Which of These Eight New AI PCs Do You Choose?
According to Intel's definition, an AI PC requires a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which is specific hardware reserved for AI tasks to alleviate the load on the processor (CPU) and graphics chip (GPU). Microsoft has added the necessity of a Copilot key on the keyboard to its definition of an AI PC, and some options in this list have new dedicated inputs.
Most of the devices included in this article are updated laptops from 2024, with AI PCs for regular productivity work, AI PCs with high-end designs and features, and AI PCs built specifically for gaming and other demanding tasks. Among all the laptops tested and reviewed in this article, the author has chosen eight top options that should suit most people looking to purchase an outstanding AI PC.
The Best Eight AI PCs of 2024:
1. Dell XPS 14 (9440)
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
GPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, Intel Arc (integrated)NPU: 10 TOPS
RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 14.5 inches, up to 3.2K OLED touch
Battery: 69.5Wh
A few years ago, the Dell XPS 13 Plus underwent a significant redesign, featuring a seamless haptic touchpad, a gridless keyboard with no gaps between keys, and capacitive touch function buttons at the top. This design has now made its way into other products in the XPS series, with Dell even changing the dimensions of the larger 14-inch and 16-inch models.
Advertisement
The XPS 14 (9440) is the new XPS 15, perfect for users who want a larger display in the case that was used for 13-inch laptops a few years ago.
Daniel Rubino, the editor-in-chief of Windows Central, commented on the XPS 14 (9440), noting: "Aside from its futuristic design, the XPS 14 also brings powerful capabilities to the once ultra-portable laptop category. It weighs 3.6 pounds (so not too heavy or too light), about a pound heavier than most slim phones, but in return, you get a slightly less powerful mini XPS 15 (4.23 pounds). This is truly amazing.
There is a Copilot key on the keyboard, an Intel Core Ultra H series CPU with a built-in NPU, and even an optional standalone NVIDIA RTX 4050 laptop GPU to complement the integrated Intel Arc graphics card, which is what Microsoft means by an "AI PC." When you add the standalone GPU, the battery life is just average, but this is indeed one of the only drawbacks.14.5-inch displays come in multiple options, starting with the more affordable FHD+ resolution, which is lighter in weight and extends battery life. It is a great display in itself, but many people will want to jump to the 3.2K OLED touch display, which features 100% DCI-P3 color, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR500 support.
2. HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
GPU: Intel Arc (integrated)
NPU: 10 TOPS
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 14 inches, 2.8K OLED touch, 120Hz
Battery: 68Wh
When it comes to our favorite laptops, Dell and HP often compete for the top spot. For those looking to purchase a top-notch convertible laptop, the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a product worth recommending.Its design is stylish, with prominent edges and corners, and a smooth aluminum body, showcasing high-end quality everywhere. Its keyboard is one of the best in the industry, the large haptic touchpad provides precise pointing functions, and even offers some configurable shortcuts for volume and screen brightness.
Hewlett-Packard provides an Intel Core Extreme 7 155H CPU with integrated Arc graphics and an NPU, which can assist with artificial intelligence tasks. This laptop lacks a dedicated Copilot key, but it is on par with Microsoft's AI PC in other aspects.
It is equipped with a 14.5-inch touch display, with a resolution of 2880x1800 (2.8K), using an OLED panel, a 120Hz variable refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color, a brightness of 500 nits, and supports HDR.
3. ASUS Zenbook Duo
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
GPU: Intel Arc (integrated)
NPU: 10 TOPS
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: Two screens, 14 inches, up to 3K OLED touchBattery: 75Wh
The Zenbook Duo is not perfect—it has a weak webcam and is thicker than the average 14-inch laptop—but for multitaskers and professionals, it is a rare tool that requires minimal setup to be ready for use with two screens at any time.
Apart from the magnetic keyboard and touchpad, this laptop is almost indistinguishable from other laptops. This allows you to see a second 14-inch 3K OLED touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate that matches the main screen; pop out the sturdy stand on the back, and you have a versatile computer that can be used independently, with two screens always available.
The battery life is impressive, especially when using only one screen, and the performance is relatively fast. Although its hardware performance is not comparable to many single-screen laptops, for many users, this is not important.
ASUS can offer up to an Intel Core Extreme 9 185H chip, integrated Arc graphics processor, and NPU for AI work, but lacks a dedicated Copilot key. Speaking of the detachable keyboard, ASUS has made no compromises, thanks to the 1.4mm key travel and a generous Precision touchpad.
4. ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606)
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 or AI 9 HX 370
GPU: Radeon 880M or 890M (integrated)
NPU: 50 TOPS
RAM: 24GB, 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 16 inches, 2880x1800, OLED, 120Hz, touch
Battery: 78Wh
The ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606) is the first laptop tested by the author that uses the new AMD Ryzen AI 300 chip. It offers a choice between the Ryzen AI 9 365 or the more powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, both equipped with an NPU that provides 50 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration. This is the best in mobile chips, even surpassing Qualcomm Snapdragon's 45 TOPS. This is more than enough for Copilot+, and these laptops are expected to receive advanced AI features later this year or early next year.
The author's review unit comes with the higher-end HX 370 CPU, which performs exceptionally well. It even outperforms the Core i9-9185H chip found in the Zenbook Duo on this list. This laptop achieved over 13 hours in the modern office time test of PCMark 10, with actual runtime likely to be around 9 or 10 hours.
The 16-inch display is color-accurate, achieving 100% sRGB, 100% DCI-P3, and 94% AdobeRGB reproduction in our tests. It has a brightness of up to 375 nits, but you would prefer a lower screen gloss if working in sunlight. Nevertheless, the OLED panel with a 2880x1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 0.2ms response time is still a great value at this price point.
Wilson from Windows Central said in his review of the ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606):
"ASUS stands out for the value, starting at just $1399.99 at Best Buy, you can get a color-accurate 120Hz OLED screen, although it performs best indoors and away from natural light, but if you consider all-day battery life, it's a great deal."
5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, Intel Arc (integrated)
NPU: 16 TOPS
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 14 inches, 2.8K OLED, 120Hz, NVIDIA G-Sync
Battery: 73Wh
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) offers considerable gaming performance in a slim chassis, making it more portable than more traditional 16-inch gaming devices.
It has been redesigned for 2024 with a more streamlined approach, featuring an aluminum design and a low-profile appearance. It is thin, stylish, and provides a high-end keyboard, touchpad, and speakers.
Inside is an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU, paired with an AI Ryzen NPU, managing 16 TOPS of AI-specific performance. This is better than what is currently found in Intel's first Core Ultra chips, and AMD is expected to double the performance in its next generation of CPUs.
The Ryzen CPU is paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 laptop GPU, providing powerful gaming capabilities, but the modern design of the PC also makes it suitable for creative and design work. It will feel hot under long loads, but thanks to smart power balancing, it can run without significant throttling. Battery life ranges from about two to three hours during gaming to about six hours for lighter tasks.The 14-inch OLED display is incredibly stunning, featuring a 2.8K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness (with HDR enabled), 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility.
In their review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024), contributing writer Zachary Boddy commented, "ASUS set out to refine its 14-inch gaming laptop. It may not have a dedicated Copilot key, but it should be considered one of the best AI PCs currently available.
6. Alienware m16 R2
CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
GPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, Intel Arc (integrated)
NPU: 10 TOPS
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 (upgradeable)
Storage: Up to 8TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs (2x4TB)
Display: 16 inches, QHD+, 240Hz, NVIDIA G-Sync
Battery: 90WhWhen it comes to 16-inch gaming laptops, the Alienware m16 R2 is one of the best that this author has tested. If you prefer a larger display equipped with Intel and NVIDIA performance hardware, it should be hard to give up.
Editor Rebecca Spear said in her Alienware m16 R2 review: "Its performance and the battery life when running common office programs impressed me. For this reason, if you need to use it for work, school, and playing video games, this laptop will serve you well."
Thanks to Intel's Core Ultra H series CPU (up to Ultra 9 185H), you will get an NPU to enhance AI performance. This laptop can also be configured with NVIDIA RTX 4070 laptop GPU, which will also help AI applications that rely on the graphics card.
Other review highlights include a rich selection of ports, customizable RGB lighting, strong battery life beyond gaming, and a stylish redesign that makes it more compact than its predecessor.
It would be nice if there was a larger screen brightness, but the QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, G-Sync support, and 99% sRGB color is impressive for gaming.
7. Surface Laptop 7
Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80), Snapdragon X Plus
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)
Memory: 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5xStorage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 13.8 (2304x1536) or 15 (2496x1664) inches, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch, Dolby Vision IQ
Battery: 54Wh or 66Wh
One of the biggest criticisms of past Surface Laptop models was the design. The design was not bad—quite the contrary—but new models often did not make any significant changes to help sell new hardware. This was the case for both sizes of the laptop.
The emergence of the Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC has changed this situation. The new model has thinner display bezels, rounded display corners, a larger touchpad using Sensel haptic technology, a bottom tilt, and clean edges. It is now easier to replace parts, and Microsoft sells the hardware directly.
The Laptop 7 still does not have an OLED panel, but its IPS screen is impressive. Both the 13.8-inch and 15-inch screens have a pixel density of 201 PPI, a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision IQ. Their maximum brightness even reaches around 600 nits.
The input and pointing functions are top-notch, the speakers support Dolby Atmos, and the Qualcomm chip provides powerful performance and an ultra-long battery life. Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden reviewed the Surface Laptop 7 and commented on the performance issues of emulated applications:
"In the previous generations of Windows systems with Arm chips, even running basic applications in an emulated environment felt slower than running them on Intel or AMD machines. Many of the applications I tried running under emulation felt great, with no scrolling lag or frame drops when browsing applications.
The Surface Laptop 7 tested by Bowden achieved a runtime of 18.5 hours in the PCMark 10 "Modern Office" test, and in real-world conditions, you should expect a runtime of 12 to 15 hours.
8. Surface Pro 11CPU: Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80), X Plus
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)
RAM: 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, touch
Battery: 48Wh or 53Wh
Daniel Rubino, in his review of the Surface Pro 11, stated that this 2-in-1 laptop is "the most exciting version since the original Surface Pro."
This is mainly attributed to the addition of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80) and Plus SoCs, which are powerful and efficient, but there are other great features that also contribute to the sales of this computer. The core 2-in-1 design of the Pro 11 remains unchanged, allowing it to be used as a tablet or a laptop, but it has added a Pro Flex keyboard with wireless capabilities, a Sensel haptic pad, and a more robust core, which helps with wireless use.
The Pro 11 now also offers an optional OLED display. The 13-inch 2880x1920 panel can dynamically work between 60Hz and 120Hz, supporting VESA DisplayHDR 600 and Dolby Vision, and in our tests, it achieved 100% sRGB and 96% DCI-P3 color reproduction. If you want to spend less money, you can also choose a regular touch IPS display.Both the performance and battery life are exceptionally impressive. The X Elite (X1E-80) chip we tested even outperformed the Core Ultra chips in the XPS 14 and XPS 16, with no real performance drop when the laptop is unplugged. The Pro 11 averages about 10 hours of battery life after a full charge, reaching up to 15 hours during mixed usage.
*Disclaimer: This article is the original creation of the author. The content of the article represents the author's personal views. Our reposting is solely for sharing and discussion and does not represent our endorsement or agreement. If there are any objections, please contact the backend.
Comments