Laptops felt different at CES 2026. I imply, actually. While new {hardware} from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm stole the present, advances in laptop computer supplies flew underneath the radar. Forget plastic versus steel. PC makers are actually competing on bodily really feel—and there’s a complete new world of various metals and alloys to select from.
Laptop chassis supplies are one thing else as of late. I just lately wrote about how plastic laptops are underrated—plastic isn’t a nasty materials for laptops as of late, with well-made plastic laptops sporting a cushty rubbery contact that doesn’t creak like they as soon as did.
In a world the place spec sheets have much less and fewer to distinguish them, this is the subsequent path for PC makers who need to stand out.
Different makers, totally different philosophies
At CES 2026, I discovered myself touching numerous Asus laptops with Asus’ new lightweight material called “ceraluminum.” Laptops just like the Zenbook A14 aren’t simply extremely light-weight—Asus needs you to know that ceraluminum (i.e., ceramic-coated aluminum) is extra sturdy than a typical aluminum chassis whereas additionally weighing much less.
Michael Crider/Foundry
Later, I used to be holding the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 whereas an HP consultant defined that it was product of forge-stamped steel for a strong, heavy really feel. Consumers have a tendency to treat thin-and-light laptops as fragile, so HP made this laptop computer out of forge-stamped steel—”like a sword”—in order that it will really feel extra sturdy and encourage confidence.
While each firms had been exhibiting off new laptops with new {hardware} and their very own approaches to advertising, one factor was clear: every went above and past the standard aluminum chassis laptop computer.
Not all steel laptops are the identical
People are inclined to lump laptops into two classes: steel and plastic. But a few of the strongest and lightest laptops are product of carbon fiber, just like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.
And even throughout the steel laptop computer market, not all steel laptops are constituted of the identical kind of steel. Many steel laptops are constituted of aluminum, whereas others are constituted of magnesium alloys. Other laptops are even constituted of magnesium-aluminum alloys.
Michael Crider / Foundry
Aluminum laptops are inexpensive to provide and heavier than magnesium, whereas magnesium alloys are costlier and lighter than aluminum. But magnesium scratches extra simply and isn’t as sturdy. That’s why some premium laptops have magnesium-aluminum alloys which are lighter than aluminum and stronger than magnesium, however these laptops are typically costlier.
Asus’ ceraluminum isn’t pure steel however extra of a hybrid materials: a ceramic materials that’s bonded to aluminum. It’s extremely light-weight and doesn’t really feel like steel—your fingers are touching the ceramic coating—however Asus says it’s stronger than aluminum.
There are additionally other ways of producing the steel physique of the laptop computer. Most aluminum laptops are made with CNC milling the place a machine exactly cuts from a sheet of steel. HP’s forge-stamping is a distinct method. As HP explains: “You heat it up, you fold it over, you tamp it down—you make it stronger.”
Carbon fiber continues to be underrated
Carbon fiber is an excellent higher laptop computer materials than steel and alloys. It’s stronger and lighter—there’s a motive why this materials is utilized in spacecrafts and sports activities vehicles. You don’t see it as a lot in laptops as a result of it’s costly in comparison with each steel and plastic.
Matt Smith / Foundry
At CES 2026, Lenovo confirmed off the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition, which begins at simply 2.2 kilos because of that carbon fiber. The high-end Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP, made in partnership with Kojima Productions, additionally options carbon-fiber parts.
If cash was no object, I’d skip steel and get a machine with a robust and light-weight carbon-fiber physique. That’s my skilled opinion as a laptop computer reviewer, regardless of the very fact so many consider a “metal laptop” is extra premium. (That’ll change once they uncover carbon fiber!)
Recycled supplies are enormous as soon as once more
When I converse to PC producers, they’re at all times keen to elucidate how a lot of their laptops are constituted of recycled supplies. Many are constituted of “ocean-bound plastic” (i.e., waste plastic that may’ve ended up within the ocean if it wasn’t recycled). But recyclying and eco-conscious messaging contains steel and carbon-fiber machines, too.
I took a have a look at Lenovo’s spec sheet for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14, the place the “Responsible Design” part proudly advertises that the carbon-fiber plate is constituted of 100% organic supplies and that the body incorporates recycled carbon-fiber supplies.
Joel Lee / Foundry
Elsewhere, the laptop computer’s steel parts characteristic recycled magnesium and aluminum with particular percentages. Laptop producers are more and more competing on these percentages and on how a lot of their laptops’ our bodies are constituted of recycled supplies.
Laptop advertising blurbs usually promote {that a} machine was made with recycled supplies. It doesn’t make a distinction in how a fabric feels, however producers are more and more utilizing the windfall of their supplies as a part of their total gross sales methods.
Don’t underestimate chassis supplies once you purchase a laptop computer
I get pleasure from utilizing all types of laptops. Some of my happiest computing moments occurred on creaky plastic laptops many years in the past. You don’t want a elaborate laptop computer materials to be pleased—and even the typical plastic laptop computer in 2026 feels surprisingly good.
But a laptop computer’s materials does make an undeniably enormous distinction within the day-to-day expertise. Different supplies can have vital impacts on weight, sturdiness, and tactile pleasure. A smooth-and-shiny aluminum laptop computer feels very totally different from a matte-surfaced magnesium laptop computer though they’re each “metal laptops.”
So, don’t underestimate chassis supplies! If you possibly can afford it, it is best to undoubtedly think about a laptop computer’s supplies when selecting a winner. With just about all laptops having Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm elements, that is a method PC makers are actually beginning to make themselves stand out.
Chris Hoffman is at all times desirous about PCs. Sign up for his free publication, The Windows ReadMe, for extra ideas from an actual human.