> At a Glance
> – AMD, Intel, Qualcomm unveil new mobile CPUs at CES 2026 with better performance and battery life
> – Dell, HP, Lenovo debut modular laptops designed for easy repairs and part replacements
> – MSI extends modularity trend to gaming laptops with user-upgradeable RAM and SSD
> – Why it matters: Buyers can replace keyboards, batteries, and storage instead of buying entirely new laptops
CES 2026 is signaling a shift toward laptops built to last. Chipmakers rolled out faster, more efficient processors while PC brands countered disposable designs with service-friendly machines.
Next-Gen Chips Land
AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm each launched mobile processors promising gains in CPU speed, graphics, AI, and battery endurance. The silicon will span ultraportables to gaming rigs throughout 2026.
Modular Makeovers
Dell, HP, and Lenovo answered enterprise calls for longevity:
- Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 introduces a “Space Frame” chassis; pop off the bottom and keyboard to swap batteries, fans, speakers, even USB ports
- Dell revives the XPS 14 and XPS 16 with familiar branding and high-resolution OLED panels after last year’s naming backlash
- HP’s EliteBoard G1a ditches the clamshell entirely-this 1.9-lb keyboard-computer hybrid plugs into any monitor for a pocket-sized workstation
MSI brings the same fix-it spirit to gamers. The Raider 16 Max HX adds a small rear hatch so users can upgrade RAM and SSD without disassembling the whole chassis.
Standout Models on the Floor
Acer’s Swift Edge 14 AI and 16 AI wrap Intel Core Ultra 9 CPUs in a lighter, stronger magnesium-steel alloy frame, aiming for the mid-range sweet spot.
MSI’s Prestige 14 and 16 business laptops trade gamer angles for rounded, minimalist shells paired with OLED displays and long battery life.
Asus and GoPro teamed up on the 13-inch ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition; the rugged metal body, one-year GoPro Cloud Plus subscription, and StoryCube software target traveling creators.
Key Takeaways
- User-replaceable parts are moving from business niche to mainstream and gaming segments
- Brands are resurrecting older, serviceable hardware philosophies in response to customer pressure
- Upgrade-friendly designs arrive alongside CPUs that promise higher efficiency and AI acceleration
The wave of modular, longer-lasting laptops shown at CES 2026 could redefine what buyers expect from their next machine.
