Why this 16-inch gaming laptop is a smarter buy than a desktop in 2026 - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Why you can trust ZDNET: ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Dell's Alienware 16 Area-51 is a powerhouse gaming laptop with a luxurious mechanical keyboard and matte OLED display. Article updated on May 5, 2026, 4:07 pm EDT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Are laptops the new desktops? Dell’s highest-end gaming laptops go head to head with desktop power — and with the exorbitant cost of RAM and associated hardware, the price gap isn’t as big as it once was. I’ve been using Dell’s Alienware 16 Area-51 for the past few weeks and have felt completely spoiled by all the power. Also: I’ve used Dell’s new XPS 16 for a week, and it’s the Windows laptop to beat in 2026 Everything about this laptop is fast. Apps load instantly, the device starts up in mere seconds, and it exudes power. The fans above each side of the keyboard move a palpable amount of air and aren’t just visible — they’re illuminated, a statement about the sophisti