Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
Acer, Asus and Dell laptops compared with Apple’s MacBook Neo
Acer, Asus and Dell have brought out laptops aimed at competing with Apple’s MacBook Neo.
A comparison test looked at the Acer Swift Air 14, Asus ZenBook 14 and Dell XPS 13.
Apple’s entry-level MacBook Neo set the benchmark with a low price, a metal case and colourful finishes.
Notebook prices have risen amid a memory shortage, while an EU rule that took effect in April 2026 requires all notebooks to have a USB-C charging port.
The new rule added costs for budget laptops, and older models without USB-C had to leave the market.
The three Windows laptops were shown at Computex in June but were not available to the reviewers until September.
The test compares the three alternatives, but the available details do not give its results or identify a winner.
Acer, Asus and Dell have brought out entry-level laptops positioned as alternatives to Apple’s MacBook Neo.
The Acer Swift Air 14, Asus ZenBook 14 and Dell XPS 13 were tested by the c’t laboratory.
The laptops feature colourful metal cases, a design approach the manufacturers presented as a direct response to Apple.
The comparison comes amid rising notebook prices linked to a memory shortage and an EU USB-C charging requirement.
- Who
- Acer, Asus and Dell, whose laptops were compared with Apple’s MacBook Neo.
- What
- A comparison test of the Acer Swift Air 14, Asus ZenBook 14 and Dell XPS 13.
- When
- The devices were obtained for testing during September 2026. The article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The laptops were tested in the c’t laboratory.
- Why
- The Windows laptop makers presented the devices as alternatives to Apple’s MacBook Neo.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apple released its entry-level MacBook Neo.
An EU regulation requiring all notebooks to have a USB-C charging port took effect.
Acer, Asus and Dell presented their Neo-countering laptops at the Computex trade fair.
The three laptops became available to the c’t laboratory for the comparison test.
- Acer model
- Swift Air 14 (SFA14-I31)
- Asus model
- ZenBook 14 (UM3480QA)
- Dell model
- XPS 13 (DX13260)
- EU requirement
- All notebooks must have a USB-C port for charging
- Testing location
- c’t laboratory
Sources
Related news
Google launches Fitbit Edge with GPS, health tracking and replaceable battery
Apple routes heat through the iPhone Duo’s hinge
Musk says Tesla robotaxis will add technology to avoid animals at night
Nothing OS 5.0 with Android 17 starts rolling out to Phone (3)
OnePlus 16 launches in China with 9,000mAh battery and gaming-focused display
Citroën unveils electric 2CV concept, with production planned for 2028
About 20 Chinese carmakers showcase their brands at Paris auto show
Apple AirPods 5 offer stronger noise cancelling in an open-fit design
Apple lets customers prepare iPhone Duo pre-orders ahead of Friday
Tesla renames its European Full Self-Driving feature Assisted Driving
Google teases Fitbit Edge tracker ahead of October 12 announcement
