Have you ever wanted to buy a cool new phone, laptop, or even an electric car, but you thought to yourself, That’s just too expensive? Well, you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way. Many new gadgets from large companies like Apple or Tesla have been very expensive in recent years. However, something very cool is happening now. Many companies are coming out with cost-friendly or affordable versions of these cool gadgets. Now, more families, students, or normal people can enjoy these cool gadgets without breaking the bank. Rather than making all these gadgets super fancy and expensive, they are making simpler versions that are still awesome. Let’s find out some cool examples from Apple and Tesla.
Photos of the entry-level MacBook, MacBook Neo
Apple MacBook Neo: A Laptop You Can Actually Afford
Apple is known for making super cool laptops called MacBooks. However, these laptops have been very expensive, starting at over $1,000. This was not good news for students or families. But recently, Apple released the MacBook Neo. It starts at just $599 or 990,000 Korean Won! And if you’re a student with an Education Sale Offer, you can get it for $499!
The MacBook Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, fun colors like bright indigo and citrus, and a strong aluminum body that feels like a real MacBook. It has an A18 Pro chip, similar to those used in iPhones in the 16th line of models. This chip is powerful enough for homework, surfing the internet, watching videos, and even gaming. It has all-day battery life, which is great for school. (From Apple Official Website)
Some people even claim that it is Apple’s first ‘real budget’ laptop. It may not have all of the latest, high-tech features of the expensive MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, but for most kids and families, it has all of the features that you will ever need. It is almost like Apple is saying, “Hey, we can make a Mac that people can afford!”
Photos of the entry-level iPhones, iPhone 17e
Apple’s iPhone 17e: A Powerful Phone without the High Price
iPhones can be very expensive. The latest iPhones can cost as much as $800+. Apple has designed a new phone; however, that will change all of that.
The iPhone 17e starts at $599. That’s the same price as old iPhone budgets, but this one comes with WAY more! It has:
– A brilliant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
– A fast A19 chip for smooth performance and Apple Intelligence
– A 48MP camera that takes amazing photos
– 256GB of storage right out of the box (twice that of some old iPhone budgets)
– MagSafe charging that allows magnets to keep your charger or accessories attached
(From Apple Official Website)
Plus, it has a tough Ceramic Shield front and a long battery life. It comes in classic black and white and a fun new soft pink. It’s like getting almost everything you love about the regular iPhone 17, but for $200 less! It’s Apple’s best ‘value’ iPhone yet. That means it’s their best iPhone for getting a lot for your money.
Photos of Standard Models: Model 3 Standard (Top), Model Y Standard (Bottom)
Tesla’s Standard RWD Models: Electric Cars That Cost Less
Electric cars are super cool because they are quiet, fast, and good for the environment (no need for gas!). They are also more expensive than regular cars. That’s changing thanks to Tesla’s new cost-friendly electric cars.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD has a starting price of about $38,630. It has a range of about 321 miles on one charge, goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds, is pretty quick, and has a big screen inside. (From tesla.com)
They also offer a Standard RWD version of their Model Y, which is ranked as the second-best-selling car in the world. It is a little larger, so it is good for families. These Standard models offer a few smart simplifications, but they are still great cars that offer the Tesla driving experience, autopilot, and a very low cost of “fueling” since you simply plug it in at home.
Offering these base models is helping families afford an electric car, instead of a traditional gas car. This is good for the planet and people’s wallets.
Why Is This Trend Happening?
The companies are realizing that not everyone can afford to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the best product. Everyone wants quality, style, and the latest in technology, but not at the expense of their wallet. By making affordable versions available, everyone wins. Also, the affordable versions might not have the most luxurious add-ons, such as the fastest charging time or the best camera zoom capability. But for doing homework, taking photos, watching videos, or driving to work, the product is perfect.
The trend of making cost-friendly versions is being done by Apple, Tesla, and many other companies. A student can have the best laptop to do their homework, a family can have the best phone without breaking the bank, and many people can own their own electric cars. The next time you see a cool gadget being released, check if it comes in a version called the Neo, e, or Standard. It might be just what you need, awesome technology without the breath-taking price tag!
By. Hyeonjun Son
Photos and Info (Device and Car specs) Sources
Apple MacBook Neo
https://www.apple.com/macbook-neo/
https://www.apple.com/macbook-neo/specs/
Apple iPhone 17e
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17e/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17e/specs/
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-iphone-17e/
Tesla Standard RWD Models