I honestly believe the key factor to purchasing a Apple MacBook Neo is that it has the capabilities to operate on a cellular network, so no concern of obtaining a Wi-fi signal, hence the reason I use my IPad which runs on a cellular network. I can go almost anywhere at any time and dj on a portable level, my on the go setup includes, Apple Ipad running on the Spectrum mobile network, a Reloop Ready, streaming service of Tidal, a Tascam Portacature X8 or a Zoom R12 to record to and also used in conjunction with battery power speakers that accept an auxiliary 1/8 mono cable (Ć2) and a Zoom Q84k, I have looked into the MacBook Neo and the specs are impressive, and that is my next purchase just ābecauseā. I do recommend purchasing new with the warranty. The plus to all this that Aloriddim DJay Pro is hand in hand with Apple so there really no wrong way to go about it, just do a bit more research that meets your needs and you can create solid dj sets and keep the gear right and tight, example dj ābackpackā ready.
Thanks for sharing @Thomas.Swift. However, looking at the tech specs for the Neo, there is no mention of a built-in cellular connectivity option - only WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 6.
If you want built-in cellular connectivity, youāll need to select an iPad or iPhone.
Neo vs M1 Air:
Where there is light, there is also shadow. And with the Neo, there is no light in the keyboard. This is not important for many people, but many of them realize in everyday life that an illuminated keyboard makes work much easier in many situations. As great as the Neo is, offering great performance at a good price, this is a disadvantage that should at least be kept in mind.
Seriously impressive for the price, to be able to get a powerful computer and good quality DJ controller for around Ā£1300 total is very good. Even my 2010 MacBook Pro cost significantly more with far less power.
Just throwing it out there, but I personally think a refurb M model MacBook Air might be a better option for the price?
what does anyone else think?
Not a bad option, but some people like having new stuff that isnt pre owned, complete with warranty etc. Im also not sure what exactly Ā£600 gets you in refurb world.
If itās just purely to run Djay then these specs are good enough to run at 100% for few years to come. I agree get a warranty and apple care if needed and youāre covered. Iāve not long purchased a m5 MacBook Pro. Mainly just for djay. I could have saved myself a few quid by waiting a bit. Iām to impatient though to wait.
You got yourself a fantastic and powerful computer though, so id say youāre still winning. You can do all sorts on that outside of DJing.
My personal approach is usually to set myself a budget then choose a device with the highest specs within that budget (new or refurbished). This usually allows me to maximize the time before my next hardware upgrade.
Brief, DJing specific, review of the Neo:
More from Mojaxx:
Thanks for sharing @Mister_Tuur
Having maxed out on an M4 iPad pro last year the Neo is perfect for my needs. I never play out with a laptop anyway as i prefer the iPad. Iāve had it about a week and it hasnāt stuttered once playing around with djay or any other software. I do get mojaxxās point about inputs/connectivity though, if I did play out with it, it could get awkward.
Nice! Thanks for sharing @daniel_curley
We just need more hardware with PD ports, DJ companies need to get their act together and start releasing stuff or updating existing stuff to provide USB-C PDā¦ the Reloop Flux has shown me the future
Reloop Mixtour Pro and Mixon 8 Pro also have USB-C PD.
I usually use a small powered USB-C hub with my iPad anyway, so I donāt really see the 2 USB ports on the Neo as a major limitation.
Only one battle mixer has it at present though, and thatās the one with the least features
Iād say if you are a part time, hobbyist, on a budget for fun kind of DJ and you are happy with that, the Neo is more than sufficient. If your aspirations are bigger and more ambitious, donāt mess about, go straight for an M4 or M5 or as @Slak_Jaw says, as good as you can afford.
