> compromises the average user buying a $599 laptop isn't going to notice everyday

Oh my god yes. I've read way too much discussions that completely overlook this aspect.

So many people get so fixated on meaningless labels such as "smartphone CPU" (meaning it's bad) and things to pick on like "ew no HDMI or Ethernet" as if it was a life-saving thought terminator that preserves the world view in which absolutely nothing under the Apple brand can be in any way good.

> but they've all made major compromises

Not entirely sure about that. With the coupons/ deals HP does, I landed a brand new HP 17" (17t-cn500) laptop with a intel core ultra 5 225u, 16gb ram and the 1920x1080 fhd screen upgrade for $588 tax included. Obviously not the same form factor as the Neo, but this is also a laptop for my kitchen that will spend most of its life streaming media and displaying recipes. I'm sure you can find something closer to the size of the neo with better specs for a similar price.