MSI targets Apple's MacBook Neo with new budget Modern laptops

[Skye Jacobs]

First look: MSI signaled a shift in strategy for its upcoming Modern 14S and 16S laptops during a recent technology event in Tokyo. The devices will come in two hardware tiers rather than just the Core Ultra configurations MSI described in January, with the lineup now spanning Intel's Series 3 family from Core Ultra to the lower-tier Core Series 3.

The distinction between the models lies in their platforms. The AI+ versions use Intel's latest Panther Lake platform and are powered by Core Ultra Series 3 chips. These configurations support higher performance, featuring two DDR5 memory slots.

The standard Modern 14S and 16S variants, by contrast, are built on the Wildcat Lake platform, which uses lower-tier Intel Core Series 3 processors.

Technical details shared at the Tokyo event show that the Wildcat versions have a single DDR5 memory slot, consistent with Intel's design of Wildcat Lake as a single-channel architecture. The Wildcat Lake processor is a 6-core chip aimed at the mainstream business segment.

The existence of the Wildcat-based models was not part of MSI's earlier marketing, which focused solely on Core Ultra configurations when the Modern 14S and 16S were first introduced in January.

MSI has also updated the physical design of the Modern series based on regional feedback, with the chassis and port selection configured to meet the specific demands of the Japanese market. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models now include two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, and a wired LAN jack. Other refinements include a larger touchpad and a keyboard surface designed to resist fingerprints.

The 6-core Wildcat series is considered Intel's competitor to Apple's MacBook Neo. To compete with Cupertino's new budget offering, such laptops would have to retail at $600 or below. The company has not yet announced release dates or official pricing for either tier.

By splitting the Modern series into high-performance AI+ models and more affordable mainstream versions, MSI is positioning itself to reach multiple segments of the business laptop market. For now, details on availability remain pending as the company finalizes its rollout plans.

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MSI targets Apple's MacBook Neo with new budget Modern laptops

 

[trparky]

Single DDR5 memory slot. Great. So it's going to be handicapped straight out of the gate due to it being in single-channel mode. We're off to a great start. NOT!

Oh, and it's plastic. F**king great.

If MSI meant to show up Apple here, they really fell flat. Way to go MSI, way to go at showing just how much the Windows OEM ecosystem is a bunch of cheapskates.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Single DDR5 memory slot. Great. So it's going to be handicapped straight out of the gate due to it being in single-channel mode. We're off to a great start. NOT!

The MacBook neo also features a 64 bit memory bus.

These are not high power machines. They are budget machines. a 64 bit DDR5 bus will provide the same bandwidth as a dual channel ddr4 bus, and those are more than sufficient for browsing, office work, even light gaming.

Oh, and it's plastic. F**king great.

If MSI meant to show up Apple here, they really fell flat. Way to go MSI, way to go at showing just how much the Windows OEM ecosystem is a bunch of cheapskates.

The plastic is a major downgrade, but its too early to call.

The MSI laptop with have 16GB of RAM, for one thing. For another, it will have more useful ports, tow type A and two type C and a wired LAN vs just two type C, and the CPU will be of interest given it is up against a phone CPU. And for those who want to do old school/retro gaming, the 2 core Xe GPU will have much better support.

Most importantly it is user upgradeable. SO DIMM RAM, M.2 SSD, not soldered crap. So you could hypothetically pop 32 or even 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage in this thing.

 

[Anton Longshot]

Amount of RAM not mentioned.
Silent elephant in the room spotted!
If they go with Neo's 8 GB running Windows 11 is going to be fun.

Should they go with a more sensible 16 or 16+ the machines might "not exactly" sit at Apple's Neo's comfy price point.

Really the RAM crisis is a disaster for buyers and sellers alike and it's going to hit other companies too if it hasn't already.

 

[VitalyT]

I think MacBook Neo has killed them all, it’s just that good a value and a monolithic product.

This is just postmortem spasm from MSI and the likes.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Amount of RAM not mentioned.
Silent elephant in the room spotted!
If they go with Neo's 8 GB running Windows 11 is going to be fun.

Should they go with a more sensible 16 or 16+ the machines might "not exactly" sit at Apple's Neo's comfy price point.

Really the RAM crisis is a disaster for buyers and sellers alike and it's going to hit other companies too if it hasn't already.

you can just upgrade it.

I think MacBook Neo has killed them all, it’s just that good a value and a monolithic product.

This is just postmortem spasm from MSI and the likes.

I doubt that. MacOS is still niche and a lot of people dont like nor want macOS.

I think its more of an intel ultrabook moment. Now that the Neo has shown what a budget device should look like the rest of the industry is going to start aping it.

 

[trparky]

The MacBook neo also features a 64 bit memory bus.

These are not high power machines.

Then again, neither is the MacBook Neo.

The plastic is a major downgrade, but its too early to call.

I'm just stating that if you're going to go up against a notebook that's made of metal with one that's made of plastic, that's serious hit to the overall value of it. Just saying.

The MSI laptop with have 16GB of RAM, for one thing.

I'll agree with you on that. If the MacBook Neo had come out with 16 GBs of RAM instead of the 8 GBs, we wouldn't be having this kind of conversation.

For another, it will have more useful ports, two Type-A and two Type-C and a wired LAN vs just two Type-C, and the CPU will be of interest given it is up against a phone CPU.

Yeah, I agree with you on that one too. Honestly though, I really would like to see the Type-A ports to go bye-bye in general.

a wired LAN

I partially agree with you on that one. However, remember that most people who own notebooks aren't primarily sitting at a desk so Ethernet is something that wouldn't be used very often.

And besides, the MacBook Neo and, of course the MSI notebook that's being talked about here in this article, are largely content consumption devices and not a device that you're going to be dealing with large 4K video files, etc. So again, Ethernet is something that wouldn't be used very often.

As for if you absolutely need Ethernet, you can always get one of these...
UGREEN Revodok NVMe Docking Station 10-in-1 USB-C Hub 4K@60Hz HDMI, M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, 10Gbps USB-C/A, 100W PD Charging, Gigabit Ethernet, SD/TF for MacBook M5, Mac mini M4, Windows Laptop | Amazon.com

Most importantly it is user upgradeable. SO DIMM RAM

Again, I agree. However, a majority of people buying the kind of device the MacBook Neo is aren't doing piece-meal upgrades. And with the price of RAM these days... YIKES!!!

M.2 SSD

As I mentioned above, there's that docking thingy that features an m.2 slot that you can put an SSD in.

 

[trparky]

MacOS is still niche and a lot of people don't like nor want MacOS.

I'm seriously looking at moving to the Mac simply because Windows has become a steaming pile of sh*t. Yes, Microslop did put out a recent press release about how they plan to fix Windows but if you think I'm holding my breath, think again.

As for Linux? I tried, it doesn't work for my needs whereas with the Mac, it would quite easily.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Then again, neither is the MacBook Neo.

Right.....thats the point. This thing is going against the Neo, not the macbook pro.

I'm just stating that if you're going to go up against a notebook that's made of metal with one that's made of plastic, that's serious hit to the overall value of it. Just saying.

And I'm stating that decrying something as total junk just because it uses plastic is jumping the gun. Lenovo thinkpad T series are all plastic and people say theyre well built. Just saying.

I'll agree with you on that. If the MacBook Neo had come out with 16 GBs of RAM instead of the 8 GBs, we wouldn't be having this kind of conversation.

Yeah, I agree with you on that one too. Honestly though, I really would like to see the Type-A ports to go bye-bye in general.

There is nothing wrong with type A and there are literal billions of devices out there that use it. There's nothing wrong with including it. Requiring dongles to plug in normal accessories like a mouse is not a good thing.

We'd still be having this conversation if the Neo had 16GB, because there is nothing saying the MSI is limited to 16GB. User upgradeable memory and storage is a major plus.

I partially agree with you on that one. However, remember that most people who own notebooks aren't primarily sitting at a desk so Ethernet is something that wouldn't be used very often.

And besides, the MacBook Neo and, of course the MSI notebook that's being talked about here in this article, are largely content consumption devices and not a device that you're going to be dealing with large 4K video files, etc. So again, Ethernet is something that wouldn't be used very often.

Not very often means you still use it, and that is a positive note for the MSI that it includes it and people may find it useful.

As for if you absolutely need Ethernet, you can always get one of these...
UGREEN Revodok NVMe Docking Station 10-in-1 USB-C Hub 4K@60Hz HDMI, M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, 10Gbps USB-C/A, 100W PD Charging, Gigabit Ethernet, SD/TF for MacBook M5, Mac mini M4, Windows Laptop | Amazon.com

Setting aside the fact that nobody is going to be lugging around a dock just to have ethernet, WHY TF would you buy this if you "Need" ethernet instead of a $10 ethernet to USB adapter?

That's just silly. Thankfully MIS realized some people would like ethernet and elected to just put it on the device itself so you dont need either adapter!

Again, I agree. However, a majority of people buying the kind of device the MacBook Neo is aren't doing piece-meal upgrades. And with the price of RAM these days... YIKES!!!

As I mentioned above, there's that docking thingy that features an m.2 slot that you can put an SSD in.

So if you need what is in storage, you can lug around a dock!

....or, and hear me out, if you need storage, you can....upgrade the storage on the MSI. Wild idea I know.

Sure, the people buying these MIGHT not be the ones upgrading (you have no way of proving that, of course) but the people who SUPPORT them will absolutely want to upgrade these things if demands change. People cry about Apple not allowing upgrades but then start coming up with excuses as to why windows OEMs including these options isnt a major plus against the apple competition. SMH.

I'm seriously looking at moving to the Mac simply because Windows has become a steaming pile of sh*t. Yes, Microslop did put out a recent press release about how they plan to fix Windows but if you think I'm holding my breath, think again.

As for Linux? I tried, it doesn't work for my needs whereas with the Mac, it would quite easily.

That's great for you, but we've heard this excuse for 15+ years now, yet Apple's share of laptop shipments has not meaningfully changed over that time period. They are still niche, and shall remain so, because Apple has no interest in supporting open standards.

 

[trparky]

There is nothing wrong with type A and there are literal billions of devices out there that use it. There's nothing wrong with including it.

Other than the fact that USB 3.0 always did seem like a hack job when it came to bolting it onto the Type-A connector. Oh, we need more wires... let's bolt some additional connectors onto the back of the connector.

Meanwhile you have Type-C that was built from the ground up to have more than enough wires to meet future needs right from the beginning.

 

[WhiteLeaff]

Single channel in 2026...

 

[Megalomaniac]

There are already RTX 4050 and 4060 laptops in the $600 price range with RTX 5050 models that have 16GB DDR5 in the $700-$800 range.

The Macbook Neo to me doesn't make much sense. It's a content consumer rather than a content producer. It might be good for a classroom set of mac laptops for education, but the lack of RAM and storage cripples it for most uses.

I like the idea of it as a gift, but I think an A16 iPad with Keyboard case/cover makes more sense.

 

[Che Cazzo]

Good grief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYBODY is sitting here trying real hard not to see the BIG sign and conveniently didn't read ANY article (or if they did read them), are trying very hard to forget what the reviewers said!!

If you are complaining about the RAM / USB ports / GPU / SSDs, content creation / gaming, etc, THIS LAPTOP WAS NOT MEANT FOR YOU!!! It is meant for the millions who just need a good, cheap reliable machine. That's it!

It's like looking at a Fiat 500 and complaining it's not good for Formula One racing....so it's a failure. Meanwhile, millions do buy this car!!

Nobody is holding a pistol to your heads, BUY SOMETHING ELSE and stop the whining.

 

[trparky]

If you are complaining about the RAM / USB ports / GPU / SSDs, content creation / gaming, etc, THIS LAPTOP WAS NOT MEANT FOR YOU!!! It is meant for the millions who just need a good, cheap reliable machine. That's it!

Exactly! If all you want to do is browse the web, write some documents, listen to some music, and watch cat videos on YouTube, then this is all you need.

Some people around here need to learn how to think outside the enthusiast box and start thinking like the average person.

 

[RudyBob]

I bought a Neo to replace my 2012 Acer i3 running Win 7. It's my first Apple product. Getting it shipped, so still a couple weeks away

 

[OortCloud]

Amount of RAM not mentioned.
Silent elephant in the room spotted!
If they go with Neo's 8 GB running Windows 11 is going to be fun.

Absolutely. 16GB will price them out of contention, but 8GB on the bloat-fest that is Windows 11 will be horrific. MS have been able to get away with piling on processes and RAM requirement in the past as memory prices have got cheaper and cheaper but now...

 

[Burty117]

Exactly! If all you want to do is browse the web, write some documents, listen to some music, and watch cat videos on YouTube, then this is all you need.

Thing is, if those are the only things you need to do, the Neo makes more sense, also, if those are the only things you need to do, somehow, Windows appears to be the worst OS to pick for doing the basics these days.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised how quickly I adjusted to MacOS, its been better than expected.

 

[toooooot]

There is no way to compete with Apple in this price range for as long as OS is Windows. Even RAM must be 16GB to show comparable speed.
It is just not a good idea.

 

[trparky]

Thing is, if those are the only things you need to do, the Neo makes more sense, also, if those are the only things you need to do, somehow, Windows appears to be the worst OS to pick for doing the basics these days.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised how quickly I adjusted to MacOS, its been better than expected.

Exactly. A lot of people around here severely overestimate what the average user does on their systems.

Take my mother for instance—all she does is write an occasional document, browse recipes, and looks at her email. For her, even the Neo would overkill for her needs.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Exactly. A lot of people around here severely overestimate what the average user does on their systems.

Take my mother for instance—all she does is write an occasional document, browse recipes, and looks at her email. For her, even the Neo would overkill for her needs.

So a tablet is all she needs, not even a Neo.

 

[trparky]

So a tablet is all she needs, not even a Neo.

She still needs a keyboard because typing on a tablet screen sucks for anything more than a few sentences.

 

[scoffer]

Forsooth.......An MSI sloptop........................... ( If the shoe fits....... )

 

[toooooot]

I bought a Neo to replace my 2012 Acer i3 running Win 7. It's my first Apple product. Getting it shipped, so still a couple weeks away

I fancied an idea to get Apple desktop mini awhile back. For the price, it is another good budget Apple product. I think last year version is also about 500-600 dollars but with better CPU and easily upgradable SSD.

 

[matthisd]

Good grief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYBODY is sitting here trying real hard not to see the BIG sign and conveniently didn't read ANY article (or if they did read them), are trying very hard to forget what the reviewers said!!

If you are complaining about the RAM / USB ports / GPU / SSDs, content creation / gaming, etc, THIS LAPTOP WAS NOT MEANT FOR YOU!!! It is meant for the millions who just need a good, cheap reliable machine. That's it!

It's like looking at a Fiat 500 and complaining it's not good for Formula One racing....so it's a failure. Meanwhile, millions do buy this car!!

Nobody is holding a pistol to your heads, BUY SOMETHING ELSE and stop the whining.

Fantastic username, and good summary

 

[Watzupken]

While I am no fan of Apple, I still think that no Windows based laptop can challenge Apple, especially at a low price point. None of these laptop makers have the vertical integration and scale to get to this price point. The other problem is Microsoft that's been on a mission to include all sorts of bloat and telemetry resulting in wasted resources. Low end machines suffer the most. A Windows laptop with 8GB of RAM is not going to work well at all.