This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for PCs: Dell is reviving the XPS, while MSI has just announced a new series of ultra-thin laptops.
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It’s the new year, and with it comes CES 2026, the tech industry’s first major showcase of the year. This is the time when the biggest names show off what they have in store. Laptops are a major focus at the event, and this year’s offerings range from polished updates to bold, innovative designs that push the boundaries of personal computing.
With so many new models at the event, I won’t be able to cover everything in detail, but I can narrow it down to what I consider the seven most exciting laptops of CES 2026, highlighting PCs that stood out for their unique features, performance upgrades, and forward-thinking designs.1. LG Gram Pro 17
Kicking off the list is the LG Gram Pro 17, which could be one of the most intriguing Windows laptops of 2026 thanks to a new material called Aerominum. Developed in-house, Aeronium is designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural durability. It allows the laptop to remain ultraportable without feeling fragile. LG even claims that it will be the world’s lightweight RTX laptop.
Inside its sleek body, LG’s Gram Pro 17 is set to house a new Intel Core Ultra series processor (likely from Intel’s Panther Lake series), an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, and a high-resolution LCD screen. A configuration like this will make the laptop a must-have for users who want a solid, everyday work machine and a creative powerhouse. LG will also offer a slightly smaller, 16-inch model. It’ll possess many of the same features, but the LG Gram Pro 16 swaps out the LCD for a more vibrant OLED panel.
A launch window for the LG Gram Pro 17 was not given, although the company did point out in its announcement that it will be exclusive to users in North America.2. Dell XPS 14
2025 was an interesting year for Dell, marked by a major rebranding of the XPS series into the „Dell Premium“ line. However, Dell execs recently acknowledged their second thoughts about the name change, because the XPS name returns in 2026 with two new laptops leading the charge.
After checking them out, I found the new XPS 14 to be the most intriguing. Both models are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (just like the previous entry), 4K webcams, and high-density 900ED batteries, reportedly capable of lasting up to 40 hours under the right conditions.
What gave the XPS 14 the edge over its sibling for me is its slim profile, measuring just 14.6mm thick and weighing about three pounds. It also boasts an InfiniteEdge OLED that utilizes the entire available screen space, making it appear much larger than its relatively small size.
Dell’s XPS 14 is available for purchase right now in limited configurations from the company website. Prices start $2,050. Next month, Dell will roll out additional configurations, including a new starting build that’ll retail for less than $2,000. The laptop is only available in Graphic (black), but a Shimmer (silver) model will launch later in the year; an exact date was not given.3. Acer Swift 16 AI
I’ve personally always seen Acer as a reliable, if predictable laptop brand. That mindset might change with the release of its upcoming flagship, the Swift 16 AI, which has a massive trackpad occupying nearly half of the laptop’s lower portion. The oversized haptic trackpad doubles as a drawing tablet, allowing artists to sketch, animate, and model directly on the laptop without the need for extra accessories.
It supports MPP 2.5 styluses, ensuring accurate on-screen movement, and it is also reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass for durability.
