MacBook Neo vs. iPad Air: How I'm deciding between Apple's $599 laptop and tablet

ZDNET editor Kyle Kucharski breaks down the decision between Apple's two new $599 hardware options: the recently launched MacBook Neo and the 11-inch iPad Air M4. Both start at the same price, creating a direct cross-category comparison for budget-conscious Apple buyers. The MacBook Neo brings the full macOS experience to an unprecedented entry point with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and an Apple A18 Pro processor, weighing 2.7 pounds. Conversely, the iPad Air M4 offers a portable 1.03-pound form factor with an 11-inch touchscreen, the more powerful M4 chip, and the touch-optimized iPadOS.

Kucharski's analysis provides clear user profiles for each device. The iPad Air M4 is the recommended choice for users who prioritize a tactile, touchscreen experience, making it ideal for artists, creators, younger users, or those with visual impairments. Its 12MP Center Stage camera and Apple Pencil support cater to sketching and content creation. The MacBook Neo, however, is the pick for users who need a traditional laptop for productivity, running full desktop applications like Final Cut Pro or Xcode, and benefiting from its physical keyboard and trackpad for extended typing sessions. The guide ultimately frames the choice as one between a portable creative canvas and an affordable productivity workhorse.