Trends in new laptop generations (business, gaming, all-round): Hardware specifications, form factors, price ranges

The development of mobile end devices is progressing at a rapid pace – exciting innovations and trends will emerge in 2026, especially for laptops. Whether business users, gaming enthusiasts or all-round users: the requirements for mobile computers are constantly changing and becoming increasingly individualized. In the following article, we analyze the upcoming laptop trends 2026 in detail, highlighting current hardware developments, new form factors and changing price structures. The article helps companies to make informed decisions when renting laptops or purchasing mobile devices.

Laptop trends 2026 at a glance

AI-supported hardware optimization for performance and efficiency
Foldable & modular form factors in the business segment
Increasing focus on sustainability and reparability
Dedicated hardware accelerators for ML/AI applications
Integration of AI-supported security for business laptops
More and more gaming laptops with OLED displays & high refresh rates
Standardized USB-C/Thunderbolt charging ports across all segments

Hardware developments 2026: More AI, more efficiency, more performance

In 2026, the technological basis of modern laptops will be shaped primarily by the integration of specialized AI chips and optimized ARM architectures. These developments not only enable more efficient work, but also new possibilities in areas such as machine learning, data security and streaming. If you want flexible access to the latest technologies, it makes sense to rent computers or laptops and benefit from the latest hardware generations on a regular basis.

The following hardware features in particular are among the leading trends of the next generation of laptops:

Segment	CPU/GPU	Display	Special features 2026
Business	Intel Core Ultra / Apple M3 / AMD Ryzen AI	14-16″ WQHD, matte OLED	Remote management, integrated AI accelerators, lightweight design, longer battery life
Gaming	NVIDIA RTX 50xx / AMD RDNA 4 GPUs	16-18″, OLED, 240 Hz+	High-end ventilation, HDR support, AI-optimized ray tracing
All-round	Intel Core i5/i7 15th Gen	15″ LCD or OLED, FHD+	Hybrid operation, optional touchscreen, strong price-performance focus

Changing form factors – mobility meets functionality

In 2026, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on new form factors that are strongly oriented towards changing working and usage habits. Modern ultrabooks such as the HP Dragonfly G4, which stands for its lightweight form factor, high efficiency and the latest AI technologies, are particularly popular in the business segment.

1. foldables and dual-screen devices

Lenovo, ASUS and Microsoft are driving the foldable and dual-screen laptop sector forward on a massive scale. Similarly innovative technologies are also offered by rented business laptops such as the HP Omnibook Ultra, which impresses with modern features for multitasking.

2. detachable keyboards and modular components

Modular devices are becoming increasingly important, especially in the business sector. Companies can act flexibly by selecting suitable models and accessories as required – for example, by renting an HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop, which conveniently combines different usage modes.

3. ultraportable designs for hybrid work

There is a clear trend towards lightweight yet high-performance devices. Models such as the aforementioned HP Dragonfly G4 or current all-round laptops that strike a balance between weight, performance and battery life are particularly popular here.

Price ranges 2026: What do I get for my budget?

The choice of the right laptop depends heavily on the budget and the planned applications. While all-round devices for universal tasks are popular, specialized models score points with high-end performance or innovative features. If you don’t want to make a large investment, you can also flexibly rent gaming laptops, such as the OMEN Gaming Laptop 17– ideal for temporarily increased requirements for creative projects or at events.

Entry-level class (under 900 €)

Suitable for simple Office applications and Internet research
Increasingly ARM processors with long battery life
Integrated graphics unit, usually 8-12 GB RAM, 256-512 GB SSD

Mid-range (from 900 – 1,500 €)

All-round devices with reliable performance for office, multimedia and light gaming
Dedicated mid-range GPUs possible (e.g. RTX 4050)
High-resolution displays, often touch function, aluminum housing

High-end (from 1,500 € +)

Powerful workstations or gaming laptops with top specifications, such as the OMEN Transcend 14 for the most demanding gaming and creative workflows
AI co-processors, AI-supported temperature control, high FPS displays
Suitable for CAD, 3D modeling, rendering or game development

Industry-specific requirements: Which devices for which application?

Laptops are no longer “one size fits all”. The following industry trends define which functions companies should pay particular attention to in 2026:

Agencies & creative professions

The short-term use of high-performance devices is recommended for graphics, video or 3D tasks. The rental of laptops for creative projects is particularly suitable here in order to be able to work flexibly and cost-efficiently.

Industry & Technology

Robust, scalable business solutions with expandable LAN ports, many USB ports and MIL-STD-certified housings dominate. Models such as the Panasonic Toughbook or HP ZBook Fury are often rented.

Education & Seminars

Lightweight, cost-effective devices with a long battery life, easy maintenance and cloud compatibility are in demand. Chromebooks or Windows S-mode devices ideally meet these requirements.

Events & Presentations

At events, design, battery life and multi-display support count. The individual rental of computers for events means that every scenario can be optimally covered.

What to look out for when renting a laptop in 2026

Companies that rent laptops instead of buying them will benefit from even more flexible contract models and shorter deployment times in 2026. All-in-one offers for companies in particular can be found from specialized providers who offer numerous models such as the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 – ideal for modern work requirements in the business sector.

Fast availability: Many providers offer 24-hour shipping for standard models
Managed Services: Devices are delivered pre-installed with suitable software on request
Scalability: Seasonal fluctuations (e.g. trade fairs or training waves) can be covered flexibly
Cost control: monthly rental instead of unpredictable one-off costs

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Which laptops will be particularly future-proof in 2026?

Devices with dedicated AI processors (e.g. NPU in the Intel Core Ultra or Apple M3) and high modularity offer long-term update options and greater compatibility with future operating system features. You can find modern , future-proof laptops for rental in our portfolio.

Are ARM-based laptops a good choice for business applications?

Yes, as long as the software used is ARM-compatible. Apple has shown how powerful such systems are with M3 processors. Windows on ARM is clearly following suit with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.

How long can rented laptops usually be used?

Rental devices remain in use for an average of 12 to 24 months, making them economically viable. After that, they can be replaced or extended at low cost.

Are gaming laptops worthwhile for creative professions?

Absolutely! Gaming laptops like the OMEN Transcend 14 offer optimal conditions for both gaming and creative applications thanks to powerful graphics cards and advanced cooling.

Conclusion: Making targeted use of laptop trends in 2026 – with flexible solutions

In 2026, the laptop segment will be smarter, more flexible and more sustainable. Advances in AI integration, energy efficiency and innovative form factors offer companies and organizations new opportunities in digital infrastructure. The right choice depends not only on the intended use, but also on the desired degree of flexibility – this is where the flexible rental of laptops offers decisive advantages.

Whether hybrid work models, demanding event environments or graphics-intensive tasks – on our website you will find a carefully curated range of current laptop models including accessories. We would be happy to advise you individually and put together a customized rental package for you.

Enquire now without obligation & rent suitable laptops

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Trends in new laptop generations (business, gaming, all-round): Hardware specifications, form factors, price ranges