Almost every new business laptop is now marketed as an “AI PC”. Behind the label is a real change: many new processors include a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit) designed to run AI features efficiently on the device, instead of sending everything to the cloud.
What makes a PC an “AI PC”?
An AI PC combines the usual CPU and graphics with an NPU. The NPU handles AI tasks such as background blur and noise cancellation on video calls, live captions, image editing and on-device assistants, using far less battery than the CPU or GPU would.
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC label is a specific tier: laptops with a high-performance NPU (Microsoft specifies 40+ TOPS), plus minimum memory and storage, that unlock extra Windows AI features.
Do your staff need one?
- Heavy video-call users: better camera and audio effects with longer battery life.
- Content and marketing teams: faster AI-assisted image and video editing.
- Mobile staff: newer chips are typically more power-efficient.
- Future-proofing: more software is adding on-device AI features over time.
For staff who mostly use email, browsers and office apps, a standard modern business laptop is still perfectly adequate. The key is buying hardware that will last the next 4–5 years.
What to check before buying
- Memory: 16 GB as a minimum for business use; 32 GB for power users.
- Storage: fast NVMe SSD, 512 GB or more.
- Windows 11 Pro for business management and security features.
- Security: TPM, fingerprint or face sign-in, and business warranty options.
- Software compatibility: check any specialist applications, especially on ARM-based models.
- Manageability: can IT deploy, update and secure it centrally?
Plan the refresh, don’t just buy
If you’re replacing Windows 10 machines anyway, it’s a good moment to standardise on a few models, set up devices centrally, and migrate data properly. Our laptop buying guide covers specs in more detail.
Tecqx supplies and configures business laptops and workstations from Dell, HP, Lenovo and Apple, and handles setup, data migration and support through our IT AMC services.
Frequently asked questions
Do AI PCs send my data to the cloud?
Many AI features run on the device’s NPU, which can keep data local. Some features still use cloud services, so review settings and policies for your business.
Are ARM-based Windows laptops compatible with our software?
Most modern apps work, but some specialist or older software may not. Test before rolling out widely.
Filed under: Buying Guides
