How to Decide If You Should Buy a Copilot+ PC: Essential Info on AI Computers

As artificial intelligence continues to shape the landscape of contemporary computing, Microsoft’s Copilot PCs are at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge AI functionalities directly to users. These machines, with their custom hardware and innovative software, aim to enhance efficiency and intelligence in everyday tasks. This article will delve into what sets Copilot PCs apart from their competitors.

1. Specifications of Copilot PCs

To fully leverage the advanced AI capabilities, Copilot PCs must adhere to specific hardware standards. Central to these requirements is the neural processing unit (NPU), which focuses solely on AI-related tasks and should offer a minimum performance of 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). Additionally, these PCs need a minimum of 16 GB of RAM (either DDR5 or LPDDR5) and a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 256 GB of storage.

Security is a major concern as well, with every Copilot PC featuring the Microsoft Pluton security chip, which works in conjunction with TPM 2.0 to safeguard against both existing and future cyber threats.

2. Benefits of an NPU

Incorporating an NPU provides two significant advantages. First, it offloads AI-specific tasks from the main CPU and GPU, allowing them to focus on their traditional roles without competition for processing power. Second, it enables certain AI functions to be processed locally, leading to faster performance. This is likely why Microsoft touts Copilot PCs as “the fastest and most intelligent Windows machines ever created.”

3. AI Without an Internet Connection

With a dedicated NPU, your computer can handle AI tasks without needing an internet connection. Local data processing ensures your information remains private and secure.

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However, certain web-based AI services like ChatGPT or DALL-E still require an internet connection. Additionally, when using the integrated AI feature, “Copilot,” in Windows 11 24H2, user data is transmitted online to ensure compliance with usage terms.

4. Qualcomm’s Dominance in the Market

Currently, the selection of Copilot PCs is limited, primarily due to the initial release being restricted to devices powered by either the Snapdragon X Pro or Snapdragon X Elite processors. Notable models include the Acer Swift 14 AI, Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, Microsoft Surface Pro, and Microsoft Surface Laptop.

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Snapdragon processors are known for their energy efficiency, which significantly enhances battery life. Microsoft claims that the Surface Laptop Copilot PC can operate for up to 22 hours on a single charge.

5. Other Manufacturers Following Suit

AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series and selected Ryzen 7000 and 8000 models, along with Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processors, are also optimized for AI. However, unlike Qualcomm processors, these chips are based on traditional x86 architecture, appealing to users looking to retain compatibility with their existing Windows applications.

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Nonetheless, AMD and Intel processors do not yet support all the exclusive functionalities offered by Copilot PCs. Microsoft has noted that these features will be available through free Windows updates by late 2024 or early 2025, thus enabling AMD and Intel-powered Copilot PCs to utilize the full suite of AI capabilities.

6. Current Features of Copilot PCs

The Windows 11 24H2 update introduces various AI features that are accessible across all devices, including the Copilot AI assistant, Image Creator in Paint, and enhancements in Microsoft Designer, which simplify image redesigning with a single click.

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In contrast, Copilot PCs present unique AI features that specifically require an NPU, such as Windows Studio Effects for enhanced video conferencing, real-time speech transcription and translation in over 40 languages, and the Cocreator feature in Paint that transforms sketches into professional graphics while accommodating user-defined prompts.

7. Upcoming AI Features

Microsoft has also unveiled several forthcoming AI functionalities. Super Resolution aims to dramatically enhance image quality, and Restyle allows users to convert standard photos into artistic masterpieces. However, the much-discussed Recall feature, which has drawn scrutiny for potential data privacy issues, is still uncertain in its implementation.

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As of now, Microsoft has chosen not to include Recall in the final version of Windows 11 24H2 for Copilot PCs, reserving it for users enrolled in the Windows Insider program.

8. Programs from Other Manufacturers Also Leverage NPUs

Third-party applications can also take advantage of the NPUs found in Copilot PCs to expedite demanding AI tasks. Leading companies have begun optimizing their software for this new AI landscape, including popular tools like Adobe Photoshop, CapCut for video editing, and DjayPro for mixing music.

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9. ARM Architecture vs. x86

Unlike Copilot PCs powered by AMD and Intel, those using Qualcomm processors employ ARM architecture. This divergence from the traditional x86/x64 framework means not all Windows applications are compatible. Nonetheless, Microsoft asserts that users typically engage with native ARM applications for about 90% of their computing activities.

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Fortunately, a broad array of applications, including office suites like Microsoft 365 and LibreOffice, web browsers such as Google Chrome, Brave, and Opera, along with security software like Avast and Bitdefender, offer ARM-native versions. Adobe products, including Photoshop and Premiere Pro, are also optimized for the ARM ecosystem, ensuring smooth operation on Copilot PCs.

10. Emulating x86 Applications

For applications not natively built for ARM, Windows 11 on ARM devices includes Prism, a sophisticated emulator that translates x86 commands into ARM instructions in real time.

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In practical terms, this emulation works well for most applications but may struggle with those requiring deep integration into the system, such as antivirus software, VPNs, or virtualization tools. A regularly updated list detailing compatibility can be found on the windowsonarm.org website.