Costco, the warehouse club that’s exclusive to members, is not typically the first place that comes to mind for cutting-edge technology. While PC enthusiasts searching for individual components may find their needs unmet, the store does offer a selection of laptops, tablets, and various tech gadgets. Occasionally, as seen this March, these newly introduced items have been present in other retailers for some time. Nevertheless, there are several compelling reasons to consider purchasing electronics from Costco.
For starters, if you’re already visiting Costco or planning to shop online, it makes sense to get your new gadget from there too. Additionally, Costco’s notable return policy allows for returns of certain electronics within 90 days, giving you the option to exchange the item or receive a refund. Furthermore, any PC purchased from Costco, whether a laptop or desktop, includes a two-year warranty. Unfortunately, this policy does not extend to tablets, which is unfortunate, as many of the new tech items this month are Apple products, including the latest iPad.
iPad Air M4
The latest iPad Air, featuring the robust M4 chip, is available in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches, both with storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The most affordable choice is the 11-inch, 128GB variant, priced at $559. For approximately $200 more, you can opt for the larger model, while an upgrade to 256GB adds around $90 to the cost. Although the price for extra storage might seem steep—considering that SD card prices have declined—it’s important to note that Apple’s tablets do not support Micro SD expansion.
While the iPad can handle a variety of tasks, the limited storage and smaller display may hinder its ability to serve as a full laptop replacement. Early feedback suggests that the M4 iPad Air represents a marked enhancement from its predecessor. Potential buyers should consider whether the extra features justify moving up from the more economical option. The phrase “Built for Apple Intelligence,” previously associated with the iPad Air M3, reappears, yet the implications of such marketing remain ambiguous.
MacBook Air and Pro M5
The MacBook Air and Pro models are categorized together due to their numerous similarities, which make it unlikely for a consumer to purchase both. These laptops are powered by the M5 chip, with the Pro utilizing a more advanced model, but both claim to be “built for Apple Intelligence.” Each MacBook is equipped with a notable high-definition integrated webcam, which is appreciated by users, even if it doesn’t measure up to a quality 4K webcam.
The most economical MacBook Air can manage a range of simple to moderately demanding tasks, from general web browsing to image editing, and even light video editing. If your intentions for the laptop include intensive GPU and CPU tasks, the MacBook Pro is the more suitable option. The entry-level MacBook Pro starts at $2,149, which is a considerable upgrade over the MacBook Air, particularly because it employs fans for thermal management, contrasting with the Air’s fanless design.
There is a stark price disparity between the cheapest ($2,149) and the priciest ($3,849) MacBook Pros—amounting to $1,700 total. Determining whether the enhancements merit the cost ultimately depends on your specific needs, but a substantial amount of RAM, a competent CPU and GPU, plus a high-quality display signify that it can serve a wide variety of purposes effectively.
MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo has become a hot topic among enthusiasts, generating both excitement and some reservations. Its price is competitive for an Apple laptop, yet it presents notable drawbacks that even less expensive alternatives do not face. However, it boasts an impressive battery life of 16 hours, a sharp resolution for its 13-inch display, and even a 1080p camera—a rarity in this price range.
Although the MacBook Neo is often marketed as the best laptop under $500, this price point applies only to eligible students. The base version retails for $598.99, but many might find the $689.99 model, featuring 512GB SSD storage and Touch ID, a more practical choice. For many users, especially those engaged in intensive tasks like photo editing or data management, 256GB may quickly become insufficient. A portable SSD could provide additional storage, but it would consume one of the two available USB-C ports, complicating charging and usage. Thus, opting for the 512GB variant seems sensible.
Lenovo A100 23.8-inch All-in-One Desktop
The Lenovo A100 is making a rare appearance in today’s market. While the Apple iMac remains prevalent, particularly with the recent M4 launch in 2024, the allure of all-in-one machines has significantly diminished. This model could engage users seeking a conventional desktop solution that combines the monitor and PC, with separate peripherals, while not being performance-driven.
All-in-one desktops have fallen out of favor for valid reasons; laptops are increasingly portable and offer impressive capabilities. The advantage of desktop computers—expandability—is absent in all-in-ones. Thus, this machine might only appeal to a particular audience looking to avoid laptops and keep costs manageable. With 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and no dedicated graphics card, the specs may seem modest, especially for a $500 desktop, but a decent monitor and included mouse and keyboard enhance its value.
Shokz OpenFit 2
Shokz has a reputation for delivering high-quality headphones, especially known for its open-ear and bone-conduction earphone solutions like the OpenFit 2. Priced around $150, these earbuds are on the higher end, particularly among open-ear models, and they come with common challenges linked with this design. Since they do not close off external sound, they permit ambient noise, which can prompt users to raise the volume in loud settings—potentially leading to sound leakage.
Nonetheless, the sound quality is generally regarded as excellent in the realm of open-ear headphones. They have garnered a following among runners and athletes, who prioritize spatial awareness and battery longevity over accurate sound profiles. With an 11-hour battery life, extending to 48 hours when considering the case’s extra charge, the OpenFit 2 truly shines in its intended use case.