Apple’s recently released MacBook Neo weighs 1.23 kg (2.71 lbs), matching the weight of the MacBook Air M5, despite expectations that the fresh model would be lighter. This unexpected weight has prompted further investigation into the device’s construction. Apple had previously stated that a more material-efficient forming process would reduce aluminum usage by 50% compared to conventional machining methods, but the impact on weight remains unclear.
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7 Percent of Weight Attributed to Trackpad
A teardown conducted by repair service iFixit reveals that the Neo’s chassis is only slightly lighter than the Air’s – the keyboard with topcase and the device base weigh just 8 grams less. According to iFixit, the 50% reduction in aluminum likely refers to the amount of material needed for initial production, accounting for recycling. The display also weighs 48 grams more.
However, the most significant contributor to the weight is the mechanical trackpad, which offers physical clicking functionality – a feature absent from other MacBooks in recent years. The metal “counterpart” within the chassis that supports the trackpad weighs nearly 86 grams, accounting for approximately 7 percent of the device’s total weight. This offsets weight savings achieved in other components.
Integrated RAM and Fixed SSD Pose Challenges
iFixit also praised Apple’s new design approach with the Neo, noting that few components are glued in place and the battery is relatively uncomplicated to remove. The removal of the keyboard (which is individually replaceable) requires a large number of screws, however. The company again faces criticism for the inability to upgrade or replace the RAM or SSD.
These design choices are consistent with Apple’s approach since introducing the M-chip: RAM is integrated into the SoC module (in this case, the A18 Pro), and SSDs are no longer user-replaceable in current MacBook models. IFixit gave the MacBook Neo a “Repairability Score” of 6 out of 10 – a result Apple likely hoped to improve upon.
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