Is the MacBook Neo a Good Choice for a Computer Science Student?

Why not just go for the MacBook? Windows won't hold you back from learning Java, and the M-series chips perform really well for development tasks. Just ask yourself if you can afford it without living off ramen for a year!

There are a few concerns to consider: 1) No backlit keyboard—this is crucial for late-night coding sessions. 2) While 8GB RAM is okay for a Mac, it can still fall short. 3) The Neo excels in single-core performance but lags in multi-core compared to the M-chips. 4) I've seen some throttling issues, which isn’t great. I'd recommend looking for a refurbished MacBook with a solid M-chip and at least 32GB of RAM if you can find one within your budget.

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend the MacBook Neo with just 8GB of RAM. I'd suggest waiting for the second generation that comes with 12GB, or just go for a decent MacBook Air with at least 16GB—or even 24GB if you can swing it.

If you're diving into Java coding, you might want more power than what the Neo offers. A MacBook Pro could be a better fit.

It should technically work for your classes, but be prepared to hit a memory wall sometimes.