Optimizing the Latest PCs for the AI Revolution

Software developers are working at full speed to incorporate artificial intelligence into every new program and application they can. This is creating a demand among computer manufacturers to build machines that can not only run these tools but optimize them.

AI is finding its way into a variety of technologies as developers aim to augment their products and increase productivity. We see it in simple ways, such as videoconferencing solutions that use AI to filter out background noise. We’re also seeing it take on more complicated tasks, such as summarizing meeting notes.

The reason for all of this is clear: The more AI tasks we implement in our daily routines, the more time we have to focus on higher priorities. However, the more AI we infuse into our programming, the better performance we need from our PCs.

Computer makers are taking a variety of approaches to deliver the machines that AI users need, and they’re providing a number of benefits in the process.

Many users rely on AI to handle tasks they could do themselves, but AI does them more quickly, freeing up users to focus on other priorities.

To prepare their machines to run AI applications more efficiently, PC makers are deploying neural processing units and discrete graphic cards, and equipping computers with more memory. In some cases, these components are not only helpful, but necessary. For example, Windows Studio Effects, which offers AI-enhanced video capabilities, will work only on a PC that has an NPU.

NPU performance can vary greatly. The most common NPU is capable of 10 to 16 trillion operations per second (TOPS), but some AI programs need more than that. HP recently launched our Next Gen AI PCs, with NPUs that can perform 45 to 55 TOPS: HP EliteBook Ultra G1q, HP EliteBook Ultra G1i and HP EliteBook X G1a. These laptops come packed with AI-enhanced programs that other machines can’t run.

With a PC that can perform 45 or more TOPS, users can run AI programs locally — reducing dependence on the cloud or unsecured internet sites. This includes tools such as Microsoft’s Copilot+, HP’s AI Companion and Poly Camera Pro — each designed to operate quickly and efficiently on the powerful NPU. 

I particularly enjoy using HP AI Companion. The analyzing tool can compile documents from a variety of formats — Microsoft Excel files, PowerPoint slides, PDFs, data sheets and others — into a single library for analysis. I can use it to compare different principles or arrangements, identify key components and selling points, and then convert files into another language and draft it into an email for a colleague. Sure, I could do all this on my own, but with AI Companion, it takes only a few seconds.

Running AI programs on an HP laptop made specifically with this technology in mind delivers some important advantages.

First, HP AI PCs emphasize security. As cybercriminals work to steal and cause harm with AI, we’re using AI to prevent and thwart their attempts. HP has implemented AI-based anti-virus software for our Next Gen AI PCs that is pretrained to look for both known and unknown malware. This is enhanced by HP Wolf Security, which runs on all of our business notebooks.

Users also benefit from having AI processing done locally on their laptop. When AI users upload documents to the internet for use with open-AI software, they run the risk of their files becoming public data. With HP’s Next Gen AI PCs, that data is kept safe because the AI programs run locally on the PC instead of on the web.

AI is a relatively new technology, and many IT teams are still trying to figure out which AI-enabled PCs will best meet their needs. The first step is for purchasers to understand what their needs are. They must figure out what kind of AI programs they plan to use and find PCs that can run them effectively.

Any purchasing decision also should consider the future. AI is evolving rapidly, and emerging applications will use it in new ways. Understanding how your organization might use AI a few years from now may help you take advantage of advanced capabilities that aren’t available yet.