What is the AI PC? And should you include it in your next PC refresh?

As organizations prepare for their next PC fleet refresh, AI PCs offers a unique opportunity to significantly enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and drive innovation.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that triggered an unprecedented global shift to remote work, many organizations rushed to upgrade their PC fleets to improve performance and reliability and enable secure remote access for their suddenly dispersed workforce.

Today, those same organizations are in the process of their next large-scale PC refresh, and the digital landscape has rapidly evolved in the last 4 years with the integration of AI technology across all aspects of business operations. This has raised many challenges for organizations and their tech infrastructures in meeting greater collaboration and security needs, providing improved tech integration, and increasing PC workload capacity. The new AI PC may offer the solution.

Gartner estimates 54.5 million AI PCs will be shipped by the end of 2024, and Intel has launched an AI PC Acceleration program that plans to sell 100 million AI PCs by 2025. Further, a recent IDC forecast expects AI PCs to account for nearly 60% of All PC Shipments by 2027.

Therefore, it’s strategically important that organizations consider the AI PC in their upcoming PC refresh if they want to stay competitive. Here we provide you with an overview of the AI PC and how it's transforming business operations.

What is an AI PC?

An AI PC is a personal computer equipped with hardware and software components to run artificial intelligence (AI) applications and tasks. So unlike traditional PCs, which primarily function as tools for running applications, managing data, and performing routine tasks, AI PCs leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced analytics to redefine the speed, intelligence, and capabilities of today’s PCs. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits in greater detail.

Key Benefits of AI PCs in Business

• Enhanced Productivity: One of the most significant advantages of AI PCs is their ability to automate routine tasks. From sorting emails and scheduling meetings to generating reports and analyzing data, AI PCs can quickly handle many time-consuming tasks, as well as build efficiencies across creative projects and team collaborations. They can also learn user habits and preferences to create a more personalized work environment for improved productivity patterns. The result is employees not only get more done, but are given more time to focus on higher-level, strategic and revenue-driven activities.

• Maximized AI Performance: Unlike regular PCs, which rely on CPUs and GPUs to handle computing tasks, AI PCs have a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) optimized for AI and machine learning tasks including new silicon technology. With the current accelerated adoption of AI software and solutions in business operations, the AI PC is specifically designed to optimally run AI software and workloads locally instead of on the cloud, resulting in quicker and better AI computational performance with more efficient power usage, as well delivering greater data privacy.

• Improved Security: AI PCs bring a new level of security to the table. Machine learning algorithms can be used to identify abnormal activities that could signal an cyber-attack, even ones crafted to evade conventional software defenses. With built-in AI-driven security features, threat detection happens in real-time allowing for quicker security responses and reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, AI PCs can help automate the enforcement of security policies, ensuring that all devices within a network adhere to the organization's cybersecurity standards.

• Cost Efficiency: While AI PCs might initially seem like a more expensive option, they can be cost-effective in the long run. By automating tasks, improving productivity, and reducing security risks, AI PCs can lower operational costs. Additionally, their ability to learn and adapt reduces the need for frequent hardware upgrades, as the system becomes more efficient over time.

These benefits are just the beginning of what the AI PC can deliver, with future AI technology expected to greatly advance business capabilities. Below is a sample of how the AI PC can optimize and accelerate various business operations today.

Use Cases of AI PCs in the Business World

• Data Analysis and Insights: In industries like finance, healthcare, and marketing, data is king. AI PCs can analyze large datasets quickly and accurately, providing businesses with actionable insights in real-time. For example, a financial analyst could use an AI PC to predict market trends based on historical data and current events, enabling more informed investment decisions.

• Customer Support: AI PCs can revolutionize customer support by integrating AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants directly into the desktop environment. These tools can handle basic inquiries, troubleshoot common issues, and even assist customer support representatives during more complex interactions, reducing response times and improving customer satisfaction.

• Creative Work: In fields like graphic design, video editing, and content creation, AI PCs can significantly speed up workflows. AI-driven tools can automate tasks such as image recognition, video rendering, and content organization, allowing creatives to focus on the more artistic aspects of their work.

• Human Resources: AI PCs can assist HR departments by automating tasks such as resume screening, employee onboarding, and performance tracking. For instance, an AI PC could analyze thousands of resumes in minutes, identifying the best candidates based on predefined criteria, thus streamlining the recruitment process.

Final Thoughts

As companies approach their next PC refresh cycle, the choice is no longer just about upgrading hardware for speed and performance. AI PCs represent a paradigm shift, offering capabilities that extend beyond traditional computing. By integrating AI into everyday tasks, these systems are set to transform how businesses operate, from boosting productivity to enhancing security and accelerating innovation.

For businesses looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world, adopting AI PCs is not just an upgrade—it's a strategic move toward a smarter, more efficient future with endless possibilities.

Want to learn more about how your organization can gain a competitive edge with your next PC refresh in AI PCs? Connect with a Knowledge Exchange expert for the latest AI technology insights, and get the support you need in making your next PC fleet purchase.