Intel announced the launch of the PC-book Neo laptop and new handheld gaming PC chips during Computex 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan [2].

These releases signal a strategic push by Intel to provide a Windows-based alternative to Apple’s MacBook Neo and to secure a larger share of the growing handheld gaming market [2].

The PC-book Neo arrives as part of a broader effort to bring affordable PC laptops back to the market [1]. While Intel is positioning the device as a direct rival to Apple's offerings, the competitive landscape for the MacBook Neo includes other manufacturers. For example, Dell has introduced a new XPS 13 featuring an Intel chip as a competitor [2].

Alongside the laptop, Intel unveiled specialized chips designed for handheld gaming PCs [1, 2]. These processors aim to optimize performance and power efficiency for portable gaming devices, allowing Windows-based handhelds to compete more effectively with existing portable consoles.

The announcements took place this week at the Computex exhibition hall, where the company showcased the PC-book Neo and handheld gaming prototypes [2]. Intel has not detailed specific pricing for the PC-book Neo, though other competitors in the space have targeted price points as low as $599 [2].

By diversifying its hardware across both ultra-portable laptops and gaming chips, Intel is attempting to recapture momentum in the consumer electronics sector. The focus on the "Neo" branding suggests a direct response to Apple's current product trajectory, aiming to win back users who prioritize efficiency and portability [1, 2].

“Intel announced the launch of the PC-book Neo laptop and new handheld gaming PC chips.”

Intel's dual focus on a MacBook Neo competitor and handheld gaming hardware indicates a shift toward high-efficiency, mobile-first computing. By targeting the specific form factors where Apple and portable consoles currently dominate, Intel is attempting to pivot the Windows ecosystem away from traditional productivity laptops toward a more versatile, gaming-centric mobile experience.