The future of work is evolving quickly. And so are the devices we rely on every day. With the arrival of Copilot+ PCs, Intel Core Ultra processors and AI features built directly into devices, it’s worth reconsidering what you really need from your next upgrade.

This guide explains what makes a device "AI-ready", how it supports Microsoft 365 Copilot and why it matters for your long-term IT strategy.

What is an AI PC?

AI PCs are the next generation of devices built to run artificial intelligence features directly on the device, rather than relying on the cloud.

Unlike traditional laptops that use two main processors, AI PCs include a third, dedicated chip designed specifically for artificial intelligence.

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
   Handles everyday tasks such as launching applications, browsing the web or running standard software.
   
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
   Takes care of visuals like video playback, animations and graphics-heavy apps.
3. NPU (Neural Processing Unit)
   This is the extra chip found in AI PCs. It’s built to run AI tasks locally, including live captions, image generation and content summarisation.

Think of this as a dedicated AI "brain" inside your device. It’s faster, more efficient and designed to handle tasks like image generation, transcription, or real-time suggestions, all without sending everything to the internet.

That means better performance, stronger privacy, less reliance on the cloud and improved battery life.

What is a Copilot+ PC?

Copilot+ is Microsoft’s term for a new category of AI-powered laptops that meet a specific set of standards.

To qualify, a device must include:

1. At least 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI processing power from its Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
2. A minimum of 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage
3. The latest version of Windows 11
4. Support for new AI features that run locally on the device

These AI features include:

1. Recall
   Find anything you’ve seen on your screen, even weeks later

1. Cocreator
   Generate images using prompts in tools like Paint

1. Live Captions
   Translate or subtitle any audio content in real time 
   

Copilot+ PCs are also optimised for Microsoft 365 Copilot, now powered by GPT‑5, for even faster and more responsive performance.

Are there Copilot+ desktops?

Not yet. Copilot+ is currently used to describe laptops only. That’s because the AI features rely on hardware that’s currently built into mobile-first chips.

For now, the focus is on thin, lightweight devices that can run AI efficiently and portably, but desktop versions may follow in the future.

What Are Intel Core Ultra Processors?

Intel Core Ultra is Intel’s latest generation of processors, designed to support modern workloads, including AI.

This setup helps your device work more intelligently, balancing performance and efficiency depending on what you're doing

Some Intel Core Ultra devices also include Intel vPro, a business-grade platform that adds enhanced security, remote management and performance monitoring.

You’ll also see other Copilot+ laptops using processors such as:

1. Snapdragon X Elite (Qualcomm)
2. AMD Ryzen AI (AMD)

All of them include NPUs and meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ standard.

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs. Copilot+ PC

You don’t need a Copilot+ PC to use Microsoft 365 Copilot. As long as you have a supported licence and an internet connection, Copilot works across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps.

However, Copilot+ PCs are designed to enhance the user experience. They offer:

1. On-device AI that responds instantly, even without internet access
2. Access to exclusive tools like Recall, Cocreator and Live Captions
3. Better battery life and smoother performance
4. A dedicated Copilot key built into the keyboard

These devices are built to get the best from Microsoft’s AI tools, both now and as they continue to evolve.

AI PCs vs Traditional Laptops

All these terms and features can be a lot to take in. To help clarify things, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.

Everyday Use: How AI PCs Support Different Roles

1. Use Recall to revisit case research, document versions or meetings
2. Translate or caption calls live for compliance and accessibility
3. Draft contracts faster with Copilot and summarise key clauses

1. Explore trends in spreadsheets using natural language prompts
2. Summarise reports and meeting notes instantly
3. Keep sensitive data on-device for added security

Marketing & Communications

1. Generate headlines, email drafts or campaign content in seconds
2. Use Cocreator to visualise ideas or create social media images
3. Recall past projects, research or creative inspiration easily

Third Sector & Charities

1. Write funding applications and reports more quickly
2. Use Copilot to summarise feedback from communities or partners
3. Improve accessibility with built-in translation and captions

Strategic Considerations: Beyond Simple Replacements

If you're planning to refresh your organisation’s laptops in the next year, now is the time to think longer term.

Choosing AI PCs means investing in devices that are built for the future, not just for today’s tools, but for the next phase of productivity. They’re designed to take full advantage of Microsoft 365 Copilot, run Windows 11 securely and adapt to new AI features as they emerge.

Windows 11 and Your IT Strategy

Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. That means:

1. No more security updates
2. No more bug fixes
3. No more compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials

All new AI PCs and Copilot+ laptops are designed for Windows 11, giving you compatibility with upcoming tools and keeping your organisation protected. Modern hardware plays a key role in any future-focused IT strategy.

Dell Devices That Support Copilot+ Features

Looking for AI-ready laptops? Here are a few Dell models that meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ standards and include an NPU, Windows 11 and support for Microsoft 365 Copilot:

1. Dell Pro Premium
   Enterprise-grade laptops with advanced features, enhanced security and powerful performance. Ideal for remote teams, IT-intensive roles  and leadership-level users.
   
2. Dell Pro Plus
   Reliable, professional-grade devices with strong performance and battery life. Great for senior staff, consultants or client-facing teams.
   
3. Dell Pro
   Affordable and reliable devices offering strong on-device AI performance. A good fit for roles in marketing, operations, or finance.
   
   

Planning Your Next Device Upgrade?

We're helping clients in Edinburgh and across the UK to choose the right AI-ready devices, prepare for Copilot adoption and plan smarter IT strategies for long-term productivity.

If you're thinking about your next device refresh or want to know how Copilot+ PCs fit into your roadmap, we’re happy to help.

Let's talk about how smarter devices can support smarter work.

Connect with Us Today!

Call us: 0808 164 4142 

Message us: https://www.grantmcgregor.co.uk/contact-us