Windows laptop manufacturers seek to counter Apple's cheapest MacBook in history.

A few months ago, the arrival of the MacBook Neo – Apple's most affordable laptop ever – sent shockwaves through the entire Windows PC industry.

With a starting price of just $599 for the 8GB RAM/256GB SSD version (and only $499 for students), Apple has directly broken the monopoly of Windows-based laptops in the budget segment.

Even with the upgrade to the 512GB storage configuration and Touch ID security button, the price of the MacBook Neo remains at just $699.

To regain its position, Acer became the first to counterattack by launching the Swift Air 14 series with a starting price of $699.

This model boasts a competitive configuration thanks to its Intel Core Series 3 processor and a 14-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate (1920 x 1200 pixel resolution).

The device is encased in a unibody aluminum shell similar to the MacBook Neo, features a 4-speaker system with DTS:X Ultra technology, and supports Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

The Windows representative's standout feature lies in its diverse connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a 70 Wh battery providing up to 16 hours of web browsing time.

To counter Apple's aesthetic strategy, Acer also offers a range of eye-catching color options such as sage green, icy blue, rose pink, and lilac purple. The product is expected to officially launch in the North American market this August.

Not content with just the mid-range segment, the battle for market share in the budget segment is shifting down to prices below $300 thanks to the entry of Qualcomm.

This renowned chip manufacturer has just announced the Snapdragon C series of processors specifically for mainstream computing devices.

The new chip series promises responsive performance for everyday tasks along with superior power efficiency.

Major players like HP, Lenovo, and Acer have all committed to releasing laptop models incorporating this processor by the end of this year.

Acer has even revealed the first details about the Aspire Go 15 – the world's first device to run on a Snapdragon C chip.

Although the price and release date are not yet available, the device is confirmed to have a large 15.6-inch Full HD screen, up to 512GB of internal storage, 8GB of RAM, and a 1080p webcam.

The difference is that the Aspire Go 15 is made from 100% recycled materials and recycled plastic, meaning it won't have the luxurious aluminum casing of the MacBook Neo or Swift Air 14.

Meanwhile, at the annual shareholders' meeting, ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih acknowledged that the company is actively researching and learning from Apple's cost optimization strategy on the MacBook Neo line, and sees this as a great opportunity to change the landscape in the near future.

The caution of Windows manufacturers is entirely justified, as Apple CEO Tim Cook enthusiastically shared that customer feedback on the MacBook Neo has far exceeded the company's expectations.

The overwhelming demand for this affordable computer has helped Apple set a new record for the number of first-time Mac buyers in the past quarter.

Clearly, while Apple is extremely pleased with this gamble, the Windows PC industry is going through a period of great uncertainty.

(According to MacRumors)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/the-gioi-pc-windows-tim-cach-dap-tra-chiec-macbook-re-nhat-lich-su-cua-apple-2521187.html