New Macbook Neo suitable for Music production.

Now dust is settling… the first truly reviews are arising.

https://youtu.be/2xOGH-IjFx4?is=i6mGRPnstl_vyj2f

It seems an improvement from the Macbook M1, which was a revolution itself carrying an upgraded iPad Pro chip setting the M-Series chip start… but this time with an iPhone chip (A18pro)

Integrated 8Gb of RAM seems enough for Logic but probably will struggle with large libraries like Kontakt so will be advisable take that in mind before go for the Neo instead an Air if Kontakt is a must in your workflow. For Traktor it should be more than enough but since NI still not supports new M4 chips I don’t know if this A18Pro will work or not… so let’s hope someone also does a similar video with Serato/Traktor. Djay will work probably without issue (including the iPad version if Algoriddim made it available at the Mac Appstore).

Also small SSD space and just 2 USB-C ports, only one of them fully featured… (Apple common behaviour) but almost Apple make the Neo easy to repair for their usual standard. The mainboard will require just swapping it being so SoC integrated (but I expect some crazy youtubers trying to upgrade the chip itself desoldering as they did for the M1) but the rest seems straightforward.

https://youtu.be/PbPCGqoBB4Y?is=cRNSsj7FARVjf-Gp

Aimed for switchers and students has a very reasonable price for what it offers (aluminum chassy as example, full macos instead iPadOS, enough power for regular tasks and even some music/video tasks…)

https://youtu.be/Mo6o8RKn7jE?is=bfGKA6cO8X6V_Okj

I will update the topic with new reviews and hopefully with some related to our beloved NI apps.

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Comments

Dubalab

https://youtu.be/Ogc96aNGMjg?is=qoGEn5Ek_zAbL6Ah

PK The DJ

I'd expect nothing less than Mixmaster G saying he'd recommend it. MRDA.

He only uses Macs. His software is only available for MacOS.

The various software he tried may well run, but IMO it's not the best decision to buy such a basic computer for "mission critical" jobs like live DJ performance.

Dubalab

I don’t know who is he… I’m just bringing any performance test related the most to AV and so…

About if this is a “basic computer” that’s the whole point. For djing, aside Traktor which seems not ARM-friendly, my iPad Air M2 has also 8Gb of RAM and can handle Djay Pro even with Stems and Video… but also Logic4iPad with Stems and AI smart instruments.

This Neo should be near or better than that but the question is about handling full MacOS instead iPadOS.

If this is better than M1 macbook air… it should be more than enough but only time will tell us.

I will keep searching for more reviews and real use to update the post.

Thanks a lot for joining the topic, mate!

ALDREAD

I’ve been waiting for this to come out , so yeah I’m interested in seeing how well maschine runs on it .

But @£599 or @699 for bigger hdd , I’m gonna wait till they show up in the refurbished store if I do get one

Currently there’s a m2 MacBook Air in the refurbished store @ £679 , there were a few more last night at the same price , but different gpu core amount , ram and hdd configuration , they have 2 usb4 ports and a charger port , Touch ID

Dubalab

I agree… M5 macbook air with 16gb and 512ssd is around 1.2k (M4 same specs for 1k) at some physical vendors in my area but I see this as “cheapo macos”.

Thanks for join too <3

Dubalab

https://youtu.be/Gg8MQT3Ak20?is=LBFSRHKqCRhW7afW

Some arguments against it but with true testing. Power seems not the main issue but ports and RAM/swap…

I think it’s possible to minimise them with the proper hub (I just bought one for my iPad Air) but again he points towards the macbook air as better option. Again no Traktor in the tests, sadly…

Monochrome

Even Apple's own Help Me Choose thing rather recommends a MacBook Air for general music production (i. e. not limited to DJing).

8GB RAM, in this day and age, is embarassingly nothing… and you can't even expand it. Don't forget that the OS itself needs some RAM as well, so… depending on what you work with, a good chunk of that RAM will be gone already. Disk space may also become an issue (though you could always use an external drive for e. g libraries, samples, etc).

All in all, I would say: ignore Neo. Get a MacBook Air if it has to be an Apple device and if you can afford it.

PK The DJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSD8AWtRoWA

Dubalab

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWHaGRekVvx/?igsh=MW9pYnRzcXZrOHJ6cw==

PK The DJ

I don't see anyone here saying it's not possible to DJ on a phone. FYI I have djay Pro on my phone, and I have a Reloop Mixtour that can connect to it. Laidback Luke was well known in the DJ community for DJing from his phone. Not so much now, due to peer pressure, but he was a major advocate.

I think the advice Mojaxx gives is sound though.

Dubalab

Agree, just another video for more opinions.

Power seems clear is not the issue as we were talking. I’m sharing the most I find but just for anyone behind us. I expect users coming asking for and I bring all the resources found so they can make their own opinion.

I’m looking at reburfished Airs as Mojaxx adviced because these are cheaper than retail in my area and could be bought as monthly fee. ;)

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