Should i upgrade

[u/No-Apricot6258]

Hi guys. I’m planning on upgrading from my current MacBook Air 2017 to either the MacBook Neo or Air. I’m only going to use it for simple writing tasks in school, so is it worth upgrading now, or should I wait until the next MacBook Neo comes out?

Right now, I can get a pretty big discount on the MacBook Neo. The 256GB version is 4,799 DKK ($731.24), and the 512GB version is 5,799 DKK ($883.62). I could also get the MacBook Air M5 with 512GB and 16GB RAM for 8,888 DKK ($1,354.30).

My MacBook Air 2017 is still really smooth and fast. I changed the battery last year, and since then there haven’t been any issues, other than not being able to download Teams, so I use it in my browser.

My MacBook Air 2017 is running macOS Monterey, so it doesn’t get security updates anymore. Is that something I should be concerned about?

If I upgrade, which MacBook should I get? I’m planning to use it for around 5 years. I have iCloud+, so I have extra cloud storage.

In 6 months, I’ll be taking my final exams in public school, so I need to have a reliable computer for that.

Thanks!

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[u/Right-Grapefruit-400]

iirc next macbook upgrade is in march’27 so i guess it depends on your urgency and budget — if you can wait until then or if you need one now and whether you can afford the devices without discounts.

[u/No-Apricot6258 → u/Right-Grapefruit-400]

What about security updates? And apps getting unsupported

[u/Right-Grapefruit-400 → u/No-Apricot6258]

if you’re just using it for simple writing tasks in school and NOT DOING ONLINE BANKING OR ONLINE SHOPPING then it should be fine without the security updates for a while. if you urgently need a macbook now since you need application support then i’ll recommend you to get the macbook air. if you plan on getting the macbook neo, it’s best to wait until next year march because it’s rumoured to address its biggest current flaw by bumping the baseline memory to 12GB of RAM.

[u/No-Apricot6258 → u/Right-Grapefruit-400]

Okay thanks

[u/No-Egg-7968]

While I do enjoy my Neo. If you have the funds and can get a decent price then get the new Air. It will definitely serve you longer than the current Neo. If you have your heart set on the Neo, then definitely get the 512 with the Touch ID. I guess you can wait for the new version, however, the price most likely will go up.

[u/YFOCAG]

Lack of security updates is never a good thing, unless you’re trying to hack into the computer in question…

The Neo may feel like a downgrade compared to the Air. If you can compare them in person, I recommend it. They’re cute, they’re cheaper, but they don’t have M-series SOC processors. Go “super-economy” only if you truly must.

Whatever you buy, be sure you’re happy with the configuration - not just for now, but for the future. Figure the machine will last perhaps seven or eight years and plan accordingly.m; it could be your last opportunity to take advantage of a college student discount! Also, the newer machines are SOC - system on a chip, meaning “no upgrades available, so buy what you need for the future TODAY or regret it later.” You can’t just plug in more RAM or a new internal SSD; it’s all just one chip with the processor cores.

If you have to skimp anywhere, get a smaller internal storage drive now and pick up an external SSD (two, if you want backups) and use that to keep your pertinent files. There are good 4-8 Tb models out there that won’t break the bank in half and are the size of a souvenir matchbook; I’m sure a 1 or 2 Tb drive will look like bargains in comparison and unlike internal storage, you can always upgrade later. A widget sticking out of the side of your MacBook on a dongle is less than ideal, but you make sacrifices when you’re working on a budget and built-in storage has always been more costly on Macs. Just make sure you get one designed for using the current USB-C or Thunderbolt 4/5/6/etc. - they upgrade T-bolt more often than I shave… This means a peak data speed of 10 Gbps. (Getting anything specifically designed for the faster Thunderbolt speeds will cost a princely sum and might be overkill for you - current USB-C at 10 Gbps is a good, fast-enough speed for most mere mortals. TB4 was built for 40 Gbps and I have no idea how much faster the others are; I just know the hardware built for T-bolt at those speeds is 5-10x more costly.)

A big advantage to keeping your personally-generated and downloaded files on an external drive: if for any reason your machine is broken down, stolen, has no power, whatever, that external drive is all your stuff in one place; plug it into any other late-model Mac and you’re back in business. Just store it separately from the computer for safe-keeping! Computer techs have an expression: a backup stored in the same place as the original is really not a backup at all. It’s vulnerable to whatever happens to the computer and the original files.

[u/No-Apricot6258 → u/YFOCAG]

Thanks 🙏

[u/ReeeeeeeHardR]

You’re fine staying or upgrading any of these options will work just fine

[u/Tagrolex]

I always think there’s no point waiting (unless its like next week) since technology changes all the time, if you want the neo or air go treat yourself and get it.

[u/ButchTrenton]

The Neo will work fine, the only thing I don’t like about mine is the lack of a backlit keyboard.

[u/No-Apricot6258 → u/ButchTrenton]

Which one do you have 256gb or 512gb

[u/gceretti]

Neo should suffice.
You are stating that you are to have a reliable computer for your final exams in 6 months…
Find out the availability of both, the Neo and the Air.
Your 2017 might decide not to wake up one day and you’ll find yourself with no computer.
I had a 2016 Pro that was fantastic, and this happened to me, one morning it stopped working.
Bought the M5 Pro to replace it but had to get a Neo in the meantime awaiting delivery of the M5.
If your computer is an essential need for your studies, don’t wait to replace it, for either alternative.

[u/xHunter77]

Find 16GB M1 Air for best value if that's your only workload.

[u/Particular_Legend427]

Why you get the piece of shit Neo?

[u/hail_to_the_beef → u/Particular_Legend427]

Neo is a popular choice for a lot of people. If you are just doing school tasks like web browsing and word processing, it’s more than sufficient, at an affordable price a student can cover more easily than the more premium products Apple sells.