Apple’s unveiling of the entry-level laptop MacBook Neo has prompted some consumers to say they would rather buy an older MacBook Air. The choice may look simple if only price is considered, but decisions can vary depending on pricing and inventory conditions.

The Verge reported on Tuesday that the MacBook Neo starts at $599 with an A18 Pro processor, 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage. Students can buy it for $499 with an education discount. A higher-end model with 512GB of storage and Touch ID costs $699.

Cost-cutting is visible in features including two USB-C ports without Thunderbolt support, a relatively basic display and a mechanical trackpad. It instead secures the title of the cheapest new MacBook. Performance focuses on everyday tasks such as web browsing, document work, streaming and light photo editing. Some also say 8GB of RAM could be somewhat limiting for long-term use or multitasking.

The MacBook Air, in contrast, is seen as a more complete product. The M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099 and offers 16GB of memory as standard, 512GB of high-speed storage, a brighter display, an improved webcam, additional speakers and Thunderbolt 4 ports. Many analyses say the Air is a more stable option for most users when performance, expandability and long-term use are considered. But the price gap can reach $400 to $500, which could sharply split choices depending on budget.

As a relatively cheaper alternative, the M4 MacBook Air sells at around $1,000. The M1 MacBook Air, once sold in the $700 range, is now largely out of stock. Refurbished products remain an option, but it is not easy to find a 16GB-memory model at a price similar to the MacBook Neo, which is also a factor.

The criteria for choosing are relatively clear. Key factors include whether 8GB of RAM is enough, whether expandability such as Thunderbolt is needed, and whether webcam or display quality matters. The Verge said the Air has an advantage if long-term use and multitasking are important, but the Neo can also be a sufficient choice if basic tasks are the focus.

Another key point is that the MacBook Neo is not a product positioned as a rival to the MacBook Air. Apple is targeting low-priced Windows laptop users, the Chromebook market and consumers buying a Mac for the first time. In particular, the $499 education pricing shows an intent to target the K-12 market. The industry also interprets this as a step-by-step strategy to enter Apple’s ecosystem, moving from iPad users to MacBook Neo and then to MacBook Air.

In sum, the MacBook Neo is closer to an entry gateway than a performance competitor. The Neo has an advantage for those who want to cut short-term costs, while the Air is better for those looking for a laptop to use longer. What is clear is that the arrival of the MacBook Neo has made Apple’s Mac lineup pricing structure one step more finely segmented.