome tabs.

      However, I hesitated because, while the A18 Pro excels at typical tasks, it falls short in demanding workflows such as photo editing, graphic design, or coding due to its fewer cores compared to the M-series chips.

      This is where a more robust chip could elevate the Neo’s capabilities, not only for immediate performance boosts but to ensure its relevance for the next four or five years, particularly as AI-related tasks demand greater computational power.

      The good news is that Apple is reportedly planning to incorporate the A19 Pro (from the iPhone 17 Pro) into the next model, which I would welcome wholeheartedly. This chip promises substantial enhancements across the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, significantly improving the Neo experience.

      **Apple’s optimization matters more than 8GB of RAM**

      I must acknowledge that it’s not only the 8GB of RAM in the MacBook Neo that contributes to its performance. Apple’s meticulous control over both hardware and software optimization (including the use of temporary swap memory) allows for smooth browsing, streaming, and general multitasking.

      Nonetheless, when I pushed the device by running several apps simultaneously—like Chrome (with over two dozen tabs open), Apple Music, and FaceTime—the limitations of the memory became clear. Unlike a Windows laptop, where RAM upgrades are feasible, MacBooks come with fixed configurations.

      This device clearly targets first-time laptop buyers: students, new professionals, and those seeking a portable secondary device. While it meets their needs, the inevitable slowdown caused by 8GB of RAM won’t sustain its usability in the long run.

      To me, more RAM doesn’t just address current multitasking issues; it also enhances the device's longevity. Fortunately, rumors suggest the A19 Pro will offer 12GB of unified memory as standard in the upcoming Neo; that should have been the minimum from the start.

      **I type in the dark every day**

      While many issues might not be immediately noticeable, this one struck me as soon as I unfolded the device for the first time. The Neo lacks a backlit keyboard, a feature so common in 2026 that even budget Windows laptops include it.

      Apple compensates with color-matched keys that are brighter across all finishes, and the display does provide some illumination. However, it’s no substitute for a proper backlit keyboard, which my M1 MacBook Air has. Not only does it look sleek at night, but it also makes locating function keys much easier.

      I can’t emphasize enough how beneficial a backlit keyboard would be for the Neo's intended users: students needing to complete assignments at night, frequent travelers working in dimly lit environments, or individuals like myself who prefer working outdoors at night rather than indoors.

      **The trackpad doesn’t