Which is better for students on a budget?

The IdeaPad Slim 3 at $314.99 is the cheaper pick and its 15.6-inch screen suits reading and writing. The MacBook Neo is better built and lasts twice as long per charge, but costs $686.00.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The MacBook Neo, rated up to 16 hours against up to 8 hours for the IdeaPad Slim 3.

Is the MacBook Neo worth the extra money?

Yes if you value battery life, screen quality and weight. The $371 gap buys a Retina display, 16-hour battery and a 2.7 lb aluminum body.

Does the IdeaPad Slim 3 have ports the MacBook lacks?

Yes. It adds USB-A, HDMI and Ethernet, which the MacBook Neo does not have.

Can I run Windows apps on the MacBook Neo?

Not natively. It runs macOS, so Windows-only software needs a virtual machine or a cloud desktop.

Which has the better screen?

The MacBook Neo. Its Liquid Retina panel outclasses the IdeaPad's 250-nit TN display, which dims and shifts color at angles.

Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch Apple A18 Pro chip with 6‑core CPU and 5‑core GPU, 8GB, 256GB SSD, Magic Keyboard vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" FHD Laptop

Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 if price is the deciding factor: it is $314.99 at CTT Home & Culinary as of November 3, against $686.00 for the MacBook Neo at Walmart. Buy the MacBook Neo if you want a light aluminum laptop with a bright Retina screen, 16 hours of battery and Apple Intelligence. The Lenovo is the cheaper machine, but its TN panel, 8-hour battery and S-mode Windows are real limits.

Today the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" FHD Laptop costs $371.01 less at its best price.

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