Apple currently sells three portable computers that cost about $600. The MacBook Neo, iPad Air, and regular iPad paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio each fit the bill. However, the experience offered depending on the price varies widely, so we’ll compare them below.
MacBook Neo is a traditional laptop
If you just want a traditional laptop with a reliable trackpad and keyboard, look no further than Apple’s new MacBook Neo.
The MacBook Neo costs $599 and offers 256 GB storage, 8 GB RAM, and a 13-inch display with 2408 x 1506 native resolution (219 pixels per inch). All are powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip.
There are two USB-C ports that can transfer data while charging. One supports USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s) and DisplayPort to drive 4K displays at 60Hz. The other is USB 2 speeds (up to 480Mb/s).
The MacBook Neo has a 1080p HD webcam, but it lacks Apple’s 12MP Center Stage with Desk View feature.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that it runs macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system, rather than iPadOS.
Depending on your needs, this might be a plus, especially since the Mac can also run some iPad apps, but the MacBook Neo is just a laptop. It does not have a touch screen and cannot be used as a tablet.
The M4 iPad Air is a tablet with all the same price
Apple’s new M4 iPad Air also costs $599 and is an all-touchscreen tablet. Trackpad/keyboard case requires additional cost.
The 11-inch display is smaller, with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, the same 500 nits of brightness, and unlike the MacBook Neo, it supports P3 Wide Color and True Tone.
The new window system in iPadOS 26 dramatically closes the gap between the iPad operating system and macOS.
Apple’s M4 chip is the same processor used in many Mac laptops and desktop computers, and it’s faster than the A18 Pro chip found in the MacBook Neo.
The $599 M4 iPad Air has 128GB of storage, half of what the MacBook Neo offers at the same price, but it has 12GB of RAM instead of just 8GB of memory.
iPad Air also features a 12MP Center Stage front camera, a 12MP wide back camera with 4K video capture, and is compatible with Apple Pencil.
The iPad Air also comes with Touch ID for $599, which equates to a $100 outlay on the MacBook Neo. It features one USB-C port for charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer at USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s).
iPad Air can support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.
Adding the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, which gives you the trackpad, keyboard, and the ability to charge while transferring data, brings the total cost from $599 to $868.
The iPad Air advertises up to 10 hours of battery life, while the MacBook Neo has 16 hours of battery life.
A16 iPad + Magic Keyboard Folio costs $598
If you want to stay under $600 without add-ons, there’s one solution that offers the versatility of a tablet while still offering a trackpad and keyboard.
Apple’s base model iPad and Magic Keyboard Folio cost $598.
In terms of performance, it’s the weakest contender with Apple’s A16 chip when compared to the MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro and the iPad Air’s M4. Get 128 GB of storage when you buy an iPad and trackpad/keyboard case combination for under $600. Apple doesn’t advertise memory, but we do know that the A16 iPad has 6GB of RAM, compared to 8GB on the MacBook Neo and 12GB on the iPad Air.
Still, what we’re looking at here is an 11-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264 ppi, True Tone support, and 500 nits of brightness.
It has a 12MP center stage camera on the front and a 12MP wide rear camera with 4K video capture.
Apple’s A16 iPad has one USB-C port for charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer at USB 2 speeds (up to 480Mb/s). This $598 package includes the Magic Keyboard Folio, but does not include a second port for charging during data transfer.
Like the MacBook Neo, the A16 iPad supports one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.
Three $600 computers with different strengths
Which is the best $600 computer from Apple for you?
If you just want a rugged laptop without the hassle of a keyboard case, the MacBook Neo is a great choice.
iPad Air has the best performance and versatility, but comes at a higher price if you need a trackpad and keyboard.
The A16 iPad with Magic Keyboard Folio offers a product that combines the worlds of both a laptop and a tablet while staying within your budget without sacrificing overall performance.
