AsymcoMacBook 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.
John Hugg
David Starr@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
