Mashable iconMashableSep 3, 2026 ~6 min source read

Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe: a $699 color-forward competitor to the MacBook Neo

Lenovo revealed the IdeaPad Vibe at IFA 2026: a premium-feeling budget laptop offered in two sizes, seven Pantone-developed colors, multiple processor families, and more user-upgradability than many rivals at the $699 entry price.

Lenovos new $699 MacBook Neo rival comes in two sizes and a rainbow of colors

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Useful takeaways from this story.

Two sizes (14-inch and 15-inch) with the same starting price and up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD in higher configurations.

Generous port selection, 120Hz IPS display standard, OLED display upgrades available on select colors, and user-expandable storage (and RAM on AMD models).

# What the IdeaPad Vibe is Lenovo announced the IdeaPad Vibe at IFA 2026 as a direct competitor to the popular $699 MacBook Neo. The Vibe targets buyers who want a premium look and feel at a mainstream price, while offering more configuration and upgrade flexibility than some rivals.

# Sizes, weight, and design Vibe comes in two screen sizes: 14-inch and 15-inch. Starting weights are 2.87 pounds for the 14-inch and 3.31 pounds for the 15-inch. The laptop measures 0.59 inches thick, putting it only slightly thicker than the MacBook Neo.

# Processors, launch timing, and pricing

# Memory, storage, and upgradeability Standard starting specs mirror the Neo on a few points: base memory begins at 8GB RAM and base storage at 256GB SSD. Unlike the Neo, the Vibe can be configured up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Qualcomm models will have user-upgradable SSDs. AMD models will offer expandable SSDs and upgradable RAM. Systems equipped with at least 16GB RAM can run Windows Copilot+ PC AI features.

# Displays and input

# Ports and connectivity Lenovo packed a broad set of ports: two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. Wireless connectivity includes WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The audio setup uses two 2W speakers with Dolby Audio.

# How it compares to the MacBook Neo and other rivals On paper, the IdeaPad Vibe matches the Neo on starting price while offering more storage and memory ceiling in higher configurations. It's slightly larger and a bit heavier than Apple's 13-inch Neo. Where the Vibe differentiates itself is color personalization, a mostly metal build, and user-upgradeable storage and RAM (on AMD models). Other competitors launching with similar strategies include Dell's colorful 14S and various Windows alternatives announced this year.

# When to expect it Lenovo said AMD-powered IdeaPad Vibe laptops will begin shipping in October and Snapdragon X models in November. Specific configuration-by-configuration pricing and availability details were not finalized at the announcement and should be confirmed at launch.

More context around this story.

I got hands-on with Lenovo's new $699 IdeaPad Vibe, which goes up against the MacBook Neo, and choosing a color may be harder than choosing a CPU
Windowscentral iconWindowscentralSep 3, 2026

I got hands-on with Lenovo's new $699 IdeaPad Vibe, which goes up against the MacBook Neo, and choosing a color may be harder than choosing a CPU

After seeing Lenovo's new IdeaPad Vibe lineup in New York City earlier this summer, I came away genuinely impressed. Starting at just under $700, these laptops combine solid specs, surprisingly premium hardware, and an unprecedented level of personalization that makes Apple's MacBook Neo and Dell's newest 14-inch chall

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