AI PCs have jumped to the top of holiday wishlists, and it’s no shock to learn why. For efficient productivity and access to new frontiers of creativity, these computers — powered by an Intel Core Ultra chip — offer a major leap forward in nearly all categories. They’re even more secure, with smart defense against data cyberthieves among the many functions enabled by an NPU (neural processing unit).
But which one to choose? Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from a top machine at varying price points, all equipped with Intel’s powerful chip:
Under $1,000
Even at the modest end of the scale, an AI PC should pack a processor that’s ready for serious usage. With the ability to hit 40 TOPS (that’s trillions of operations per second, an important AI metric), ASUS Vivobook S 14’sIntel Core Ultra 5 Series 2 processor provides strong performance in a sleek, lightweight package. Microsoft’s Copilot AI can be summoned with the press …