AI laptops are devices with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. They are tailor made to utilise machine learning and handle large amounts of intense data processing.
AI laptops are a relatively new addition to the market and certainly a 2024 trend. Generally, they are geared towards developers, programmers, data scientists, or other AI enthusiasts who need a robust laptop with high processing power and exceptional hardware.
If you’re wondering whether you should invest in an AI laptop, or just curious about how they work, in this article we’ll walk you through the main components of AI laptops and whether or not an upgrade is worth it for your use case. We’ll also look at some of the best AI laptops currently on the market and their key features.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AI LAPTOP AND A NORMAL LAPTOP?
AI laptops are specially designed to handle particularly intense workloads. This includes the high volumes of data processing required for AI-driven software, algorithms and machine learning functions.
AI laptops have built-in hardware and integrated software that allows them to be specifically optimised for AI tasks. This hardware and software is superior to that on a normal laptop, which would experience latency and incredibly slow processing if it attempted to run AI algorithms or software.
HOW DO AI LAPTOPS WORK?
AI laptops feature a number of specific, specially designed components. These components allow them to handle extremely high processing without compromising on efficiency or performance.
ENHANCED CPUS AND GPUS
Just like normal laptops AI laptops utilise Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), to perform most tasks. CPUs and GPUs vary depending on the type of laptop and the use case, but AI laptops all consistently feature powerful, high-end CPUs and GPUs capable of intense, efficient processing of complex data.
ADDITIONAL NPUs
AI laptops also feature Neural Processing Units (NPUs). These are specialised processors designed to accelerate AI and Machine Learning (ML) tasks. NPUs run natively on AI laptops and significantly speed up demanding tasks like neural network training and inference.
AI SPECIFIC SOFTWARE
AI laptops will also feature specific pre-loaded software designed to efficiently run AI workflows, ML tasks and optimise data processing. This includes things like AI frameworks, programming tools and specific development environments.
HIGH RAM CAPACITY
AI processes often require large amounts of memory to store and process data, which is why AI laptops feature very large capacities for Random Access Memory (RAM). This allows them to access, read and write data very quickly and efficiently — which is essentially for the smooth running of AI-specific programs, neural networks, data processing and machine learning applications.
ADVANCED COOLING SYSTEMS
For intense processing tasks to run efficiently, AI laptops need an advanced fan and cooling system. This allows them to maintain performance without overheating or experiencing any latency issues associated with overheating.
WHO USES AI LAPTOPS?
Due to their high price point, AI laptops are currently only really recommended for anyone who is frequently deploying AI tasks and tools. This could include:
- Developers: Professionals or individuals who build and refine AI algorithms and frameworks, including Natural Language Processing Models (NLPs) or ML algorithms.
- Data Scientists: Professionals or individuals who analyse, interpret and manipulate complex data sets. AI laptops are superior for analysing data owing to their very fast processing speeds. They may also have built-in software that can speed up or automate data trend analysis.
- Researchers: Individuals conducting advanced studies in AI, machine learning or related fields.
- Creatives or artists that utilise AI: Professionals who utilise generative AI to create artworks or aid creative outputs like automated video and photo editing
- AI Enthusiasts: This could include professionals or individuals conducting research into machine learning, or simply hobbyists or creatives utilising algorithms for personal uses.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF AI LAPTOPS?
|
Component |
Specs |
Benefit |
Use case |
|
CPUs |
Advanced, top-tier CPUs such as Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 |
Extremely fast processing speeds |
Essential for parallel processing and data sorting |
|
GPUs |
Advanced, top-tier GPUs such as NVIDIA RTX series or AMD Radeon RX |
Extremely fast processing speeds |
Essential for parallel processing and graphics rendering |
|
NPUs |
Specially developed NPUs such as Google’s Tensor Processing Unit or Apple’s Neural Engine |
Extremely fast processing speeds |
Supports the device’s AI functions and accelerates AI tasks, freeing up the CPU and GPU for other tasks |
|
RAM |
High RAM capacity of at least 16GB+ |
Extremely fast processing speeds |
Allows for complex dataset analysis and switching between models without latency issues |
|
Displays |
Most AI laptops feature high-resolution screens |
Excellent colour matching and sharpness of images |
Essential for creative applications and accurate rendering of models |
|
Storage |
High SSD storage of at least 1TB |
High storage capacity and processing |
Allows large datasets to be stored and retrieved without latency issues |
|
Cooling system |
Advanced, specialist cooling systems |
Extremely fast processing speeds |
Prevents overheating even during heavy use or when running multiple models simultaneously |
IS AN AI LAPTOP WORTH IT FOR ME?
Whether investing in an AI laptop is worth it for you really depends on what you primarily use your laptop for and your budget. Although AI laptops do have significantly higher processing speeds, even over other high-performance devices like gaming laptops, their main drawback is their high price point.
Let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons, to help you decide if an upgrade is worth it for you.
PROS OF AI LAPTOPS:
- Performance: When it comes to performance and processing speed, AI laptops are second to none. Their built-in hardware and components are optimised specifically for working with incredibly large and complex amounts of data, making them ideal for anyone working with ML algorithms.
- Top-tier hardware: Featuring NPUs and high-end CPUs and GPUs, AI laptops can handle data sets and AI tasks that would cause critical latency and speed issues on a normal laptop.
- Future-proofing: Investing in an AI laptop now means you will likely have a device with built-in hardware capable of supporting the roll out of more AI technology. However, tread carefully here as this tech is evolving very quickly.
Cons:
- Expense: Generally AI laptops are more expensive than normal laptops, largely due to their high-end hardware and specially designed components. That being said, there are some more affordable options on the market, which we’ll detail below.
- Young technology: AI laptops are very new to the market meaning there may be performance issues and bugs that haven’t been fully understood or realised yet.
- Overkill for casual users: Whilst NPUs are extremely beneficial for AI-specific tasks and ML algorithms, they are overkill for most applications and programs that any casual user or professional would need.
THE BEST NEW AI LAPTOPS AVAILABLE NOW
If you’ve been convinced to take the plunge and upgrade to an AI laptop, here are some of our top ebuyer recommendations.
BEST OVERALL AI LAPTOP
- Make: Microsoft
- Model: Microsoft Surface Pro-Copilot+ PC 13 Inch 2 in 1 Laptop
- Features:
- Screen: 13.8 Inch HDR Touchscreen
- Processor: Snapdragon X Plus
- Operating System: Windows 11
- RAM / Storage: 16GB / 256GB
- Battery life: Up to 20 Hours
- Description: Faster than the MacBook Air M3, this laptop boasts unrivalled power for seamless productivity and creativity. Extremely advanced NPU speed enables AI-powered applications, including built-in Copilot for generative AI applications.
- ebuyer Price: £1,211.92
BEST AI LAPTOP FOR GAMING
- Make: MSI
- Model: MSI Pulse 16 AI C1VFKG-002UK 16 Inch Gaming Laptop
- Features:
- Screen: 16 Inch QHD+
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- RAM / Storage: 16GB / 1TB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB
- Description: Featuring Intel’s first integrated NPU for better power-efficient AI acceleration and local inference, this laptop benefits from cutting-edge architecture and a higher core count, overall offering unprecedented performance for gamers.
- ebuyer Price: £1,299
BEST AI LAPTOP FOR AFFORDABILITY
- Make: ASUS
- Model: ASUS VivoBook S S5506MA 15.6 Inch Laptop
- Features:
- Screen: 15.6 Inch OLED
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- RAM / Storage: 16GB / 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Arc
- Description: Featuring an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor with Intel® AI Boost NPU, this laptop is the perfect blend of high performance and light, compact design — coming in at the lower end of the price point for AI laptops.
- ebuyer Price: £965.99 (finance available)
AI LAPTOPS VS NORMAL LAPTOPS: IS IT WORTH THE UPGRADE?
AI laptops feature powerful, high-end components and built-in hardware that make them superior for anyone looking to utilise machine learning algorithms or AI tools. With top-tier NPUs, CPUs and GPUs, they are capable of extremely fast data processing, essentially for large, complex datasets and algorithms.
If you’re a data scientist, AI enthusiast, software developer or professional who frequently utilises AI, an upgrade could dramatically improve your device’s performance on AI tasks. Check out our full range of AI laptops at ebuyer here
However, for the casual user, these additional components and data processing power are probably overkill. With AI laptops being generally more expensive than normal laptops, unless you’re looking to get ahead of the curve with the latest tech, a normal laptop will probably suffice for your needs.
