Expert buying guide

AI laptops and how they can help you do more.

Avery C

Technology expert

9 years experience

AI is revolutionizing the way we work as well as the technology we use every day. Smartphones, tablets, connected devices, software and apps, appliances and especially computers — so today, let’s dig into these portable powerhouses and discover if and why they’re the right choice for you.

AI PCs vs. AI-enabled PCs

Understanding the difference between AI laptops and computers that are enabled by AI is essential in determining what type of PC is best for you. AI-enabled laptops offer the traditional CPU (supporting the operating system processes) and GPU (supporting graphical processes) and are enhanced through software connected to web-based AI programs. AI PCs are designed with a CPU and GPU optimized for AI, but also a third processor called an NPU dedicated to AI and ML (machine learning) processes, fundamentally changing how the device handles every task.

What about Microsoft Copilot and Copilot+ PCs?

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant, which most modern computers can access with an internet connection. Some Copilot-ready devices even have a dedicated Copilot key for instant access. Microsoft Copilot+ PCs are a class of cutting-edge Windows 11 laptops with NPUs and at least 40 TOPS (tera operations per second) of processing power. So, all Copilot+ PCs are AI PCs but only AI PCs with enough processing power are considered Copilot+ PCs. Windows 11 devices also offer more advanced security. Plus, support for Windows 10 devices ends on October 14, 2025, so now’s the perfect time to upgrade.

AI is ready to help but also helping already in the background.

Display size and processor speed are big considerations when upgrading your laptop, and AI is a new — and crucial — factor to add to the list. AI assistance can answer questions while also helping extend your battery life by optimizing settings, enhancing security with smarter facial and voice recognition tools or simply by organizing your files so you don’t have to. And even if you’re not using these features yet, AI tools will continue to become more intelligent and useful, helping to future-proof your investment. Now, let’s go over a few standout devices.


Three laptops with AI to put at the top of your list.

Good for AI Beginners
Lenovo IdeaPad 2-in-1 AI-enabled Laptop
$549.99$949.99
  • Intel Core 5 Ultra Processor for powerful performance.
  • 16" 2-in-1 touchscreen display for on-the-go flexibility.
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life & recharges 2 hours in 15 minutes.
Better for AI Enthusiasts
HP OmniBook 5 AI Laptop
No reviews yet
  • Intel Core Ultra 7 processor for performance & AI capabilities.
  • 16" 2K display and 1TB SSD for more storage.
  • Up to 19 hours of battery life & recharges up to 50% in 30 minutes.
Best for AI Experts
Asus Vivobook S 14" Copilot+ PC
$899.99$1,249.99
  • AMD Ryzen 9 AI processor unleashes the full potential of Copilot+ capabilities.
  • 14" 3K OLED display for greater clarity & 512 GB SSD.
  • Up to 17 hours of battery life & 24GB RAM for multitasking.

Here are my honest insights to help you choose.

Specs are specs, but what really matters is how you’ll use your new laptop, so let’s break down the pros and cons of each.


Lenovo® IdeaPad® 5i 16" AI-enabled laptop

My pick for everyday productivity.

Thin, light, flexible with smart AI features to make everything from emails to video editing a whole lot easier.

Why it’s great:
  • 2-in-1 touch screen is great for notetaking, drawing and entertainment
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Processor is plenty of performance for AI-assisted tools
  • An affordable entry point to AI-enabled laptops
Things to think about:
  • 16" display may feel big for tablet mode to some
  • Only average battery life though rapid charging does help

If you’re using your laptop for home, school or tapping into AI tools to help you stay organized or spark your creativity, the Lenovo® IdeaPad® 5i 16" AI-enabled laptop is a smart choice that’s flexible, powerful and affordable.


HP OmniBook 5 16" AI laptop

My pick for multitasking pros.

All-day battery life, tons of storage and powerful, this AI laptop is ideal for juggling all your projects while you keep your eye on the ball.

Why it’s great:
  • All-day battery life is a game-changer when you’re in the zone and on the go
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor handles most AI tasks with ease
  • 1TB SSD is fast and massive, easily future-proofing your storage needs
Things to think about:
  • 16GB RAM may feel a bit constrained with heavy multitasking or AI processing
  • Design is simple but doesn’t feel especially premium

Built for serious productivity, with the power and long-lasting battery to match, the HP OmniBook 5 16" AI laptop is a great fit for college students and professionals who want a reliable AI PC that can keep up with their busy workload.


ASUS® Vivobook® S 14" Copilot+ PC

My pick for devs and designers.

Peak performance paired with total Copilot+ capabilities, perfect for content creation, graphic design, hi-res video editing, coding and more.

Why it’s great:
  • Powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 Processor and NPU reaches up to 50 TOPS with built-in AI
  • Immersive OLED 3K display that’s a dream for designing
  • 24GB RAM makes even the heaviest multitasking look effortless
Things to think about:
  • All this power and performance comes at a premium
  • Lacks a GPU which may limit some gaming and high-end AI processing

Sleek, stunning and unbelievably powerful, the ASUS® Vivobook® S 14" Copilot+ PC delivers. If you work in design, computing or AI-focused fields, don’t hesitate to upgrade.

Copilot+ PC honorable mentions:

With so many strong Copilot+ contenders, here are just a few more you should consider:


And finally, the most important factor: You.

When deciding between AI-powered laptops, I really want you to think about what you’ll use your laptop for. Work, school, browsing and streaming — the right laptop is the one that best suits your needs, with enough power, memory and features to make sure your device won’t feel outdated anytime soon.

Plus, AI will only help you do the things you’re already doing, and help you save time and unlock abilities to do more. When comparing specs, look for newer processors such as Intel® Core™ Ultra and AMD Ryzen™ AI, plenty of RAM (at least 16GB), and storage (512GB and above will help in the long run). Choose a laptop size that you feel comfortable taking with you, and a display type that suits your work. Last but certainly not least is battery life, which can really affect your productivity away from an outlet. Go for 10 hours or more, as well as a fast-charging feature to help boost battery life in a pinch.

The right AI laptop makes everyday tasks easier and gives you more time for what matters.

An easy decision.

Choosing the right laptop isn’t always easy but choosing where to shop for one is. Staples® tech experts like myself are here to help. Visit your local Staples® store to get a feel for the laptops you’re interested in, order with 30-min. pickup or have it delivered with free next-day delivery. Plus, we offer helpful tech services to get you set up in no time. And, as always, every laptop we stock is straight from our trusted tech partners, including Microsoft, HP, ASUS®, Acer®, Lenovo® and more.