Laptop crisis: Insane prices, sales slump, but Apple thriving with MacBook Neo

[Redaktion]

The global laptop is set for a dramatic downturn in 2026. Rising costs driven by AI chips and memory shortage are pushing laptop prices sky-high and scaring off buyers. While the rest of the industry is bracing for a sharp decline, Apple is bucking the trend and seeing rapid growth thanks to its wallet-friendly MacBook Neo.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Laptop-crisis-Insane-prices-sales-slump-but-Apple-thriving-with-MacBook-Neo.1262280.0.html

[Sven20260330]

I am completely not interested in an Apple device or their os how cheap they gonna offer it. And even if their NEO laptop is new, the hardware in it is from yesteryear or very much downgraded. There are also Windows laptops available for a price like $500/600 with which you can perfectly do day-to-day tasks. Of course with yester years hardware as well.

So I am not gonna fall for the Apple hype despite their prices or how much NotebookCheck is gonna write about it.

[Julian M]

It's still the honeymoon phase for the Macbook Neo, the 8GB ceiling is going to hit home at some point as folks will try to throw more and more at this thing tho.

I like Macs, but the Neo isn't the brilliant purchase everybody is making it out to be.

[Fall for it [please]]

So I am not gonna fall

It's also using mediatek WiFi chip instead of usual broadcom that apple typically use. This pretty much kills it for me.

Regardless how you feel about them, it's good news for all of us. Because other windows OEMs have stated they're seriously re-evaluating how they approach budget laptops from now on. Which is a welcome change.