This article was updated to fix a byline error.

If you’re in the market for a new laptop for this school year or as a holiday gift, you might be pondering a big question: Is it worth investing in an AI-driven Copilot+ PC? Recent announcements from various laptop manufacturers and chip makers have added complexity to that decision.

What Exactly is a Copilot+ PC, and Why Would You Want One?

Copilot+ PCs represent a new wave of laptops equipped with advanced on-device Generative AI capabilities. To earn this title from Microsoft, a laptop must meet certain AI processing standards. Specifically, it should include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). These devices provide impressive battery life, speedy performance, an enhanced user experience, and are designed to be sleek, lightweight, and stylish.

While most AI processing typically occurs in the cloud—meaning your data, whether it’s from ChatGPT interactions or using various creative tools, is uploaded to external servers—Copilot+ PCs shift much of this power directly to the device. This ensures your information stays private and safely stored on your computer. Furthermore, on-device AI is generally more precise, tailored to your needs, and efficient, making it almost cost-free. For additional insights, feel free to check my previous articles on the subject.

Even if you do not intend on utilizing AI features actively, you might still want a Copilot+ PC, as they currently represent the top-tier options available—offering the best security and aesthetics among laptops today, surpassing even Apple’s offerings.

Not All Copilot+ PCs are the Same

Copilot+ PCs differ widely regarding chip platforms, configurations, manufacturers, price ranges, and performance. The trend began when the tech giant Qualcomm teamed up with Microsoft and numerous PC manufacturers to launch the first Copilot+ PCs powered by its Snapdragon XElite and XPlus platforms in May, setting new performance benchmarks for laptops.

After Qualcomm, both Intel and AMD presented their own Copilot+ platforms. Intel’s offering is known as Core Ultra 200V (codenamed Lunar Lake), while AMD’s is named Ryzen AI300. Various manufacturers showcased models with these platforms at the recent IFA consumer trade show in Europe.

There are significant distinctions between the Qualcomm platforms and those from Intel/AMD. Qualcomm’s technologies are based on Arm, a British firm known for its power-efficient designs that have thrived in smartphones for over two decades. Qualcomm’s adaptation of this technology for PCs aims to provide groundbreaking battery life and slim designs, setting new expectations for competitors. However, as this is a newer approach, the ecosystem for apps compatible with Arm for Windows is still evolving. While most core applications are available, some specific programs, particularly certain games, may not yet be supported.

In contrast, the platforms from Intel and AMD utilize X86 technology, a standard that has been in use for more than 30 years, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of applications. However, the performance of the newer Core Ultra 200V and Ryzen AI300 designs is still yet to be fully evaluated.

Thus, when selecting a Copilot+ PC, it’s crucial to consider not only pricing and features but also the underlying technology. For further reference, you can read my review of Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7x.

Why is Now a Great Time to Invest in a Copilot+ PC?

Technology evolves rapidly, much like waves in the ocean—just as one crests, another is ready to follow. To fully benefit from the latest advancements, it’s ideal to dive in when technology is relatively developed and choices abound. We’re currently at that point with Copilot+ PCs.

Most major PC manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, HP, Samsung, Microsoft, Asus, and Acer, are now offering Copilot+ PCs. These models are accessible for both consumers and businesses across a range of price points. For instance, Lenovo offers the ThinkPad for business users, Yoga for high-end buyers, and IdeaPad for cost-conscious consumers, with various options to cater to different needs. Other manufacturers follow similar strategies, and Qualcomm even launched a new platform aimed at laptops priced around $700.

Microsoft has rolled out numerous Copilot+ AI features designed to enhance video calls, provide live captioning in multiple languages, and enable text-to-image generation among other functions. AI is still evolving, and as we move forward, we can expect a steady stream of innovative applications and features aimed at improving user experiences.

A significant aspect of all Copilot+ PC platforms is that they share similar AI capabilities, irrespective of their price tier. For instance, Qualcomm’s XElite and XPlus utilize the same AI processor, ensuring that whichever Copilot+ PC you opt for will deliver outstanding performance for years to come. In conclusion, if you’re shopping for a new laptop this year, considering a Copilot+ PC could be a smart move.