{"title": "CES 2026 Promises High-Performance, Experimental Laptops in a High-Price Environment", "body": ["The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), recognized as the premier global gathering for consumer technology, is scheduled to begin on January 6, 2026. This massive annual event features a diverse array of innovations, ranging from automated pet access systems to autonomous vehicles, with significant announcements typically centered on portable computers amid the extensive presentations."], ["The 2026 edition of CES is poised to be especially dynamic. During the autumn of 2025, both Qualcomm and Intel unveiled advancements in processor technology intended for integration into devices revealed at the upcoming show. Although AMD has not issued comparable official statements, numerous leaks have surfaced regarding their developments."], ["Advancements in processor technology naturally inspire fresh portable computer architectures, aligning with the ongoing pattern in the industry toward unconventional and pioneering prototypes. That said, escalating costs for memory components could temper the excitement."], ["Qualcomm first revealed its forthcoming Snapdragon X2 processor lineup in September 2025. This was an advance disclosure, with the company indicating that production and availability would not commence until deep into 2026."], ["As 2026 approaches, CES is certain to feature numerous devices incorporating the Snapdragon X2. Among the most advanced configurations will be those equipped with the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, boasting 18 central processing unit cores, an enhanced X2-90 graphics processing unit, and memory throughput of 228 gigabytes per second."], ["According to earlier coverage by PCWorld contributor Mark Hachman, preliminary evaluations of the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme using Cinebench 2024 achieved a multi-core result of 1,967. This mark surpasses by more than double the performance of a Microsoft Surface Laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, and it also approximately doubles the capabilities of AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370."], ["This result stems from a single benchmark run on a prototype supplied by Qualcomm, leaving open questions about performance in everyday applications. Nevertheless, devices featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme are expected to excel in multi-threaded central processing tasks."], ["Qualcomm plans to introduce various mid-tier options within the X2 Elite family, and major manufacturers are anticipated to demonstrate a variety of systems relying on Qualcomm's processors."], ["Qualcomm will not dominate the CES 2026 stage alone, as a broad selection of portable computers with fresh Intel and AMD components will also appear."], ["Intel appears to be pursuing a bolder strategy compared to its rival. Similar to Qualcomm, Intel conducted a demonstration of its impending Panther Lake platform during the fall of 2025. Top-tier models under this framework will include as many as 16 central processing unit cores, branded as the Intel Core Series 3."], ["Enhancements in graphics capabilities represent a key emphasis for Intel. The company claims that premium Panther Lake variants will incorporate up to 12 Xe3 graphics cores, delivering up to 50 percent superior output compared to the Lunar Lake platform, which already excelled in built-in graphics. Such improvements could appeal to buyers seeking balanced mid-range portable computers suitable for both gaming and work tasks."], ["AMD has adopted a more cautious approach concerning its next Gorgon Point processors. The firm has shared general outlines of its roadmap, but detailed information has been absent leading up to CES 2026."], ["From unofficial sources, reports indicate that Gorgon Point may constitute a subtle update to the existing Strix Point lineup. Expectations include comparable or unchanged numbers of central processing and graphics cores, potentially with boosted clock rates and neural processing unit enhancements. Early leaked benchmarks suggest incremental gains in efficiency. These processors are projected to launch under the Ryzen AI 400 designation, including variants such as the Ryzen AI 9 465."], ["CES has long been synonymous with unconventional portable computer prototypes, serving as a platform for bold manufacturers to test innovative ideas—a domain where only Computex surpasses it in eccentricity. Over recent times, however, these experimental displays have evolved into viable, market-ready products that often perform admirably for everyday users."], ["Notable instances include Lenovo's flexible OLED display device, Asus's dual-screen models, and Acer's glasses-free 3D screens. Impressively, these innovations have transitioned successfully to commercial offerings, with the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Rollable and Asus Zenbook Duo earning PCWorld's Editors' Choice recognition."], ["Details on the 2026 CES portable computers remain confidential, yet opportunities persist for refinements in OLED technology, particularly regarding refresh speeds and luminosity. Flexible OLED implementations also offer untapped potential."], ["Anticipation surrounds the prospect of Windows-based portable computers adopting more upscale aesthetics, even in entry-level segments. This shift is largely propelled by efforts from Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, which have demonstrated expertise in incorporating high-end finishes like Asus's Ceraluminum. While such refinements enhance appeal, their growing prevalence might serve as a counterbalance to a pressing challenge looming over CES 2026."], ["In case it's unfamiliar, prices for random-access memory are surging dramatically. The surge in artificial intelligence data center requirements has spiked demand for these components, prompting suppliers to redirect resources accordingly and squeezing availability for consumer markets. Boutique builder Framework has already adjusted its memory costs upward, and reliable speculation points to similar moves by larger vendors."], ["Devices unveiled in January at CES 2026 are unlikely to reach retailers before February at the earliest, with many delayed until May or June. Manufacturers may opt for caution by withholding exact pricing details until shortly before availability."], ["These cost increases could influence standard memory allocations in new models. Configurations with 16GB or 32GB are expected to stay common, while 64GB or greater will likely be limited to premium, high-end systems. Speculation about reductions to 8GB seems improbable, though economical variants might trend that way if the escalation continues."], ["The artificial intelligence-fueled scarcity is also driving up solid-state drive costs, adding further strain on overall pricing for portable computers. Consequently, securing affordable options with over 1 terabyte of storage may become challenging, favoring 256GB and 512GB as prevalent choices."], ["This scenario is regrettable. Qualcomm's sustained investment in the portable computer sector expands options for buyers, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the memory cost pressures affect every device regardless of internal components. Following CES 2026, clearer insights will emerge on how these economic disruptions might unfold over the coming year, and the outlook appears unpromising."], ["Further reading: 6 laptop trends we’re excited about right now"]}