Parallels Desktop creators say MacBook Neo does indeed have enough muscle to run Windows apps

"Parallels Desktop is compatible with the MacBook Neo. At launch it was unclear if Apple's new $600 possessed the under-the-hood heft to run Windows apps, but in a recently updated on its website, Parallels said that initial tests show its software running "stably," although performance is still being assessed."

"While Parallels Desktop could theoretically be a viable option for Neo owners who are only interested in light Windows use, anything that puts a significant strain on the CPU or GPU is going to present a problem. This is because the MacBook Neo only ships with 8GB of RAM, and as Parallels highlights, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run."

"If you really want to dabble with Windows on a Mac, Parallels recommends picking up an Apple laptop with 16GB of unified memory or more, like the new MacBook Air M5 or a MacBook Pro. And for those content with macOS and looking to save some money, we dubbed the MacBook Neo the best $600 laptop."

Parallels Desktop virtualization software is compatible with Apple's new MacBook Neo laptop, which features an A18 Pro chip based on ARM architecture similar to Mac's M-series processors. Initial testing confirms stable operation, though performance assessment continues. However, practical limitations exist: the MacBook Neo ships with only 8GB of RAM, while Windows 11 requires 4GB minimum, leaving minimal headroom for macOS and Mac applications. The device lacks a cooling fan, causing thermal throttling under heavy CPU or GPU loads. Parallels recommends users seeking Windows compatibility choose MacBook Air M5 or MacBook Pro models with 16GB unified memory or more for better performance.

Read at Engadget