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It is the brand new 12 months, and with it comes CES 2026, the tech trade’s first main showcase of the 12 months. That is the time when the most important names exhibit what they’ve in retailer. Laptops are a serious focus on the occasion, and this 12 months’s choices vary from polished updates to daring, progressive designs that push the boundaries of private computing.
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With so many new fashions on the occasion, I will not be capable of cowl every thing intimately, however I can slender it all the way down to what I contemplate the seven most enjoyable laptops of CES 2026, highlighting PCs that stood out for his or her distinctive options, efficiency upgrades, and forward-thinking designs.
1. LG Gram Professional 17
Kicking off the record is the LG Gram Professional 17, which could possibly be some of the intriguing Home windows laptops of 2026 due to a brand new materials referred to as Aerominum. Developed in-house, Aeronium is designed to scale back weight whereas sustaining structural sturdiness. It permits the laptop computer to stay ultraportable with out feeling fragile. LG even claims that it will likely be the world’s light-weight RTX laptop computer.
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Inside its smooth physique, LG’s Gram Professional 17 is about to deal with a brand new Intel Core Extremely collection processor (possible from Intel’s Panther Lake collection), an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, and a high-resolution LCD display. A configuration like this may make the laptop computer essential for customers who need a strong, on a regular basis work machine and a inventive powerhouse. LG can even provide a barely smaller, 16-inch mannequin. It’s going to possess lots of the similar options, however the LG Gram Professional 16 swaps out the LCD for a extra vibrant OLED panel.
A launch window for the LG Gram Professional 17 was not given, though the corporate did level out in its announcement that it will likely be unique to customers in North America.
2. Dell XPS 14
2025 was an fascinating 12 months for Dell, marked by a serious rebranding of the XPS collection into the “Dell Premium” line. Nevertheless, Dell execs recently acknowledged their second ideas concerning the title change, as a result of the XPS title returns in 2026 with two new laptops main the cost.
After checking them out, I discovered the brand new XPS 14 to be essentially the most intriguing. Each fashions are powered by Intel Core Extremely Sequence 3 processors (identical to the earlier entry), 4K webcams, and high-density 900ED batteries, reportedly able to lasting as much as 40 hours underneath the suitable situations.
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What gave the XPS 14 the sting over its sibling for me is its slim profile, measuring simply 14.6mm thick and weighing about three kilos. It additionally boasts an InfiniteEdge OLED that makes use of the complete out there display area, making it seem a lot bigger than its comparatively small measurement.
Dell’s XPS 14 is offered for buy proper now in restricted configurations from the corporate web site. Costs begin $2,050. Subsequent month, Dell will roll out extra configurations, together with a brand new beginning construct that’ll retail for lower than $2,000. The laptop computer is barely out there in Graphic (black), however a Shimmer (silver) mannequin will launch later within the 12 months; an actual date was not given.
3. Acer Swift 16 AI
I’ve personally at all times seen Acer as a reliable, if predictable laptop computer model. That mindset would possibly change with the discharge of its upcoming flagship, the Swift 16 AI, which has an enormous trackpad occupying practically half of the laptop computer’s decrease portion. The outsized haptic trackpad doubles as a drawing pill, permitting artists to sketch, animate, and mannequin instantly on the laptop computer with out the necessity for additional equipment.
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It helps MPP 2.5 styluses, making certain correct on-screen motion, and additionally it is bolstered with Corning Gorilla Glass for sturdiness. Oh, and it comes with the stylus.
Above the keyboard sits a shocking 16-inch, 3K OLED WQXGA+ show that helps the total DCI-P3 coloration gamut and runs at a refresh charge of 120Hz. I am intrigued by the Swift 16 AI. The mega trackpad is a daring concept, however whether or not it is sensible in on a regular basis use stays to be seen.
You will not have to attend lengthy for this laptop computer. The Acer Swift 16 AI might be out there for buy in North America in Q1 2026.
4. Alienware 16 Space-51
Initially, I deliberate to spotlight the up to date Alienware 18 as my gaming laptop computer decide, however the extra I dug into the lineup, I spotted the Alienware 16 Space-51 deserved the spot as an alternative. It gives lots of the similar flagship options because the 18-inch, simply in a extra manageable type. At 16 inches, it’s slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. My greatest grievance concerning the earlier mannequin was its measurement: too massive and heavy to hold round.
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Efficiency-wise, the Alienware 16 Space-51 is shaping as much as be a powerhouse. It’s going to run on Intel’s Core Extremely 200Hz processors; almost definitely the Extremely 7 255HX and 275HX as the opposite possibility. It’s going to pair that CPU with Nvidia’s newest gaming GPUs, as much as 64GB of RAM, and a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. What’s arguably its most notable function is the anti-glare OLED display. According to Dell, this new panel reduces “gloss by 32%, assuaging glare, reflections”, and fingerprint smudges.
There is not a set launch but for the 2026 Alienware 16 Space-51; nevertheless, it’s slated for launch someday in Q1 2026, so fairly quickly.
5. MSI Status 14 AI+
MSI is thought primarily as a gaming laptop computer model, however the firm additionally has a robust lineup of productiveness PCs. For 2026, MSI is introducing new ultrathin fashions in its Status collection, which I consider will give the MacBook Air a run for its cash.
Out of every thing that was unveiled, the Status 14 AI+ stood out to me essentially the most. It measures about half an inch thick and weighs just below three kilos. In comparison with the earlier era, this upcoming laptop computer is roughly 0.2 inches thinner and 14 ounces lighter, a big discount.
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The upgrades do not cease there. MSI’s Status 14 AI+ might be powered by an Intel Core Extremely X9 388H CPU, function a 120Hz OLED display, and incorporate a sturdy cooling system. As for the opposite fashions, there can even be a 16-inch Status that intently mirrors the 14-inch mannequin, and a small 13-inch possibility for individuals who prioritize portability.
A lot of MSI’s CES 2026 laptops can be found for preorder from the corporate’s web site — apart from the Status 14 AI+. The closest out there mannequin is the Prestige 14 Flip AI+, which encompasses a comparable configuration and a versatile hinge. It is retailing for $1,300 and can ship out on January 27. I’ve reached out to MSI to see if it plans on releasing the non-Flex model of the Status 14 AI+ in america. I’ve but to listen to again.
6. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus collection is the place the corporate will get just a little experimental. Every era has its personal distinctive function not shared with some other mannequin. The fifth generation might flip into an Android, whereas the sixth has a rollable display. Many of those options have been gimmicks at finest, however the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist is particular as a result of its function is definitely fairly sensible.
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Its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display sits on a particular motorized, dual-rotation hinge, giving customers the flexibility to bodily transfer the display to the aspect. One minute, you can be typing away, after which within the subsequent, you may swing the display to the aspect for a fast presentation. Even with out this function, the laptop computer is shaping as much as be a strong machine due to the Intel Core Extremely Sequence 3 processor and Dolby Atmos audio system.
Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist launches in June 2026, “with an estimated beginning worth of $1,649.”
7. Asus ZenBook Duo
The narrower bezels across the hinge are significantly immersive when you use the laptop computer in vertical orientation.
Prakhar Khanna
Twin-screen laptops aren’t new, however they’ve by no means actually caught on, primarily as a result of the secondary show is usually too small to be actually helpful. Asus is instantly addressing this difficulty with the 2026 ZenBook Duo, a laptop computer with two equally sized 14-inch OLED touchscreens. Every half runs at 3K decision with a 144Hz refresh charge and a peak brightness of as much as 1,000 nits. It’s going to be supplied in a number of configurations with one construct working on an Intel Core Extremely 9 386H processor. The laptop computer additionally ships with a removable keyboard.
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From a productiveness standpoint, the attraction is clear: it delivers the kind of dual-monitor flexibility that you would be able to get on a desktop with out sacrificing the portability of a laptop computer. It boasts an enormous 93% screen-to-body ratio, making certain a extra immersive expertise. The ZenBook Duo measures practically an inch in thickness when closed and weighs just below 4 kilos.
That measurement does not embody the keyboard, so I’m curious to know if the additional bulk will make the ZenBook troublesome to hold. Nevertheless, contemplating it comes with two OLEDs, I feel it will be a worthwhile trade-off.
An actual launch date or timeframe for the Asus ZenBook Duo was not given, though it has been confirmed for a 2026 launch.
Dell’s XPS 14 earns our decide for the most effective laptop computer of CES 2026. Whereas it is too early to completely choose its real-world efficiency, every thing Dell has proven to date suggests it will likely be a standout PC that units a brand new normal for 2026. It is a fantastic fusion of a smooth, compact design, highly effective {hardware}, and a shocking InfiniteEdge OLED display.
That stated, the XPS 14 wasn’t the one mannequin that left an impression. Each different laptop computer on this record pushes the boundaries in its personal manner and is value highlighting.
| Greatest Laptop computer of CES | Beginning Worth | Show | CPU | GPU | RAM |
| LG gram Professional 17 | N/A | 17-inch WQXGA+ LCD | Intel Core Extremely Sequence 3 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 | N/A |
| Dell XPS 14 | $1,649 | 14-inch 2K OLED | As much as Intel Core Extremely X9 388H | Intel Arc graphics card | as much as 64GB |
| Acer Swift 16 AI | N/A | 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED | As much as Intel Core Extremely X9 388H | As much as Intel Arc B390 | as much as 32GB |
| Alienware 16 Space-51 | N/A | 16-inch WQXGA OLED | Intel Core Extremely 200HX collection | As much as Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 | as much as 64GB |
| MSI Status 14 AI+ | $1,299 | 14-inch 2K OLED | As much as Intel Core Extremely X9 388H | Intel Arc graphics card | as much as 32GB |
| Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist | $1,649 | 14-inch 2.8K OLED | Intel Core Extremely Sequence 3 | Intel built-in GPU | as much as 32GB |
| Asus ZenBook Duo | N/A | 14-inch 3K OLED screens | As much as Intel Core Extremely X9 388H | Intel Arc graphics card | as much as 32GB |
None of those laptops can be found for buy but, so clearly, I wasn’t capable of get an prolonged hands-on expertise with them. To make my choices, I adopted the identical standards I take advantage of to select fashions for my finest laptops lists. I seemed on the following:
- Show: An incredible laptop computer begins with a fantastic display. I gave main factors to computer systems with high-resolution shows with wealthy coloration accuracy and quick refresh charges, all of that are very important for clean workflows and immersive leisure.
- {Hardware}: Lots of the laptops showcased at CES 2026 function the newest generations of processors and graphics playing cards, promising vital efficiency enhancements. I additionally gave main factors to fashions with the upgraded {hardware}.
- Options: Since some laptops have very comparable specs, it may be difficult to resolve which one is finest. As a tiebreaker, I examined a mannequin’s set of options to find out how they will improve the person expertise. Lenovo, for instance, had a whole lot of nice choices, however the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 gained me over with its distinctive show.
