Laptops

AI PCs will soon cost less than a new iPhone, Qualcomm claims

Starting next year

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AI PCs are the next big thing in the computer segment. With shiny new NPUs, the segment can deliver impressive performance with only a fraction of the hardware that high-end PCs usually have. With less components, it should only be a matter of time before the segment lowers its price point to more manageable levels. And, according to Qualcomm, that moment is coming in 2025.

In a recent earnings call, Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon promised that the Snapdragon X Elite lineup will dip into price points lower than US$ 700 starting next year. However, despite the cheaper price, the company says that performance will still stay relatively the same.

To say that the AI PC segment grew fast is an understatement. As soon as Microsoft announced the Copilot+ PC lineup, new laptops emerged out of nowhere. Interested users can already get AI-powered devices (such as the ASUS Vivobook S 15) today. Most, however still go beyond US$ 1,000.

Besides the promise of a lower price point, Qualcomm also says that brands will announce more devices with the Snapdragon X Elite this September. It’s coming in time for the annual IFA Berlin so that’s no surprise. Still, potentially impressive laptops costing less than a flagship phone is something to look forward to.

SEE ALSO: Qualcomm confirms Snapdragon X Elite is coming to larger PCs

Deals

Get a free Apple Watch SE 2 with your MacBook Neo purchase

Available for 1st 400 customers at this launch day event

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Launch offers for the MacBook Neo are aplenty, and Beyond the Box and Digital Walker are both offering the best deals for the first 400 customers to purchase the laptop on launch day, April 23.

The authorized retailers will hold a special launch event at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati, Metro Manila.

The first 400 customers will get an exclusive bundle comprising both the MacBook Neo and an Apple Watch SE 2 starting at just PhP 39,990. That’s PhP 16,990 in savings, virtually getting the smartwatch for free.

Meanwhile, the 512GB configuration retails for PhP 46,990.

Customers can start placing orders by 11:00 A.M. Once the first 400 slots are gone, the deals are likewise gone.

Furthermore, there will also be PhP 250,000 worth of raffle prizes up for grabs. Included here is the chance to take home the airiest mobile phone.

The launch event officially takes place at 5:30 P.M. and the MacBook Neo units begin releasing at 7:00 P.M.

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Deals

Get the MacBook Neo for as low as PhP 44 a day via Home Credit

Flexible installment payment plans available

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Home Credit is making the MacBook Neo accessible to more Filipinos with an exclusive pre-order installment offer for the new Apple laptop.

The latest offering can be brought home through flexible installments starting at as low as just PhP 44 a day. That’s not even a dollar a day.

This exclusive offer is available during the pre-order period from April 11 to 23. If you’re looking for a high-performance laptop at a great value, then now is the ideal time to upgrade or purchase your first higher tier notebook.

Here’s a quick breakdown of available Home Credit MacBook Neo installment plans:

  • 256GB at 24 months: PhP 44/day
  • 256GB at 12 months: PhP 82/day
  • 512GB at 24 months: PhP 51/day
  • 512GB at 12 months: PhP 97/day

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is the company’s latest laptop, which is also its most affordable. It retails at just about US$ 499 to US$ 599 in the United States and SG$ 729 to SG$ 849 in Singapore.

It runs on an A18 Pro chip for 50% faster everyday performance compared to Intel Core Ultra 5-level PCs. This chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and 5-core GPU for graphics workloads.

The portable and lightweight laptop has a 13-inch 2408 x 1506 display, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

The MacBook Neo ships with MacOS Tahoe, complete with apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. Users are promised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.

In the Philippines, the device is available at Apple Authorized Resellers and Home Credit Philippines partner stores nationwide, including:

  • Abenson
  • Aerophone
  • Beyond the Box
  • Blue Box
  • Cell Boy
  • Digimap
  • Electroworld
  • Fone Style
  • Gadget Headz
  • Greentelcom
  • Inbox Stores PH
  • Laycom
  • Octagon
  • PC Express
  • Power Mac Center
  • Puerto Electronico
  • Silicon Valley
  • thinkingtools@mall
  • The Loop
  • Wiltelcom
  • 8telcom
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Laptops

MacBook Neo pre-orders now open through Beyond the Box

Exclusive freebies, more perks available

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Customers in the Philippines can now pre-order the MacBook Neo through Beyond the Box.

Those who avail of the device during the pre-order period can get up to PhP 10,000 worth in freebies. This is a curated bundle of essential accessories.

The MacBook Neo will also appear at these two cafes, inviting those who plan on upgrading to experience Apple’s new offering first-hand:

  • April 16: Scout’s Honor, Uptown Mall
  • April 17: The Matcha Tokyo, Opus Mall

Attendees who pre-order on the spot will also enjoy complimentary beverage, live DJ performances, and the opportunity to engage with social media personalities.

And to ensure the MacBook Neo is more accessible, Beyond the Box is offering 0% interest installment plans. This is both through major credit cards, Home Credit, and GCash’s GGives.

Reservations can be made through all Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and open_sources branches nationwide.

Alternatively, the MacBook Neo is available through beyondthebox.ph, Lazada, and Shopee. It is priced at PhP 33,990 (education) and PhP 39,990 (retail).

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is the company’s latest laptop, which is also its most affordable. It retails at just about US$ 499 to US$ 599 in the United States and SG$ 729 to SG$ 849 in Singapore.

It runs on an A18 Pro chip for 50% faster everyday performance compared to Intel Core Ultra 5-level PCs. This chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and 5-core GPU for graphics workloads.

The portable and lightweight laptop has a 13-inch 2408 x 1506 display, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

The MacBook Neo ships with MacOS Tahoe, complete with apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. Users are promised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.

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