THE CRUNCH

Packard Bell has risen from the ashes after a 13-year absence. The brand, now owned by Acer, launched its new Dot family at IFA 2026. The lineup includes the DotBook 14 laptop, along with headphones and input devices. The DotBook 14 is a colourful, affordable machine powered by Intel Twin Lake chips. It is currently available only in Europe.

Packard Bell has returned to the consumer electronics stage after a 13-year absence. The brand, now under the ownership of Acer, made its comeback at IFA 2026 with the launch of the Dot family. This new product line includes a laptop, headphones, and input peripherals.

The star of the show is the DotBook 14. This laptop is designed to be both colourful and affordable. It is powered by Intel's Twin Lake processors, which are the latest generation of budget-friendly chips. The device is currently exclusive to the European market, leaving other regions to wait for a release.

The DotBook 14 aims to capture the spirit of the original Packard Bell brand, which was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The new device is a modern take on the classic brand, offering a balance of style and performance for a low price.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The DotBook 14 is currently available only in Europe. It remains to be seen when and if the laptop will be released in other regions. Acer and Packard Bell have not yet announced a global release date.