Microsoft responded to the MacBook Neo by commissioning a study highlighting the benefits of certain Windows laptops.
Market research company Signal65 evaluated four Windows laptops:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x
- Lenovo’s Yoga 7i
- HP OmniBook 5
- HP OmniBook X Flip
With a starting price of $549.99 on Best Buy’s online store in the US as of this writing, the IdeaPad Slim 3x is the only laptop in the study that currently rivals the MacBook Neo’s starting price of $499 (students) to $599 (consumer). The other three laptops currently start between $749 and $1,029 at Best Buy.
Signal65 highlighted some of the benefits of the IdeaPad Slim 3x over the MacBook Neo:
| Functionality | IdeaPad Slim 3x | MacBook Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 15.3 inches | 13 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon X1 with “90% faster” multi-core Cinebench 2026 score | A18 Pro |
| Basic RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Understood | Touch ID limited to $699 model |
| Ports | 1 × USB-C, 2 × USB-A, SD and HDMI | 2 × USB-C only |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | No |
| Touch screen | Yes | No |
Additionally, the IdeaPad Slim 3x achieved longer battery life (16 hours and 29 minutes) compared to the MacBook Neo (13 hours and 28 minutes) in record time. Tom’s Guide test, with Lenovo able to fit a larger battery into a 15-inch laptop.
The study says the IdeaPad Slim 3x has 512GB of storage, but the $549.99 base model has a 256GB SSD, which matches the MacBook Neo.
Through June 30, Microsoft is offering U.S. students a free one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Premium, a free one-year subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a free Xbox controller with the purchase of an eligible Windows laptop, including the IdeaPad Slim 3x. The package has a value of over $500.
On the other hand, the MacBook Neo has certain advantages over the IdeaPad Slim 3x:
| Functionality | MacBook Neo | IdeaPad Slim 3x |
|---|---|---|
| Display resolution | 2408 × 1506 pixels (Retina quality) | 1920 × 1200 pixels |
| Screen brightness | 500 nits | 300 nits |
| Building material | Full aluminum housing | Mixture of aluminum and plastic |
| Webcam | 1080p camera | 720p camera |
Additionally, many reviewers have noted that the MacBook Neo has a superior trackpad and speakers than Windows laptops in the same price range. Additionally, the MacBook Neo runs macOS instead of Windows, so it benefits from Apple’s tight hardware and software integration and features that work across multiple Apple devices.
While it’s no surprise that this Microsoft-backed study focuses on promoting Windows laptops, the reality is that both the MacBook Neo and the IdeaPad Slim 3x have pros and cons. More competition in the affordable laptop market is overall a win.
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