Is an AI PC the Right Choice for Your Next Laptop?

We’re in the age of the AI PC, according to Microsoft. In 2024, “AI PCs” are everywhere thanks to new chips from Intel, AMD, and soon, Qualcomm. What exactly is an “AI PC?” This marketing craze is all thanks to the neural processing units (NPUs) appearing in modern laptops. These chips are designed to accelerate AI tasks in a power-efficient way. While NPUs have promise, Windows hasn’t caught up yet. You get access to Windows Studio Effects, which uses your PC’s NPU to tweak video and audio in video calls, if you have an “AI PC.” But aside from that, Windows 11’s built-in AI features can’t use an NPU yet. AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini run “in the cloud” and don’t require an “AI laptop.” Microsoft may deliver “AI PC” features in the future, but until then, consumers are better off looking for a powerful gaming laptop with a beefy Nvidia GPU.