The buzz around AI-powered PCs is growing rapidly, and businesses are starting to take notice. With technology evolving fast, companies need to carefully consider their options when refreshing their devices.

So, What Exactly is an AI PC?

At its core, an AI PC is equipped with a specialized chipset designed to handle artificial intelligence tasks, enhancing performance, boosting security, and personalizing the user experience. While AI-powered programs have been around for some time, the emergence of PCs with neural processing units (NPUs) is relatively new. These NPUs are designed to handle machine learning tasks, much like large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, but on a more focused, local scale.

These AI PCs use Small Language Models (SLMs), which are more tailored to optimizing individual machines and handling specific tasks. One of the advantages of SLMs is their ability to shift data between local storage and the cloud, giving businesses the flexibility to choose how they manage their data. According to AI expert Rob May, this capability strikes a balance between performance and convenience.

The Security and Privacy Landscape

The combination of AI and cloud computing is reshaping how businesses operate. The Synergy Research Group has credited generative AI technologies with driving significant growth in the cloud infrastructure service market, which saw a 20% year-on-year rise. With cloud-based AI apps, businesses can now easily implement AI solutions without needing extensive on-site storage.

However, there are security risks associated with relying too heavily on public, cloud-based AI models, particularly when handling sensitive information. AI PCs provide businesses with the option to selectively decide which data to store on-device and what to send to the cloud, helping to mitigate some of these risks. Even during connectivity issues or a cyberattack, local AI models can ensure that AI functionalities continue to operate, although strong security practices—such as encrypted data and secure model training—are still essential.

AI PCs: Where Do We Stand?

2024 has been dubbed “the year of the AI PC,” but is this just hype? Analysts predict that around 50 million AI PCs will be shipped next year, accounting for about 20% of total PC shipments. Gartner projects that 43% of PCs sold in 2024 will be AI-ready, with that number potentially reaching 60% by 2027.

While AI PCs are becoming more common, their current applications are somewhat limited. Popular use cases include video conferencing tools like Zoom and project management software such as Slack, alongside creative applications like Adobe and GIMP. Rob May, CEO of ramsac and UK Cybersecurity Ambassador, notes that this narrow focus shouldn’t be seen as a limitation, but rather as the early stages of AI integration. As the technology matures, its applications are expected to expand significantly, with today’s use cases serving as a testing ground for more sophisticated implementations in the future.

Should You Upgrade Now?

AI PCs promise to revolutionize how we work, offering improved productivity, security, and lower latency. This might tempt IT managers to jump on the bandwagon immediately. However, new technologies often come with a high price tag, and current AI applications remain relatively limited.

If you’re looking to buy some time before making a big investment, you could consider upgrading your current systems with DDR5 memory or NVMe SSDs, which can support emerging AI applications without the need for entirely new hardware. Deciding when to upgrade will depend on your budget, business needs, and your technology refresh cycle.

For those opting to invest in AI PCs, it’s important to avoid models where components like memory and storage are soldered to the motherboard, as this could lead to limitations in the future. Since AI-driven applications will likely increase the demand for storage and memory over time, businesses should think ahead and avoid underestimating their future needs.

In conclusion, AI PCs represent an exciting shift in technology, but making the right decision now could save you from headaches down the road. Planning carefully will ensure that your business can fully leverage AI advancements in the years to come.

Source: This article is based on insights from a by-lined piece authored by Elliott Jones, B2B Strategic Marketing at Kingston Technology EMEA, and Rob May, CEO of ramsac and the UK Cybersecurity Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. They provide an in-depth analysis of the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for organizations adopting AI PCs.