Laptops

Apple introduces the M1, its first ARM-based chip

Published

November 11, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

The wait is finally over. After months of speculation and confirmations, Apple has finally unveiled its first ARM-based Macs. However, before we get into specific devices, let’s go through the monster behind the wheel, the new M1 chip.

Touted as Apple’s most powerful chip to date, the M1 SoC sports four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. Built on just one chip, it is both powerful and energy-efficient, making it a versatile powerhouse for Apple’s lighter lineup of products.

According to Apple, the 5nm chip provides up to 3.5 times faster CPU performance, up to 6 times faster GPU performance, and up to 15 times faster machine learning, compared to the previous generation of Macs. Moreover, it can deliver up to twice as much faster CPU performance than the latest PC laptop chip. It can also reach a PC’s peak performance using only 25 percent of the chip’s power.

Complementing the new hardware, Apple has also optimized macOS Big Sur to take full advantage of the M1 chip. Apps can run faster and more responsive. During the chip’s launch, Apple boasted support for performance heavy hitters including developers from Adobe, Cinema4D, and Baldur’s Gate 3.

For now, Apple has announced new Macs and MacBooks with the new chip: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

With the new chip, Apple plans to go head-to-head with the PC once again. They even brought back one of the most iconic ad campaigns of the Steve Jobs era: John Hodgman as the slow PC.

Laptops

MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand

New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.

Published

May 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”

Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.

Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.

Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.

Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.

Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.

Laptops

MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center

Nationwide limited-time offers available

Published

April 24, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

The all-new MacBook Neo has officially arrived in the Philippines through Power Mac Center. Simultaneous launch events were held at Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall.

Customers who lined up for the launch received an event-exclusive bundle which includes an AirPods Pro 2 and AirTag 4-pack, as well as over PhP 12,000 worth of freebies for those with qualified pre-orders.

In addition, those in Greenbelt and SM Megamall who lined up until the evening got a chance to win up to PhP 600,000 worth of prizes (PhP 300,000 per location).

And great news even for those unable to attend: PMC is extending its opening promotions over the coming days.

Now available in Power Mac Center stores nationwide, the MacBook Neo comes with these exclusive offers:

Up to 50% off on a wide selection of accessories until April 30 for sstraight payments
Redeem up to Php 5,000 off (2,500 points) through the 1 Infinite program, no minimum spend, until April 26
UpTrade: Score up to PhP 4,000 additional trade-in value with a MacBook Air (M2 or earlier) until May 10
Complimentary 90-day software fix and free Basecamp training for purchases until April 30

For flexible financing, the MacBook Neo is also available through 0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months. This is through major banks and other financial institutions.

Laptops

Intel launches the new Core Ultra Series 3 processors

Expect new laptops all throughout the year.

Published

April 23, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The next generation of processors are here. After announcing the new series at CES 2026, Intel has now launched the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors for laptops, bringing the next level of AI-based computing to modern laptops.

All built using the Intel 18A process, the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chipsets will come with an integrated NPU that can deliver up to 50 TOPS. And this is all native to the PC; Intel demonstrated that a laptop infused with the chipset can still operate all of its AI capabilities without an internet connection.

Additionally, Intel is touting the generation’s integrated Xe3 graphics architecture. Already touting the capabilities of graphics on its own, the architecture can also improve performance through the new XeSS. A competitor to NVIDIA’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR, Intel’s XeSS boosts framerate without sacrificing image quality.

Finally, the chipsets work extra hard in the background by extending battery life, despite high workloads. Intel touts that the Series 3 can deliver the best battery life among all Intel-powered AI PCs.

Devices with the chipset are expected to roll out all throughout the whole year. In the Philippines, you can expect new laptops from Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI.

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