You Can Score a MacBook Neo for $599 in the Middle of 'RAMageddon'

Jake Peterson Jake Peterson Senior Technology Editor ExperienceJake Peterson is Lifehacker’s Tech Editor, and has been covering tech news and how-tos for nearly a decade. His team covers all things technology, including AI, smartphones, computers, game consoles, and subscriptions. Read Full Bio August 5, 2026 Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor via Getty Images Table of Contents The global memory crisis—commonly referred to as RAMageddon—continues to make just about every piece of tech more expensive. Even Apple, a $4.5 trillion company, can't weather the markets without raising prices. What's more, Apple is struggling to produce enough Macs to meet demand, as you might discover if you try to buy a MacBook Air right now. While it's always a good idea to consider buying used tech, it now makes more sense than ever.As it happens, if you're in the market for Apple's "budget" Mac, the MacBook Neo, it's an excellent time to buy used. Apple originally released the MacBook Neo for $599, a fantastic price for a complete Mac experience. But since the RAM shortage, the company increased its starting price to $699—not bad, but certainly not as enticing an offer as it was at its release just five months ago. The MacBook Neo hits the Apple Refurbished Store But now, the MacBook Neo is officially available directly from Apple at its original $599 price point—as long as you buy it refurbished. But unlike buying a used piece of tech from a friend or a random outlet, Apple's refurbished store isn't unlike buying products new: The company says that it puts "Certified Refurbished" products through a "rigorous" refurbishment process, which includes testing, cleaning, and repackaging. Refurbished Apple products also have the same one-year limited warranty of new products, as well as a 14-day return policy, and you can purchase AppleCare if you so choose. As such, buying a MacBook Neo on the refurbished store should be just about the same experience as buying one new—except for the fact you have an additional $100 in your wallet. You get the same A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, 13-inch display, 256GB SSD, and two USB ports (one USB 3 and one USB 2). If you want additional storage, as well as an embedded Touch ID sensor, you can upgrade to the 512GB model, also refurbished for $679. What do you think so far? As tech gets more expensive, and companies make fewer products to sell, it makes sense to check out Apple's Refurbished Store for other devices, too. Just about every product category is represented here, to take a look before you buy a device at its full (and inflated) price. Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. Our mission is to offer reliable tech help and credible, practical, science-based life advice to help you live better. Our Mission Our Team Newsletter © 2001-2026 Ziff Davis, LLC., A ZIFF DAVIS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lifehacker is a federally registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of Lifehacker. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.