iPad or MacBook Neo? Comparing Apple's three $600 computers

Apple now has three portable computers that are priced around $600. MacBook Neo, iPad Air, and the plain iPad paired with Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio each fit the bill. They offer very different experiences for the money, however, so here's how they compare.

MacBook Neo is a traditional laptop

Apple's new MacBook Neo is hard to beat if you just want a traditional laptop with a reliable trackpad and keyboard. For $599, MacBook Neo offers 256GB storage, 8GB RAM, and a 13-inch display with 2408-by-1506 native resolution at 219 pixels per inch. It's all powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip.

There are two USB-C ports for transferring data while charging. One supports USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s) and DisplayPort for driving a 4K display at 60Hz. The other has USB 2 speeds (up to 480Mb/s).

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, and not iPadOS. Depending on your needs, that may be a plus, especially since the Mac can run some iPad apps too, but MacBook Neo is only a laptop. It doesn't have a touchscreen, and it cannot convert into a tablet.

M4 iPad Air is all tablet for the same price

Also for $599, Apple's new M4 iPad Air is all touchscreen tablet. You would need to spend extra on a trackpad/keyboard case. The 11-inch display is smaller with 2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi and the same 500 nits brightness, and it supports P3 wide color and True Tone unlike MacBook Neo.

iPadOS 26's new windowing system 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 inside the MacBook Neo.

The $599 M4 iPad Air has 128GB storage, which is half of what MacBook Neo offers for the same price, but it has more memory with 12GB RAM versus just 8GB. iPad Air also has a 12MP Center Stage front camera, 12MP wide back camera with 4K video capture, and it's compatible with Apple Pencil. iPad Air also comes with Touch ID for $599, something that's a $100 expense on MacBook Neo.

It features a single USB-C port for charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer with USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s). iPad Air can support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.

You can add a Magic Keyboard for iPad Air to gain a trackpad, keyboard, and the ability to charge while transferring data, but that'll bring the total cost from $599 to $868. iPad Air touts up to 10 hours of battery life compared to 16 hours on MacBook Neo.

A16 iPad + Magic Keyboard Folio costs $598

If you're set on staying below $600 without add-ons, there's one solution that provides the versatility of a tablet while still offering a trackpad and keyboard. Apple's base model iPad plus Magic Keyboard Folio comes in at $598.

Performance-wise, it's the weakest candidate with Apple's A16 chip compared to the A18 Pro in MacBook Neo and M4 in iPad Air. The iPad plus trackpad/keyboard case combo for below $600 gives you 128GB storage. Apple doesn't advertise the memory, but we know the A16 iPad has 6GB RAM compared to 8GB with MacBook Neo and 12GB with iPad Air.

Still, you're looking at an 11-inch touchscreen display with 2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi, True Tone support, and 500 nits brightness. It has a 12MP Center Stage camera on the front, and a 12MP wide back camera with 4K video capture.

Apple's A16 iPad has a single USB-C port for charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer with USB 2 speeds (up to 480Mb/s). This $598 package includes the Magic Keyboard Folio, but it doesn't include a second port for charging during data transfer. Like MacBook Neo, the A16 iPad supports one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.

Three $600 computers with different strengths

Which is Apple's best $600 computer to you? MacBook Neo is the strongest choice if you just want a solid laptop without the fuss of keyboard cases. iPad Air offers the most performance and versatility, but the price adds up if you need a trackpad and keyboard. The A16 iPad with Magic Keyboard Folio offers a mix of both the laptop and tablet world while staying under budget, as long as compromising on overall performance isn't a deal-breaker.

The key takeaway is that Apple has successfully segmented the $600 price point into three distinct computing experiences:

• MacBook Neo: Traditional laptop experience with macOS, better for productivity work that benefits from a desktop operating system
• M4 iPad Air: Maximum performance and versatility, ideal for creative professionals who want the best possible hardware
• A16 iPad + Magic Keyboard Folio: Best value for those wanting both tablet and laptop functionality without exceeding $600

The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, workflow preferences, and whether you're willing to invest in accessories to enhance the iPad experience.