The former head of Windows praised Apple's MacBook Neo and recalled the ARM-based Surface RT tablet.

Stephen Synofsky praises the new MacBook Neo

Stephen Synofsky, who headed Microsoft's Windows division from 2009 to 2012 and led the development of Surface RT and the first version of Windows 8, recently commented on the arrival of Apple's MacBook Neo. He called it a “paradigm‑shifting computer” and expressed admiration for how the company successfully adapted the laptop for mobile device chips.

> “I am completely stunned by them. It’s a paradigm‑shifting computer… All compromises are quite acceptable and invisible to me.”

> — Synofsky

He emphasized that Neo “doesn’t need to get better”—it is already excellent, and in five years it will outpower most competitors at a price of about $699. For him, Neo replaces the MacBook Air in a more attractive color and with a “phone chip.”

Why Synofsky is sad
Synofsky recalled his experience working on Surface RT—the first ARM‑based device sold for $599. At that time it successfully ran Office and a browser thanks to 2 GB of RAM and a 64 GB drive.

> “We had everything we needed, and everything worked… We knew there was no way to provide security, energy efficiency, and reliability for the old model of Windows applications.”

> — Synofsky

He admitted that Surface’s failure was due both to Microsoft mistakes and market unpreparedness. He also noted that the ARM idea was “right,” but its implementation turned out poorly.

Looking back and forward
Synofsky compared his experience with media and consumer reactions to Windows 8 and Surface in 2012: at that time he considered the project premature. Now, holding Neo, he realizes that earlier conclusions were wrong.

> “Today I use Neo, remember Windows 8 and Surface, and must admit it’s not easy for me to come to such a conclusion.”

> — Synofsky

He is confident that if Microsoft had continued developing the ARM ecosystem, they would be where Neo is today. In the end, Synofsky thanks Apple for making their product “make me a little sad,” while still admiring how it realized its concept.

Conclusion:

Stephen Synofsky highly praised the MacBook Neo, noting its innovation and outstanding features. Memories of his own Surface and Windows 8 projects made him reassess earlier judgments and acknowledge that Apple achieved what Microsoft could not.