As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers eyeing new laptops during Black Friday and Cyber Monday must tread carefully. Retailers are eager to entice buyers with deals that may not always align with expectations. It’s crucial to understand the specifications and features of the products before adding them to your cart, as some offerings may not deliver the anticipated performance.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-the-problems-with-retailers”>The problems with retailers
For instance, on the official HP storefront, entry-level devices are marked with the “Copilot” logo, which may mislead less tech-savvy consumers into thinking they are purchasing a “Copilot+ PC.” This subtle distinction could create confusion, particularly for those unfamiliar with the latest technological advancements.
Similarly, Office Depot presents entry-level laptops labeled as “Cloud Enabled AI,” which may mislead consumers. Any Windows 10 or 11 device can access AI services online, such as Copilot and ChatGPT, making this designation somewhat ambiguous.
On the same page, a laptop equipped with a low-end Intel Pentium processor and 4GB of RAM is touted as a “Cloud Enabled AI” device. While technically accurate, such marketing could mislead consumers who are specifically seeking a Copilot+ PC.
It is important to note that not all retailers engage in this practice. Some online platforms have dedicated sections for “Copilot+ PCs,” providing clear explanations of the category and its advantages. As the holiday sales events unfold, vigilance is key when making purchases.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-the-tech-specs-of-a-copilot-pc”>The tech specs of a Copilot+ PC
For those considering a Copilot+ PC, specific hardware configurations must be met. Initially, the processor should be one of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus or Elite chips, which are designed for high-performance laptops and tablets. These processors include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) responsible for handling AI and machine learning tasks, with performance measured in Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS). A compatible NPU for Windows 11’s AI features should offer 40 TOPS or more.
AMD and Intel now also provide processors with built-in NPUs, such as the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series. However, devices featuring these chips are still emerging, with Microsoft prioritizing certain AI functionalities for Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Additional requirements for a Copilot+ PC include a minimum of 16GB of RAM and at least 256GB of Solid-State Drive (SSD) storage, preferably NVMe. Upgrading to a 512GB drive is advisable for those using Windows devices. Furthermore, the computer must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, Secure Boot, and BitLocker encryption enabled to utilize specific AI features like Windows Recall.
As you navigate the myriad of options available this holiday season, staying informed about how devices are marketed will serve you well. If your goal is to harness the new wave of AI capabilities in Windows 11, ensure that your chosen device meets the essential specifications: a processor with a built-in NPU (preferably Qualcomm Snapdragon X series), 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
More resources
For further insights, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10, explore the following resources:
