If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have come across the term "Copilot+ PC" and wondered what all the fuss is about. Is it just another marketing term, or does it represent something genuinely different? At Landmark Computers, we've been helping Australians navigate technology choices for years, and we can tell you that Copilot+ PCs mark a significant shift in how laptops handle artificial intelligence, bringing powerful AI capabilities directly to your device.

Let's break down what Copilot+ PCs are, what makes them special, and whether you should consider one for your next laptop purchase.

Understanding Copilot+ PCs: The Basics

A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft's term for a new category of Windows 11 laptops that include dedicated AI hardware called a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Think of it as having a specialised AI brain built into your laptop, separate from the main processor and graphics card.

To earn the Copilot+ PC badge, a laptop must meet specific requirements:

  • Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS performance - This is the AI chip that makes everything possible
  • 16GB of RAM minimum - Enough memory to handle AI tasks alongside your regular work
  • 256GB of storage minimum - Space for AI models and your files
  • Windows 11 operating system - The platform that brings all the AI features together

What does "40 TOPS" mean?

TOPS stands for "Tera Operations Per Second" – essentially, it's a measure of how many AI calculations the NPU can perform each second. The 40 TOPS requirement ensures your laptop can handle advanced AI tasks smoothly and efficiently. For a deeper dive into how NPUs work and their benefits, check out our complete guide to Neural Processing Units.

What Makes Copilot+ PCs Different from Regular Laptops?

The Power of Local AI Processing

The biggest difference is that Copilot+ PCs can run AI applications directly on your device, rather than sending data to the cloud for processing. This means:

  • Better privacy - Your data stays on your device
  • Faster responses - No waiting for internet connections
  • Works offline - AI features function even without internet
  • Improved battery life - NPUs are more efficient than using your main processor for AI tasks

Purpose-Built for AI

Regular laptops can run some AI applications, but they rely on the main processor (CPU) or graphics card (GPU) to do the heavy lifting. This approach is like using a hammer to turn a screw—it works, but it's not ideal. Copilot+ PCs have the right tool for the job: a dedicated NPU designed specifically for AI calculations.

What Can Copilot+ PCs Actually Do?

The AI features in Copilot+ PCs are designed to enhance everyday computing tasks in practical ways:

Enhanced Video Calls

Live Captions with Translation: Get real-time subtitles for any audio or video content, with the ability to translate between languages on the fly.

Windows Studio Effects: Professional-quality video call features including background blur, automatic framing, and eye contact correction—all processed locally for better performance and privacy.

Creative AI Tools

Cocreator in Paint: Describe what you want to create, and the AI will generate images or help enhance your artwork directly in Microsoft Paint.

Photos App Enhancements: AI-powered photo editing, including object removal, background replacement, and automatic enhancement.

Productivity Features

Intelligent Search: Find files, photos, and information across your device using natural language descriptions rather than exact file names.

Voice Clarity: AI-powered noise reduction and audio enhancement for clearer communication during calls and recordings.

Recall Feature Now Available

Recall (Preview): This flagship feature is now available on Copilot+ PCs as of April 2025. Recall takes periodic screenshots of your screen and creates a searchable visual timeline of your activity. After initial privacy concerns, Microsoft redesigned it as an opt-in feature with enhanced security including local encryption, Windows Hello authentication, and the ability to exclude specific apps or websites from being captured.

Current Copilot+ PC Options

Several major manufacturers now offer Copilot+ PCs across different price ranges and form factors:

Available Processors

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus - ARM-based processors offering excellent battery life
  • Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) - Traditional x86 architecture with integrated NPU
  • AMD Ryzen AI - AMD's answer with built-in AI acceleration

Popular Models

Major brands like HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and Microsoft Surface have released Copilot+ PC models, ranging from business-focused laptops to premium consumer devices and even some gaming-oriented machines. You can explore the latest laptop options to see which Copilot+ PCs are currently available.

Who Should Consider a Copilot+ PC?

Ideal for These Users:

  • Content creators who work with photos, videos, or digital art
  • Business professionals who attend frequent video calls or need translation services
  • Students who want the latest technology and AI-assisted learning tools
  • Privacy-conscious users who prefer local AI processing over cloud-based services
  • Early adopters who want to experience the future of computing today

Perhaps Not Essential For:

  • Basic users who primarily browse the web and use simple applications
  • Budget-conscious buyers who don't need AI features
  • Users who already have a perfectly functional laptop and don't see immediate benefits

The Future of AI Computing

Copilot+ PCs represent the beginning of a new era in personal computing. As software developers increasingly build AI features into their applications, having dedicated AI hardware ensures your laptop can take advantage of these innovations as they emerge.

We're likely to see:

  • More sophisticated AI features in everyday applications
  • Better integration between AI tools and productivity software
  • Enhanced accessibility features powered by AI
  • Improved personalisation and automation in computing tasks

Future-Proofing Consideration:

While AI features might seem novel now, they're rapidly becoming standard expectations in software. Choosing a Copilot+ PC today ensures your laptop can handle tomorrow's AI-powered applications without requiring an upgrade.

Should You Buy a Copilot+ PC?

The decision ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and interest in AI technology. If you're in the market for a new laptop anyway, choosing a Copilot+ PC offers several advantages:

  • Future-ready technology that will become more valuable over time
  • Enhanced privacy with local AI processing
  • Better battery life for AI tasks compared to traditional laptops
  • Access to cutting-edge features as they're released

However, if you're perfectly happy with your current laptop and don't see immediate value in AI features, there's no urgent need to upgrade just for the Copilot+ PC designation.

The Bottom Line

Copilot+ PCs aren't just laptops with a fancy new name—they represent a genuine evolution in personal computing. By bringing AI processing directly to your device, they offer a glimpse into a future where artificial intelligence enhances everyday computing tasks in meaningful ways.

Whether it's translating a video call in real-time, enhancing your photos with a simple description, or providing better video call quality, these features work because of the dedicated AI hardware that makes Copilot+ PCs unique.

As AI continues to integrate into software and services, having a laptop designed from the ground up to handle these tasks efficiently will become increasingly valuable. Copilot+ PCs offer that capability today, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to invest in the future of computing.

Ready to Explore Copilot+ PCs?

At Landmark Computers, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect laptop for your needs. If you're considering upgrading to a Copilot+ PC, our experienced team can help you understand which model best suits your specific needs and budget. Browse our range of laptops to see the latest Copilot+ PC options from leading brands like HP and Lenovo, and don't hesitate to reach out for personalised advice on choosing the right AI-powered laptop for your requirements.

At Landmark Computers, we're committed to helping Australians understand and embrace new technology. The world of AI-powered computing is just beginning, and Copilot+ PCs are leading the charge. Whether you're a creative professional, business user, or technology enthusiast, these devices offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of personal computing.