Apple MacBook Neo vs MSI Raider 18 HX (2025)

What Reviewers Agree On

• Stunning value at $599 — full aluminum build, P3 Liquid Retina display, all-day battery
• Feels like a real Mac, not a budget product — build quality is identical to MacBook Air
• A18 Pro chip is fast enough for web, Office, light creative work, and Apple Intelligence
• Colorful design (Silver, Blush, Indigo, Citrus) is refreshing vs. the MacBook Air palette

Deal Breakers

• Secondary USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speed (480 Mbps) — cripples external storage transfers
• 8GB RAM only, non-upgradeable
• No backlit keyboard on base $599 model