The cheapest laptop in Apple's history! You can try the MacBook Neo for 16,990 CZK at Alza without risk

Apple has never been a company that competes on price. But with the MacBook Neo, it’s doing so for the first time, and quite aggressively. You can pre-order the MacBook Neo at Alza starting from 16,990 CZK, with Alza offering 60 days for returns without giving a reason – and this is crucial for this product. The Neo comes with a number of compromises compared to the MacBook Air and may not suit everyone. The option to try it out at home and return it if necessary significantly reduces the risk of purchase.

Quick summary:
✅ Makes sense if you want your first Mac or an inexpensive laptop for web browsing, office work, and lighter tasks – and don’t want to spend over twenty thousand.
⚠️ Consider carefully if you need more than 8 GB RAM, a backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt, or plan to connect more than one 4K monitor.
💡 For 16,990 CZK you get a full-fledged macOS with an A18 Pro chip, all-day battery life, and an aluminum body – and at Alza, you can test it all for 60 days without risk.

What is the MacBook Neo and why was it created

The MacBook Neo is Apple’s first laptop powered by an iPhone chip – specifically the A18 Pro, known from the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple has thus managed to lower the price to a level previously occupied only by Chromebooks or cheaper Windows laptops. The result is a full-fledged Mac with macOS, Apple Intelligence support, and the entire ecosystem.

In the Czech Republic, the MacBook Neo starts at 16,990 CZK (256 GB, 8 GB RAM). For 19,990 CZK, you get the version with 512 GB storage and Touch ID. Those eligible for an educational discount at the Apple Store can even get the base model for 14,290 CZK.

What you get for that price

The MacBook Neo features a 13″ Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 × 1506 pixels and 500 nits of brightness. The design is aluminum and it weighs 1.23 kg – just like the MacBook Air. Four color variants are available: silver, blush (pink), indigo, and citrus (yellow), with the color extending to the keyboard, which is a visually pleasing detail.

Apple states the battery life is up to 16 hours of video playback. Two USB-C ports (one USB 3, the other USB 2), a 3.5mm jack, and Wi-Fi 6E cover basic connectivity. While the A18 Pro chip doesn’t have as many cores as the M-series, it’s more than sufficient for everyday office work, web browsing, email, streaming, and lighter photo editing. Its single-core performance even surpasses older M1 and M2 chips.

What compromises to expect

And now for the important part – because compromises are what determine if the Neo will be enough for you. Apple lowered the price by going minimal in several areas. Here’s an overview of what’s missing or weaker compared to the MacBook Air:

Keyboard and trackpad – The Neo does not have a backlit keyboard, which you’ll notice when working in the dark. The trackpad is mechanical, not a haptic Force Touch. Touch ID is only available on the more expensive 512GB version – the base model for 16,990 CZK does not have a fingerprint reader, so you lose convenient unlocking and Apple Pay directly from the laptop.

Display – The 13″ panel only covers the sRGB color space (not P3) and lacks True Tone for automatic color temperature adjustment. This isn’t an issue for everyday use, but if you work with graphics or photos, it’s a noticeable difference. The bezels around the display are significantly wider than on the Air.

Ports and connectivity – no Thunderbolt, only USB 3 + USB 2. MagSafe is missing, so charging occupies one of the ports. You can connect a maximum of one 4K monitor at 60 Hz – you can’t even connect an Apple Studio Display to the Neo. Wi-Fi is 6E instead of 7.

Memory – fixed 8 GB RAM with no upgrade option. This is sufficient for web browsing and office work, but it might show limitations during more demanding multitasking or when working with multiple applications simultaneously.

Sound and camera – two speakers instead of four, without spatial audio on AirPods. The camera is 1080p without Center Stage. Additionally, a charging adapter is not included in the package – Apple charges several thousand for it, even though the Neo can be charged with a standard phone adapter.

Why the 60-day return policy at Alza is important

The MacBook Neo is the type of product that benefits from being tried in practice. On paper, the compromises seem clear, but in real-world use, it depends on individual habits. Some won’t mind the mechanical trackpad or the lack of backlighting, while for others, it will ruin the entire experience. That’s why the 60-day return period at Alza is so practical – you can use the Neo in your daily routine, and if you find the compromises too significant, you can simply return it.

If you’re interested in other news or looking for another laptop on sale, you can browse the current Alza Days offer.

Verdict: who is the MacBook Neo for

The MacBook Neo for 16,990 CZK is ideal for those who want their first Mac, need a reliable laptop for basic work, study, or home use, and don’t want to spend over twenty thousand. It’s also an interesting choice as a second laptop for the family or for travel. On the other hand, if you need more memory, external monitors, Thunderbolt, or a backlit keyboard, it will be better to opt for a MacBook Air – just be prepared to pay at least five thousand more. In any case, thanks to the 60-day return policy at Alza, you don’t have to decide blindly.

Would you give the cheapest MacBook a chance, or would you rather pay extra for an Air?