Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Computex, the world’s largest computing trade show, is held annually in Taipei, but the 2026 edition was particularly significant. To begin with, Nvidia unveiled its new RTX Spark processor designed for high-end consumer laptops, prompting all the major laptop brands to showcase their latest models with considerable excitement and impressive specifications (though not much in the way of supporting evidence).
At the same time, many of those same manufacturers also introduced new “budget premium” laptops priced between $599 and $699, a direct response to the MacBook Neo — Apple’s remarkably affordable laptop that shook up the PC market earlier this year.
Also: Dell’s new XPS 13 is a MacBook Neo rival that costs $599 and retains premium features
Computing took center stage, but there was also some impressive gaming hardware on display, such as Asus ROG’s X1 Real AR glasses, which turn gaming on your handheld or PC into a 3D experience featuring an exceptionally sharp micro-OLED display and an immersive 171-inch virtual screen. Here are the five standout products I encountered at Computex 2026 in Taipei.
1. Nvidia RTX Spark
By far, the most significant announcement at Computex this year was Nvidia’s RTX Spark, its Arm-based processor delivering up to 1 petaflop of AI performance and next-generation graphics for Windows devices. The chip represents Nvidia’s entry into the consumer laptop market, joining competitors like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
Each of the major laptop makers announced new models featuring the RTX Spark in succession: Asus, HP, Dell, Microsoft, Lenovo, and MSI, with Acer and Gigabyte expected to follow later this year. Collectively, they presented a united front with new high-end machines aimed at gamers and creators.
Also: I saw the first Nvidia RTX Spark laptops – these 4 models will lead the new ultrabook boom
All the new RTX Spark laptops boast impressive specifications: up to 128GB of unified memory, tandem OLED displays, haptic touchpads, and ultra-premium construction. I got hands-on time with all of them at Computex (powered off, naturally — only the Surface Ultra was turned on) and can confirm that they all feel like outstanding devices.
When it comes to specifics, though, details remain somewhat scarce. No pricing has been revealed, but estimates put them in the $2,000 to $4,000 range. Exact release dates are also uncertain, though most point to fall 2026.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra
Microsoft is setting the standard with the flagship RTX Spark laptop: the Surface Ultra, a machine it’s calling “the most powerful Surface laptop ever built.” One thing is certain: This is no ordinary Surface. Microsoft is taking a bold new direction with aggressive branding that’s a stark departure from its usual corporate tone. The Ultra is dark, sleek, and radiates power, speaking directly to developers and power users — a segment it has previously overlooked.
Also: I tested the Surface Pro with 5G, and it’s Microsoft’s most complete business 2-in-1 yet
Microsoft says this device has been in development for three years, completely reengineered for the new CPU. “Everything is custom. Everything is built from the ground up to unlock the full potential of RTX Spark,” said Robyn McLaughlin, senior director of product management for Surface, during my demonstration.
From the redesigned thermal system (improved airflow, slimmer fans) to the stunningly vivid mini-LED touchscreen (2,000 nits, 262 pixels per inch) to the Nvidia Blackwell RTX GPU with up to 128GB of unified memory, this laptop is a powerhouse. I played several games on it, including “Pragmata” and “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” and the performance was remarkably smooth. Surprisingly smooth.
Microsoft recognizes it’s entering a new era with the combination of the RTX Spark and this new product, and everything about it signals that Microsoft is finally, confidently taking on the MacBook Pro. It’ll be available later this year.
3. ROG XReal R1 AR glasses
ROG’s XReal R1 glasses elevate the handheld gaming experience — in a way that’s actually comfortable enough for extended sessions. These might be the best gaming AR glasses I’ve ever tried, partly because of how fantastic the visuals look and partly because of the glasses’ versatility.
Also: Why this 16-inch gaming laptop is a smarter buy than a desktop in 2026
The glasses are lightweight, or at least lightweight enough, and comfortable — easily wearable for a few hours at a stretch. They let you lock the display in place, track with your head movements, and switch between a 57-degree expanded field of view that fills 95% of the viewing area with a 240Hz refresh rate and 3D mode.
The ROG control dock also supports HDMI and DisplayPort, so you can use the glasses with your PC as well as your handheld gaming device.
4. Dell XPS 13
Dell nailed the brief with its new 13-inch XPS: Make it affordable while maintaining the premium build quality. The 2026 XPS 13 appears to achieve that goal, starting at $599 for students and $699 for everyone else — an aggressive price point for a laptop typically associated with the premium tier.
The XPS 13 is powered by Intel’s new “Wildcat Lake” Core Series 3 processor, trading raw performance for a much more budget-friendly package. It uses the same 18A process as Intel’s “Panther Lake” Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, with comparable battery life — up to 17 hours, according to Dell.
Dell XPS 13 (2026) (left) vs. MacBook Neo (right)
The provided text is already quite readable and well-structured. The HTML tags are correctly used for formatting, and the content flows logically. The language is clear and concise, making it easy to understand the features and availability of the tech products mentioned.
Here is the text with minor adjustments for flow and clarity, while strictly preserving the HTML structure and original meaning:
And it still feels like an XPS. This is especially true of the display: a 2.5K LCD touchscreen with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and support for 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It’s a direct competitor to the MacBook Neo, and a strong one at that. While the Neo still has some advantages (its trackpad is superior to the XPS 13’s, for instance), Windows users now have genuine options in this category—something that simply wasn’t the case a year ago. The XPS 13 will be available in the “Sky” colorway later this month, with the “Storm” colorway launching in the Fall.
5. Acer Swift Air 14
Acer’s new Swift Air 14 is a $599 ultraportable laptop featuring Intel’s Core Series 3 chips. It comes in a vibrant range of colors (pink, purple, green, and blue) and is designed with students and hybrid workers in mind. Among the many budget PCs announced at Computex, this one stands out for its combination of appealing colors and solid build quality—it didn’t feel cheap or flimsy at all.
Also: Windows rivals to MacBook Neo are here – but I’m more excited for Google’s response
The hardware is lightweight, with 16GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a WUXGA IPS display offering 300 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. Acer claims up to 19 hours of battery life, along with extremely fast charging: 50% in just 30 minutes. The Swift Air 14 will be available in August 2026.
6. Hyte Y50 RGB essential aesthetic case
Building your own PC with custom cases used to be an expensive, highly specialized hobby. In 2026, that’s no longer the case (pun intended). Hyte’s new Y50 looks and feels like a premium case, yet it’s priced at only $99—an incredible value for such an attractive case that I wish had been available when I was spending a fortune on my first PC build.
To start, it’s constructed from steel and tempered glass, comes in five colors, and supports up to nine fans (with four included). It features a dual-chamber design with universal compatibility and ample space for those nine fans (the box includes four ARGB units).
Also: This Lenovo Yoga rivaled my MacBook Air in ways I didn’t expect it to
With the cost of memory and storage continuing to rise, it’s clear there’s a strong market for affordable tech across all segments—not just mainstream laptops and PCs, but also for hobbyists. The Y50 will be available for pre-order in June 2026, with the first orders shipping early this fall.
7. Acer PM131QT auxiliary monitor
Want to use Android Auto but don’t have a suitable display? Acer has you covered. The PM131QT is a long, thin “auxiliary monitor” measuring 12.3 inches, designed for a variety of uses, including in a car.
It includes a kickstand and can connect to a keyboard via pogo pins, but also offers USB-C and HDMI connections for added versatility. At its Computex demo, Acer positioned it beneath a larger monitor, which made me think how useful it would be for apps like Slack or Google Chat at work. For video creators, it could serve well as a dedicated timeline display.
Also: I tested an $80 monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, and it’s a ‘Pro’ option in several ways
It reaches up to 300 nits of brightness and won’t match the color accuracy of a professional monitor, but Acer also highlights its suitability for automotive use, which likely requires some clever engineering. The PM131QT will be available in Fall 2026, starting at $179.
