The first laptop to challenge the all-powerful Apple MacBook Neo
In the chaos of IFA last week, this gem slipped through the cracks. The Acer Swift Air 14 is representative of a much bigger picture where the laptop market is concerned: after Apple shocked us all by launching the reasonably priced MacBook Neo, we knew we’d be seeing a volley of responses from the major manufacturers – that is, a sea of competing budget laptops all hoping to unseat the Neo as the unexpected king of value.
The Swift Air 14 is the first laptop to manage it, says our expert Alun Taylor; this is without a doubt the finest budget Windows laptop we’ve tested since records began. If you love an Apple alternative – and let’s face it, who doesn’t – this is beyond any doubt the laptop for you.
From our labs this week, I’ve got more excellent value in the form of two impressive, cheap Alienware gaming monitors – one 32in VA model, one 27in QD-OLED. And from our home wing, two essentials: the Roborock Saros 20 Neo, a seriously intelligent robot vacuum, and the Philips 5000 Series Megabasket, a perfect high-capacity air fryer for families.
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Tech Reviews
The most important laptop of 2026?
You’d need to be completely out of your mind to expect a better laptop for £699 than the Swift Air 14, says our laptop expert Alun Taylor. Everything about it is much, much better than you could realistically expect for the price, from the design and build quality to the battery life and performance
REVIEW
Big screen gaming on a budget
The Alienware AW3226DM is a very appealing big-screen gaming monitor for under £300. Read our full review
REVIEW
A sub-£400 QD-OLED bargain
The Alienware AW2726DM is as keenly priced as its sibling (left) but ups the ante with a surprisingly good QD-OLED display. Read our full review
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Buying Guide of The Week
The best office chairs for comfort and support, no matter your budget
Whether you’re still working from a dining chair or you want something that matches your new home office, we’ve tested a huge range of office chairs to suit everyone
Slouch Task One
★★★★★
Best overall: The Slouch Task One is our Office Chair of the Year for 2026. It’s brimming with adjustment options and looks the part, too
From £294
Sihoo M57
★★★★★
Best on a budget: Breathable mesh and great lumbar support help make Sihoo’s M57 the most popular office chair on our list for value£230 £170
Home Reviews
Roborock Saros 20 Neo: The smartest robovac around
“I was very impressed with the performance of the Roborock Saros 20 Neo. Although it isn’t the most thorough cleaner, as evidenced in our tests, it does make its way around the floor efficiently, it’s quick, rarely gets stuck and it’s absolutely stuffed with features, my favourite being the pet detection and object photography.” – Head of Reviews Jonathan Bray
Philips 5000 Series air fryer: Perfect for busy families
The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series Megabasket with Steam is ideal for families; its enormous drawer can be divided in a few different ways for maximum versatility. It’s not as power hungry as you’d think, and it’s surprisingly compact for its size, writes our kitchen expert Rachel Ogden
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