Windows competitors on the MacBook Neo are here – but I’m very happy with Google’s response

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• The MacBook Neo has raised the bar for the budget PC market.
• Existing budget PCs are under the Neo.
• Google may be in a better position to compete with Neo than Windows.

Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo it was shocking the Windows PC market — and that’s a good thing. The most affordable MacBook ever brought new experiences to laptops, forcing Microsoft and its partners to respond with high-end products that can truly compete.

Let’s face it, the lower end of the PC market is sad: uninspired displays, awkward form factors, and lackluster performance. Sure, you get what you pay for, but the Neo is so popular because it beats the hell out of its price. In fact, since it was released in March 2026, it has been flying off the shelves, exceeding the numbers predicted by Apple and leading to a backlog. on Apple’s official site.

Also: We compared the MacBook Neo to its closest Windows and Chromebook competitors: specs

You can bet Microsoft is working on a follow-up. It’s only been a few months, but we’re starting to see the first PCs at similar prices with similar features, including rumored improvements. We’ve already identified a number of Windows PCs (and Chromebooks) that can compete with the MacBook Neo, but how do they actually hold up?

Case-by-side

PC makers have become accustomed to releasing products of a certain standard in this price range. That means lower-resolution displays, less expensive construction materials like plastic over aluminum, and processing technology. When you put these laptops next to the Neo, the difference is noticeable.

For example, look at this laptop that looks like a strong competitor on the surface: LG’s Gram Book 15-inch for, you guessed it: $599. It’s a good-looking laptop with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage — the same as the Neo.

Processors are also comparable. The Gram Book is keeping the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U in Intel’s Meteor Lake series from 2024, and the Neo’s A18 Pro chip is also from that year. Additionally, the Gram Book has more ports than the Neo: two USB-Cs, two USB-As, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a lock port.

But Neo goes further if you look at the details. Its display is smaller, but it has a resolution of 2408 x 1506 compared to 1920 x 1080 FHD on the Gram Book, which means it will look much sharper. The Gram Book’s matte display is surrounded by plastic bezels, while the Neo’s all-glass panel feels more premium. The Neo’s aluminum also beats the Gram Book’s mostly plastic chassis.

Also: Framework Laptop 13 Pro vs. MacBook Neo: These Windows competitors are more similar than expected

And that doesn’t even mention the integration Apple Neo has for iPhone users: Messages, FaceTime, Phone Mirroring, and quality-of-life features like AirDrop. A Windows smartphone app doesn’t compare.

Is Google on the rise?

Neo has certainly converted some Windows users, but it’s not the only alternative to Microsoft’s ubiquitous operating system. Google’s ChromeOS provides a lightweight, streamlined platform for more affordable devices.

I made a case that Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 it’s the Chromebook’s closest competitor to the Neo, even doing a few things better. It has an amazing OLED display, a lightweight design, and a keyboard and great speakers. Also, the MediaTek Kompanio ARM-based processor is fast and battery efficient. But it is very expensive. The Neo still wins on value.

ChromeOS is limited in performance compared to the decades of maturity that macOS has under its belt. But Google also certainly has plans to compete. Rumors of a ChromeOS redesign have been swirling for months, and Google has a big chance here to take on Apple in its smartphone lineup.

If Google can bring more of Android’s features to ChromeOS, it will join Apple with native features that include a laptop and smartphone — something Windows doesn’t have. That would be great.

Also: The case for buying a MacBook Neo right now – especially for students

One thing is certain: MacBook Neo has pushed PC and Chromebook manufacturers to set a new standard for budget devices, and this is good news for consumers. We’ll see if Microsoft can release devices in 2026 that can truly compete with the budget PC king.