This is Dell's answer to the MacBook Neo.

Following the unexpected success of the MacBook Neo, Windows laptop manufacturers are gradually introducing competing models at more affordable prices.

The design of the MacBook Neo. Photo: Chi Hieu .

First launched in March, the MacBook Neo became Apple's most affordable laptop. The product quickly attracted attention, even selling out in some markets.

Back in March, Nick Wu, Asus's Chief Financial Officer, acknowledged that the MacBook Neo surprised the entire industry with its affordable price.

"Given the exorbitant prices of previous products, Apple's launch of such an affordable device is certainly a shock to the entire market," Wu emphasized.

In fact, many competitors have responded to Apple with cheaper Windows laptop models, most adding features missing from the MacBook Neo such as a backlit keyboard and a 120Hz display.

Dell's answer

Dell has just introduced a new version of the XPS 13 to compete with the MacBook Neo. The device features a high-resolution touchscreen and a backlit keyboard.

Neither of those two features is available on the MacBook Neo. However, the XPS 13 is slightly more expensive, starting at $700 (or $600 for students). For comparison, the MacBook Neo starts at $600 (or $500 for students).

The base XPS 13 comes with a 512GB SSD, equivalent to the upgraded option on the MacBook Neo. It measures 12.7mm thick and weighs 1kg, lighter than Apple's laptop (1.22kg). The aluminum casing enhances its premium feel compared to other models in the same segment.

The new version of the Dell XPS 13 starts at $700 . Photo: Dell .

"It must be acknowledged that Apple's products are good, proving the viability of the market. The difference is that our devices are better," Bloomberg quoted Jeff Clarke, Chief Operating Officer of Dell, as saying.

The XPS 13 offers more configuration options, with up to 32GB of RAM compared to the fixed 8GB on the MacBook Neo. Dell's product also features a 120Hz display and a wider color gamut, while Apple only equips the MacBook Pro with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The keyboard backlight is also a plus on the XPS 13, making typing easier in dark conditions. Dell has also added some improvements over the MacBook Neo, such as Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and longer battery life (17 hours of continuous online video playback compared to 16 hours, according to the manufacturer).

The XPS 13 also has its limitations. Unlike the MacBook Neo, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, forcing users to rely on the four external speakers, Bluetooth headphones, or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Responses from Acer and Qualcomm

Dell isn't the only company looking to compete with Apple in the budget segment. In late May, Acer introduced the Swift Air 14. Priced at $700 , the device boasts an aluminum casing and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, a technology lacking in both the XPS 13 and the MacBook Neo.

The Swift 14 Air's screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It features an Intel Core Series 3 CPU, up to 512GB of SSD storage, and up to 16GB of RAM. Acer claims the 70Wh battery provides 19 hours of video playback and 16 hours of continuous web browsing.

Similar to the MacBook Neo, this model supports Wi-Fi 6E and comes in several color options such as light green, light blue, pink, and purple.

Qualcomm also recently announced the Snapdragon C series, a line of processors for mid-range laptops priced at $300 and above. The company emphasizes that the chips offer sufficient performance for everyday use and are energy-efficient.

According to Qualcomm, the first laptops using Snapdragon C will launch later this year, from several brands including Acer, HP, and Lenovo.

The Snapdragon C series chips are aimed at laptops priced from $300 . Photo: Qualcomm .

Acer has announced the Aspire Go 15, its first laptop using the Snapdragon C processor. The device is expected to be "affordable," although the company has not yet announced a specific price.

According to MacRumors , the standout specifications of the Aspire Go 15 include a 15.6-inch Full HD display, up to 512 GB SSD, 8 GB of RAM, two external speakers, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Acer states that the Aspire Go 15 is made from 100% recycled materials, with some other components made from recycled plastic. This means the casing may not be entirely aluminum like the MacBook Neo or Swift Air 14.

At its annual shareholders' meeting on May 29th, Asus continued to discuss the MacBook Neo. According to the Economic Daily News , Asus Chairman Jonney Shih stated that the company could learn from Apple's cost-saving strategy with the MacBook Neo.

The MacBook Neo was considered an unexpected success. The device attracted significant attention thanks to its low price, macOS platform, and attractive aluminum casing design.

During the April 30th earnings report, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the MacBook Neo's appeal as "beyond imagination." He admitted the company had underestimated user demand for this laptop model.

"We couldn't be happier with what's happening," Cook emphasized.

Source: https://znews.vn/cac-hang-windows-dap-tra-macbook-neo-post1655896.html