Apple's €700 MacBook Neo and M5-powered Pros redefine laptop choices

Apple has made waves this week with two major laptop announcements. The company unveiled the MacBook Neo, its first budget-friendly notebook in 15 years, alongside high-end MacBook Pros powered by new M5 chips. Meanwhile, Lego introduced a fresh take on interactive play with its Smart Play sets, blending traditional bricks with embedded technology.

Apple's new MacBook Neo starts at just €700, breaking the brand's long-standing €1,000 price barrier. To hit this lower cost, the device omits premium features like a backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt ports, and MagSafe charging. Under the hood, it runs on an iPhone processor—a first for the MacBook range—marking a shift in Apple's hardware strategy.

At the other end of the spectrum, the latest MacBook Pros now feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These models boast a Fusion architecture and SSD speeds twice as fast as before. However, early tests show that the M5 Max variants produce noticeable heat and fan noise when pushed hard for extended periods. Over in the toy industry, Lego has launched its Smart Play line, starting with Star Wars-themed X-Wing and TIE Fighter sets. The centrepiece is the Smart Brick, which integrates light, sound, and motion sensors directly into the blocks. Unlike past interactive Lego products, these bricks don't rely on a smartphone—all the tech is built in. The system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and proprietary sensors, though Lego has kept specific patent details under wraps. Elsewhere, the European Central Bank is moving forward with plans for a digital euro. Officials aim to roll out the currency by 2029, with groundwork already in progress. Yet the project faces growing criticism, not just over costs but also over its underlying technical design and broader implications.

The MacBook Neo's €700 price tag makes it Apple's most affordable laptop in years, while the M5-powered MacBook Pros target professionals with upgraded performance. Lego's Smart Play sets, meanwhile, redefine interactive building with self-contained sensors and wireless tech. As for the digital euro, its 2029 launch remains on track, though debates over its structure and impact continue to intensify.