Apple, a market capitalization giant, owes much of its success to loyal customers and impressive profit margins. The company cultivates a dedicated following, with users often finding that other brands simply don’t offer the same experience, despite Apple’s unique hardware and software coming at a premium. This high cost isn’t limited to initial purchases of phones, laptops, or tablets; it extends significantly to their repairs. In fact, the expense of repairing Apple devices has become so prohibitive that many users are choosing to buy a MacBook Neo instead of repairing their existing iPhone or MacBook.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe Apple once sold the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S for a mere $199 (albeit with a contract). Prices have since escalated, even with carrier agreements. For the past decade, iPhones are typically purchased directly from Apple or retailers at full price, with no contract. These prices have steadily increased; a 2016 iPhone 7 cost $649, while an iPhone 12 was priced at $799. This pricing trend has largely continued with the iPhone 17 lineup, at least in the United States.
Opting for a MacBook Neo Over iPhone Repair: A Student’s Smart Choice, Better Than a Windows Laptop
In Spain, a base model iPhone 17 now costs nearly €1,000, specifically €959. Dividing that figure by two gives you a rough estimate of repair costs. For instance, simply repairing the screen of an iPhone 17 will set you back over €400. If the glass is also damaged, expect to pay €499, and other damages can cost up to €729 – almost the price of the phone itself. For an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a screen repair is €489, €585 with glass repair, and €955 for other damages.
Given these astronomical repair costs, it’s no surprise that a Reddit user decided to purchase a MacBook Neo rather than repair the iPhone they brought to a store. The user, a student, also highlighted the immediate need for a laptop for university, making it a convenient and regrettable purchase. This particular laptop has proven so popular that it has led to Apple experiencing shortages of A18 Pro chips.
In the US, the MacBook Neo is Available for Just $499 with Student Discount
The MacBook Neo has been a standout release from Apple this year, offering an exceptionally affordable laptop compared to the company’s usual offerings. Priced at €699 in Spain, it represents excellent value. Despite being equipped with 8GB of RAM and an iPhone’s A18 Pro processor, it delivers solid performance and runs Apple’s optimized operating system, which is less resource-intensive than Windows 11.
In the United States, it’s even more budget-friendly, retailing for $599. Students are eligible for a $100 discount, bringing the price down to a remarkable $499. At this price point, it’s undeniably a bargain, likely to be chosen by many over an entry-level Windows laptop, especially considering the current cost of RAM and SSDs.
