Perhaps you noticed that computer manufacturers have started advertising new “AI PCs.” As is often the case, it’s difficult to tell if we are witnessing the birth of a product or the spawning of a marketing campaign, so the crack investigative team at Puritas Springs assigned themselves the task of discovering what’s new about the AI PC.

Let’s start by disabusing everyone of the notion that an AI PC will be answering emails or putting together a memo while you sleep. Like today’s desktop computer, AI PCs will sit on a desk and wait for users like us to engage.

The difference lies in the hardware. Today’s AI PCs distinguish themselves by adding an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). As impressive as the name sounds, don’t rush to elevate it over the original workhorse processors like the CPU or GPU. 

The NPU helps with some AI-related tasks, but the quality of your computing experience will still rely heavily on the power of your CPU and graphics card. Below are the critical aspects of an AI PC:

• NPU (Neural Processing Unit)

A processor dedicated to AI-specific workloads, offering speed and energy efficiency.

• ARM Processor (sometimes)

Commonly used in AI PCs for energy efficiency but not a universal feature.

• Form Factor

Most AI PCs are laptops because manufacturers can leverage new AI technology to extend battery life.

We should mention that the introduction of the ARM processor was already happening before the AI PC was born, but the computing requirements of AI software are accelerating the trend. Don’t be surprised if your AI PC runs Windows on an ARM processor.

What About Copilot+?

Stare deep enough into the abyss of AI PCs, and Copilot+ will look back at you. Copilot+ is the result of Microsoft integrating some of its cloud-based AI features directly into its operating system to take advantage of that nifty new NPU and other AI-related hardware upgrades.

Copilot+ has some cool tricks, like real-time language translation and AI image creation built directly into Microsoft Paint. That being said, like everything else that’s new, AI Copilot+ shows more potential than actual functionality.

Important Copilot+ Note

Just because you buy a computer with an NPU doesn’t mean it will run Copilot+. Copilot+ requires a certain speed NPU, so if you invest in an AI PC, make sure it supports Copilot+’s hardware requirements.

Another Important Note

We tend to equate AI with large language models like ChatGPT.  However, AI PCs are not built to run LLMs better than your average desktop computer. AI PCs only use their NPUs to run specific task-oriented AI tools. In fact, if running your own local LLM (like ChatRTX) is your goal, you are better off focusing on high-end graphic card processors and CPUs.

Should Your Next Computer be an AI PC?

If you are bullish on AI technology like we are at Puritas Springs, and are in the market for a laptop, you should ensure it has an NPU.  They are the next step in leveraging AI tools. What we like best about this new technology is that it runs on your computer instead of the cloud. Privacy is paramount in law offices, and running AI tools locally is the safest way forward.