Before going to college I was a Windows user. I was running a virtual Ubuntu Linux OS on my weak Lenovo IdeaPad that ran Windows. My first smart device was a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, but my first smartphone was an iPhone 6. I still use Windows machines, Linux machines, and Android devices, but today I want to talk about the laptop that has been with me through basically my entire college experience.
When I was moving away from home, I could not take the family laptop with me. As luck would have it, my university started a new initiative my freshman year with Apple to distribute the latest iPad Air to all incoming students at a very low cost. The Digital Wolf Pack Initiative, as it is still called, pushed me to buy a new MacBook to go with my new iPad. That same year, Apple released its first computers with its own silicon, the M1 chip. I bought the first-generation base model MacBook Air for $899 with student pricing, and I got my first AirPods for free too.
More than five years later, I am writing this blog on that same 13-inch MacBook Air. This machine still gives me enough battery for a full day of use. That alone is impressive. A lot of tech starts to feel old fast. This one never really did.
Since 2020, with the introduction of Apple silicon, it has been hard for me to turn away from Apple. Yes, the hardware is great, but honestly, what really keeps me in is the way the software makes all of the devices feel like parts of one system instead of separate products.
I have gone on to make many presentations on Apple’s corporate governance, business strategy, leadership and other areas in my MBA courses and my interest keeps bringing me back to learn more.
We can talk about the simple things Apple gets right between devices like instantly throwing files, photos, and links between devices, using my iPad as a second display with Sidecar. Unlock my Mac with my Apple Watch. Their software makes working between devices so easy. I am not a fan of their computer accessories yet, case in point the Magic Mouse, but I am becoming more and more a fan of their subscription services.
Last year Apple introduced AutoMix to Apple Music. Although not perfect all the time and mixing songs poorly at times, when it mixes the songs and transitions well it always gives me the feeling of discovering a new song. Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos spatial audio on supported tracks have become a part of the listening experience and I am starting to feel it when they are not turned on.
Apple TV has also become a bigger part of Apple’s strategy through its growing relationship with Formula 1. What started with Apple producing F1 The Movie evolved into a five-year deal making Apple TV the exclusive U.S. broadcast home of Formula 1 beginning in 2026. As a Formula 1 and generally motorsport fan since 2016, yes before Drive to Survive, watching the first three races of the 2026 season on Apple TV on my iPad has been the most immersed I have been in a race. I am watching the live broadcast on the left while on the right side of my screen I have the live map and live onboard of the drivers.
Just in March 2026 Apple announced a whole lot of new products. In the span of a few weeks, it announced the iPhone 17e, iPad Air with M4, MacBook Air with M5, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, a new Studio Display lineup, and AirPods Max 2. Formula 1 on Apple TV started airing, the return of Friday Night Baseball was announced, a new Apple Business platform, competing with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 potentially. Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference is in June which is typically where the largest announcements are made. Looking forward to seeing the future of what they bring.
Today is Apple’s 50th birthday. I found this out while researching facts for this blog. Seems like the perfect day to post this.
Perhaps the most impressive announcement of March 2026 from Apple was the MacBook Neo. A new $599 laptop, $499 with student discount, that has an Apple A18 silicon and with that it outperforms my MacBook Air in single core performance.
I guess the question is, should I replace my MacBook Air with the new MacBook Neo? What do you think? Let me know.
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Yes, you should replace your Macbook air with the Macbook Neo. Your Macbook air is 5 years old and probably needs a refresh. Have you ever thought about getting a Macbook Pro?
I really liked how you connected your college experience to one device. It really highlights how technology has become a necessity for both learning and being productive. It’s also impressive that your MacBook Air is still performing at a high level after all this time.
The Apple ecosystem you mention stood out to me as well. I’ve had a similar experience where easy integration between devices influences my purchasing decisions. I think that is the reason I tend to stay within Apple devices when shopping.
Regarding the MacBook Neo, I’ve have been contemplating on getting it as well, but my MacBook Air is still working so I don’t think I can justify the purchase for myself. I think it comes down to whether your current device is limiting your performance. If your Air is still meeting your needs, it may make sense to wait, but the price point and performance you mentioned make it hard to pass.
I appreciate this post as I really love Apple products as well. I’m not surprised your laptop lasted as long as it has, they’re great products. The keyboards alone are just so much more easy to use then other brands keyboards.
Also, I’ve always loved their overall product design.
Thanks for the post. I don’t know what you should do between the MacBook Air and the Neo, but now I’ll have to check out the Neo. I have one two semesters left so maybe it’s time to use the student discount.