412 - Marty and Eric MacBook Neo First Impressions and Dave's iPhone 17e Impression

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle.This week the panel focuses on two major hands-on topics. Marty Jencius and Eric Bolden share their first impressions of Apple's new MacBook Neo, including real-world testing, performance surprises, and how it could disrupt the entry-level laptop market. Dave also gives his hands-on impressions of the new iPhone 17e, discussing MagSafe's return, display improvements, and why it could be a strong entry-level iPhone. The group also touches on the latest Apple beta updates, Vision Pro airline etiquette, Apple's upcoming 50-year anniversary, and MacStock news.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

In this episode, Dave Ginsburg is joined by a full panel of Apple experts including Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Guy Serle, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, and Eric Bolden. The group dives into the latest Apple news and beta updates including visionOS 26.4 beta 4, iOS 26.4, and other platform updates. They also spend significant time discussing the newly released MacBook Neo, Apple's surprise entry-level Mac that is already shaking up the PC and Chromebook market.

The panel explores how the MacBook Neo performs in real-world scenarios, including video encoding tests and education-focused use cases. Early impressions suggest Apple may have dramatically changed the budget laptop landscape. The discussion also touches on how competitors like ASUS are already reacting to the Neo's disruptive price point and performance.

Vision Pro remains part of the conversation as the group discusses new features in the latest visionOS beta and a curious real-world incident where a passenger was asked to remove their Vision Pro during a flight. The panel debates airline rules, passenger etiquette, and how spatial computing devices fit into public environments.

One of the biggest topics this week is Apple's newly released MacBook Neo, and both Marty Jencius and Eric Bolden share their early hands-on impressions. Marty puts the machine through a real-world test by converting a 4K video project to 1080p in Final Cut Pro, revealing performance that surprised even seasoned Mac users. Eric also shares his experience using the Neo alongside Apple Vision Pro in a coffee shop workflow, highlighting how the device works well as a lightweight entry point into the Mac ecosystem.

Dave also shares his first impressions of the new iPhone 17e, which he recently picked up through a carrier upgrade. He talks about the improvements over the previous model, including the return of MagSafe, a better display, and increased base storage. While positioned as Apple's entry-level iPhone, Dave explains why it may be an excellent option for many users looking for a capable iPhone without stepping up to the higher-priced Pro models.

Other topics include Apple continuing security updates for older devices, new Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball announcements, and reflections on Apple's upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. The group also shares personal stories about the Macs that meant the most to them over the years.

Finally, the team wraps up with exciting news about MacStock X, where several panelists will be speaking, and encourages listeners to join the Apple community event.

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week.

visionOS 26.4 Beta 3 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

Apple Vision Pro user learns the hard way that flight attendants have the final say

Beta this week.

Apple Seeds Fourth Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 4

Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 Betas

Apple Releases New Versions of iOS for Older iPhones - MacRumors

In Touch With Mac this week

Fourth macOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta Now Available for Developers [Update: Public Beta Available] Zoom on Rosetta?

Marty and Eric both have Macbook Neo. They give their first impressions.

PSA: Neo won't work with some MacBook USB-C hubs

Apple Releases macOS 26.3.2 Update for MacBook Neo Only for Neo

MacBook Neo Teardown: Modular Ports, Glue-Less Battery, Zero Tape

MacBook Neo's Keyboard Can Be Replaced Individually

MacBook Neo's AppleCare+ Repair Fees Are Lower Than All Other Macs

Dave has the new M5 MBA and MBP M5 Pro (Marty got his M5Max today) as of today. Apple Store visit and Neo.

Other Topics

Dave has the iPhone 17e and gives first impressions after trading in the 16e

iPhone 17e Hands-On: What's New and What's Not - MacRumors

News

Friday Night Baseball Returns to Apple TV on March 27 for 2026 MLB Season

Apple to celebrate 50 years of thinking different

CHM Live | Apple at 50: Five Decades of Thinking Different

Announcementsst

Macstock X is here celebrating its 10th anniversary ! Dave, Chuck, Jeff, Marty, and Jill are all speaking this year!. With Three Full Days of expert-led Presentations and Workshops, Macstock's sessions are crammed full of productivity-enhancing content. NEW this year is a partnership with sponsor Ecamm. Ecamm Creator Camp: Mac Edition on July 9, 2026 there are only 100 tickets available for the bundle. There are 2 passes available: Macstock weekend pass July 10,11,12, 2026 or the Macstock Ecamm Bundle starting July 9 (only 100 tickets available) Come join us. Register HERE Its official! Dave is speaking for a 10th consecutive year!!

Our Host

Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveg65, , BlueSky @daveg65 and the show @intouchwithios

Our Regular Contributors

Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's managing editor, and Smile's TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social‬ Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet

Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social https://thepodtalk.net

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at eabolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group.

Guy Serle is one of the hosts of the new The Gmen Show along with GazMaz and email GMenshow@icloud.com @MacParrot and @VertShark on X Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code 703-828-4677