The MacBook Neo is poised to be a top-selling laptop computer in 2026, thanks largely to its inexpensive $599 entry value. Regardless of launching at a extra accessible value level than Apple’s $1,099 (although usually discounted) 2026 MacBook Air, the Neo makes surprisingly few concessions by way of construct high quality. Its design has the identical degree of precision as pricier Apple merchandise, and we present in a hands-on comparability that it handily outclasses equally priced Home windows laptops in nearly each manner regardless of working on an iPhone chipset.
In brief, you may want one, or maybe you have already got one. No matter your scenario is, it’s doable that you could be additionally need a few equipment to get essentially the most out of your Neo. We have now 9 suggestions — a MacBook Neo accent starter package, if you’ll — that may assist you to shield it, customise it, or simply use it extra comfortably in your day-to-day life.
A USB-C monitor to make use of as a second display
Not each laptop monitor helps USB-C video enter, so the choice of ones that do is smaller (and infrequently pricier) than should you simply need an affordable mannequin that solely boasts HDMI or DisplayPort inputs. Whether or not you discover a deal or not, the Asus ProArt PA278CV is an interesting (and comparatively cheap) monitor that gives USB-C video-in in addition to passthrough charging to maintain your Neo charged.
It’s a 27-inch 1440p monitor with a 75Hz refresh price that’s shade correct. It options built-in audio system and might ship 65W of energy through USB-C, which is greater than sufficient to maintain the Neo charging at its peak 30W velocity (quicker than the 20W charger that Apple consists of). It’s usually priced at $299 at retailers like Amazon and B&H Picture, however you may discover it for as little as $209 should you’re fortunate.
In order for you one thing cheaper and sufficiently small to slot in a bag (however with even higher distinction), transportable OLED displays is perhaps a greater match. Manufacturers like Innocn make them in varied sizes with completely different display capabilities, however the firm’s 13.3-inch 1080p mannequin — which connects through USB-C — is a steal at $99.99, its present value for Amazon Prime members. In any other case, it’s $129.99 on Amazon for these with no premium membership.
A USB-C hub for connecting equipment and a show
The wonderful thing about laptops with USB-C ports is that the ecosystem of suitable equipment is huge. Nonetheless, the Neo has solely two USB-C ports, that means you’ll seemingly must prioritize which units to plug in at any given second. Fortunately, you possibly can simply increase your Neo’s capabilities with an inexpensive USB-C hub like Anker’s 7-in-1 mannequin, which might increase a single port into seven for round $26 at Amazon and thru Anker instantly.
Not solely can you employ it to cost your laptop computer (it helps as much as 85W passthrough speeds), however it additionally offers an HDMI port and one other USB-C port, plus two USB-A ports and each full-size and microSD card readers. It’s a must have, should you don’t have already got one.
A display protector to defend the Neo’s most fragile part
The primary accent I placed on all my dear units which have a show is a display protector. A number of manufacturers make them, however I at all times gravitate towards amFilm, which makes a tempered glass protector for the Neo that’s at the moment going for simply $19.99 on Amazon.
Not everybody will really feel the urge to purchase this improve. However it’s by no means a foul thought to guard your buy, since it’d simply prevent from a dear restore down the street. The protector from amFilm is straightforward to put in, and it’s anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint, too.
A snap-on shell to maintain your Neo scratch-free
When you, like me, are somebody who completely infants their tech, you may additionally really feel inclined to get a snap-on shell that may match completely round your MacBook Neo with out hiding its smooth design or shade. The multicolored, matte-textured choices from Mosiso appear nicer than different choices, and it’s about $24 at Amazon. The plastic shells usually value round $20, and the corporate claims that they don’t hinder the Neo’s capacity to shut. They’re additionally constructed to withstand scratches, fingerprint smudging, and undesirable cracks.
A collapsible laptop computer stand while you want it
Laptop computer stands serve completely different functions for various people. Some individuals wish to use their laptop computer’s keyboard at an angle that’s extra ergonomically pleasant, whereas others could merely wish to carry their laptop computer’s show nearer to eye degree. And a few individuals might want all of these advantages. No matter your want, Moft’s $25 Adhesive Stand is nice as a result of it’s solely there while you want it. The useful laptop computer stand folds into itself (in contrast to pricier, bulkier choices) and includes a low-profile design that’s barely there when you want to slide your Neo right into a bag.
A skinny keyboard cowl to maintain out particles
Liquid ingress in a keyboard is likely one of the predominant the explanation why a laptop computer dies earlier than its time. Mud and crumbs definitely don’t assist, both, as they’ll clog issues up and stop your keys from urgent. A light-weight keyboard cowl that lightly lies over the keys, thus preserving their look, really feel, and backlighting, is a pleasant, low-cost accent that may maintain mud out. Uppercase’s GhostCover is just below $13 at Amazon. It might not cease a flood of water, espresso, or your beverage of alternative from moving into your Neo after a spill, however it’ll seemingly assist restrict the injury.
One necessary be aware is that this keyboard cowl is just suitable with the $699 model that has a 512GB SSD and, crucially, a Contact ID fingerprint sensor. It gained’t match the $599 model accurately.
A spare trackpad or wi-fi mouse
The Neo’s built-in trackpad is massive and responsive, however you could wish to use an enter off to the aspect for ergonomic causes (you may also be extra comfy with a mouse). Within the case of mice, there are quite a few fashions that work with macOS — both dongle-free over Bluetooth or with a USB receiver — however the most effective, most feature-packed mannequin you possibly can at the moment purchase is the $119.99 Logitech MX Grasp 4 from Amazon, Newegg, and Logitech instantly. It’s a right-handed mouse that’s comfy and high-end, with a haptics-based thumb button that may floor on-screen shortcuts to make navigating each a bit quicker and simpler. It additionally connects through Bluetooth or with its included USB-C dongle.
An alternative choice for trackpad lovers is Apple’s official Magic Trackpad. It’s a much bigger standalone trackpad than the one constructed into the Neo, however you possibly can place it wherever you’d like. It begins at $119.99 from Amazon and is rechargeable through USB-C, similar to the laptop computer, and connects wirelessly over Bluetooth.
A succesful charger while you’re away from an outlet
As usually as you could be at residence or in any other case close to an influence outlet whereas utilizing your MacBook Neo, typically you want to take it on the go. An influence financial institution is nice for rescuing depleted devices, or holding them topped off till you compromise down once more with an influence outlet. They vary in value and capabilities, however given the Neo’s 30W peak charging velocity, you don’t want something extravagant on that entrance.
Baseus’ 20,000mAh energy financial institution with two built-in USB-C cables, which might provide as much as 45W of energy, ought to greater than suffice. It’s on sale at Amazon for $31.99 proper now, and its measurement ought to permit it to cost your Neo a minimum of as soon as, or you possibly can cost your laptop computer alongside as much as three different units at diminished charging speeds.
For one thing with extra capability that gives comparable versatility because of its two built-in USB-C cables (one in every of which might prolong), Anker’s 25,000mAh Laptop computer Energy Financial institution is a well-liked alternative amongst Verge readers. It’s considerably pricier at round $120 — although it’s at the moment on sale for $95.99 at Finest Purchase, Amazon, and Walmart — and it may well ship a mixed output of 165W when charging a number of units without delay.
For tinkerers, combine and match official Apple parts for a custom-made look
It was just lately found that Apple sells spare components for the MacBook Neo, that are supposed for restore, not essentially for the funsies I’m about to explain. That stated, you should purchase components within the shade of your selecting (silver, indigo, blush, citrus) to make a enjoyable, distinctive Neo that can seemingly appeal to some eyeballs while you use it in public.
Granted, it’s not inexpensive to make these customizations; the underside metallic case is the most affordable improve at $34.32, and a whole set of key caps runs $39. You’re additionally by yourself on the subject of putting in them, so it’s not a venture that I’d advocate for newbie tinkerers, because you’re vulnerable to damaging your laptop computer.
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