Asymco
MacBook Neo is: A18 Pro chip, $599, four colors. A watershed event. First Mac with a mobile processor and the end of the disruptive arc of mobile computing. From Motorola to Intel to Apple silicon M, now personal computing is an accessory to mobile computing. A sharp punctuation point.
Mar 4 at 2:18pmIvory for iOS
Show threadJohn HuggMar 4
@asymco The really interesting thing is a huge educational discount to $499.
Show threadDavid StarrMar 4
@hugg @asymco This was the big surprise. If you assume there’s some ok residual on the device 3 years later (as is the norm) it’s a no brainer for an education deployment at scale.
Show threadJohn HuggMar 5
@djstarr @asymco The thing about a Chromebook is my son can log into a blank one with his school id and it instantly becomes his computer, but it is also managed by the School District. MacOS is a long way from that.
Show threadDavid StarrMar 5

@hugg @asymco That absolutely is part of the experience that makes Chromebooks so popular in education. The other half of “cheap and easy”.

But I disagree *strongly* that macOS is a “long” way from that. With most of the device management services schools use (such as Jamf or Mosyle; analogous to Google Admin Console) provide single sign on tools that let you do *exactly* what you describe.

Show threadDavid StarrMar 5
@hugg @asymco There are improvements to be made, for sure. For younger learners Chromebooks have options for camera-based badge sign in (via eg Clever) that is tricky in Apple’s private, end-user-consent-for-using-the-camera model.
Show threadDavid StarrMar 5

@hugg @asymco Progress over the last few years with Managed Apple Accounts federated with Google and Microsoft identity providers. Easier management of erase all content and settings. Improved single sign on with enterprise credentials.

The biggest Mac barrier in K12 has been price. That’s completely gone now.

Show threadJohn HuggMar 5

@djstarr @asymco Cost is a really interesting question. My son's school-issued Chromebook was $250 retail (not sure what the school pays). That's literally half the cost per device.

The economics aren't simple. The devices will have different lifetimes, different repairability, different reliability. The upfront costs are not total costs.

I think you'd want the Neo to hold up longer. The specs will last longer, but we'll have to see about the durability in practice.

Show threadDavid StarrMar 5

@hugg @asymco We will see on durability. Historically this is an Apple strength. Paired with AppleCare+ (see pricing!) there’s a good chance devices will be covered against education damage.

If history is any indication, MacBook Neo could be worth $200+ on a secondary market in 36 months. If a schools makes the capital purchase once for MacBook Neo you might have a go forward refresh @ ~$300 every 3 years.

Nearly Chromebook indifferent, before volume pricing.

Show threadJohn HuggMar 5

@djstarr @asymco I used Jamf. I've used Google Admin Console. I've even used Apple Business Essentials (shudder).

You can do most of the same stuff on a mac, but everything is 2-3 times slower, more likely to have a surprise issue, and more likely to change how it works with a new MacOS release.

Then you get the integration: Drive, Docs, Classroom, Backup have a smoother story. These things are all possible on Macs, but the 100% Apple solution is more limiting, and the hybrid Google/Apple solution is more complex.

Show threadAsymcoMar 17
@hugg @djstarr I grew up with VT-100 (DEC) as my terminal. Would also use a PC to dial in at 1200 baud and use a VT-100 emulator. As nice as that was, I still moved to a personal computing environment exclusively.
Show threadDavid StarrMar 17
@asymco @hugg I really appreciate this analogy.
Show threadAsymcoMar 18
@djstarr @hugg I spent many years later using the X Window System. It was fantastic but still somehow switched to a local computing environment.
Show threadJohn HuggMar 17

@asymco @djstarr Individuals have different buying criteria than IT operators, especially for a school where people are rough with equipment.

Neo repairability news looks positive though.

Show threadNick RogersMar 5

@asymco Personal computing is now an accessory to mobile computing. That’s an insightful Horace-ism!

It feels like cars, and so many other modern goods are too!

Show threadTed HermanMar 17
@asymco See the MKBHD review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBX5WH9b4M4
Macbook Neo Impressions: Reincarnated!

The new $599 Macbook is a good deal - and it's the computer Apple tried to make 10 years ago.Save up to 40% off during Ridge’s anniversary sale at http://rid...

YouTube
Show threadAsymcoMar 18
@tedherman I don’t watch reviews as a matter of principle. Is there a reason why I should watch this one?