Should You Buy an AI PC? Complete Buyer’s Guide 2025

Artificial intelligence continues transforming the technology landscape with innovative products and solutions. At the centre of this AI ecosystem are AI PCs—personal computers designed to support artificial intelligence applications locally.

For Australian professionals and students looking to stay at the technological forefront, AI PCs represent a unique opportunity to optimise workflows and access processing capabilities previously unimaginable. While these specialised laptops are still in early growth stages, AI PCs will soon handle heavy AI applications more efficiently than ever before.

Your regular computer will become more receptive to your needs and demands, predict your habits, and create efficient systems for your daily tasks. In the Australian market, where productivity and efficiency are fundamental to success, this technology promises to revolutionise how we work, from Sydney’s bustling financial district to Melbourne’s creative hubs.

What is an AI PC and How Does It Work?

AI PC Definition: An AI PC is a personal computer equipped with specialised hardware (NPU) designed to run AI applications locally on the device, without requiring cloud connectivity.

An AI PC is a personal computer designed to execute AI applications locally—that is, on the device itself. Take OpenAI models as an example: if your computer can run open-source models like GPT-OSS-20B and GPT-OSS-120B without needing internet connection and cloud access, then we’re talking about an AI PC.

Key Components of an AI PC:

• NPU (Neural Processing Unit) - Specialised chip for AI tasks
• Enhanced CPU - Traditional processor with AI capabilities
• Updated GPU - Graphics card optimised for AI rendering
• High-capacity RAM - 16GB minimum for efficient multitasking
• Fast SSD Storage - Rapid data transfer for AI operations

HP offers a range of AI PCs with varied capabilities and features, thanks to innovative hardware, software, and motherboard firmware. These desktops, from simple to advanced, ensure efficient AI application operation and are also designed to maintain relevance as AI technology advances.

Understanding what makes an AI PC is crucial for choosing the best one for your workflow. It’s important to consider hardware and software options, along with proven performance in real-world scenarios.

The NPU: Benefits of the Neural Processing Unit

Key Fact: NPUs can perform up to 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second) whilst consuming less energy than traditional processors.

The NPU, also called Neural Processing Unit, is an additional silicon component built into the processor chip. It features a parallelised design, meaning it can perform several resource-demanding AI algorithmic tasks simultaneously. The NPU handles AI tasks, freeing up the CPU and GPU to perform their usual duties.

NPU Benefits at a Glance:

• Parallel Processing - Handles multiple AI tasks simultaneously
• Energy Efficiency - Lower power consumption than CPU/GPU for AI tasks
• Dedicated AI Processing - Frees CPU/GPU for traditional computing
• Faster AI Inference - Optimised for machine learning operations

An AI PC offloads specific AI tasks, such as machine learning inference, image recognition, and natural language processing, to the NPU, ensuring neural processing tasks are performed by special silicon arrays, like Nvidia’s CUDA core architecture.

However, there are occasions when AI tasks will utilise a PC’s CPU and GPU computing resources, depending on the applications being run. NPUs made it possible for lightweight PCs to process AI algorithmic tasks, offering power, portability, and efficiency all at once.

TOPS and AI Performance: What It Means

Quick TOPS Definition: Trillion Operations Per Second - measures how many AI calculations a chip can perform per second.

TOPS Performance Levels:

• Basic Level: 20-30 TOPS - Basic AI tasks, real-time translation
• Mid-range: 30-45 TOPS - Content creation, local LLMs
• High-end: 45-50+ TOPS - Enterprise workflows, complex AI modelling

TOPS stands for trillion operations per second. In simple terms, it measures the maximum number of 8-bit integers (INT8) that a chip can execute. In other words, it’s a mathematical calculation of how efficiently a chip can execute AI inference.

It’s important to know that whilst TOPS is a performance measurement calculated and rated by the manufacturer, it doesn’t completely translate to real-world scenarios. There may be differences between theoretical performance and actual performance under specific conditions.

Whilst NPUs are crucial for an AI PC’s performance, other factors such as RAM, data transfer speed (storage), thermal throttling, and software demand also affect how efficiently or inefficiently an AI PC can work under different circumstances.

Real Benefits of AI Laptops

1. Local processing focused on privacy
2. No internet required for AI tasks
3. Faster response times than cloud-based AI

AI automates and optimises daily tasks, from simple operations to complex calculations. They offer real benefits for individual professionals, students, and Australian businesses.

Language Model Processing

What it does: Runs ChatGPT-like models without connection

Compatible models: LLaMA, Phi, GPT-OSS variants

Benefit: Complete privacy, no data leaves your device

HP AI laptops are capable of running powerful local language models like LLaMA and Phi. These language models can explain concepts, communicate, define terms, write, rephrase, and provide information on topics without needing internet connection. Imagine accessing OpenAI’s GPT power without worrying about privacy breaches.

Image Generation

What it does: Creates AI art and edits photos locally

Compatible tools: Stable Diffusion, DALL-E alternatives

Processing time: 2-10 seconds per image (varies by model)

Image generation involves using generative AI to create AI art, edit images, and design emojis. AI art is rapidly becoming mainstream, and as technology improves, many end users want PCs that can perform these tasks quickly and efficiently with simple commands.

Real-time Subtitling and Translation

Supported languages: More than 40 languages

Accuracy: 95%+ for major languages

Use cases: Virtual meetings, content accessibility

Real-time translation and subtitling save users time by automatically subtitling video meetings in real-time. The technology also differentiates each speaker and translates language. This means virtual meetings can be conducted by people speaking different languages without barriers—particularly valuable for Australia’s multicultural business environment.

Advanced Natural Language Search

New AI features, like OpenRecall, an open-source program, periodically capture your screen and index your activity, allowing you to search for specific activities if you forget something. For example, suppose you spent time in Chrome searching websites for the best pizza place in Melbourne. Three weeks later, you can ask OpenRecall to find web pages you opened related to pizza within a three-week window.

OpenRecall is local, meaning it doesn’t connect to the internet, ensuring privacy protection. As it’s open-source, anyone can review its code, and you can encrypt your data whilst enjoying the ability to recall past activities without a file name or timestamp.

Personal AI Assistants

AI chatbots are rapidly becoming assistants. CoPilot+, for example, helps you analyse notes, photos, and videos. From writing newsletters to emails, text messages, and organising your calendar, getting relationship advice—all with loose language commands. It’s like talking to a human: an intelligent and responsive personal assistant.

System and Power Management

An HP AI PC has adopted advanced power management, enabling portable and powerful systems to handle resource-intensive tasks without placing undue pressure on battery usage and life. From hardware structure (fan, CPU and GPU design) and workload distribution across CPU, GPU, and NPU, these intelligent innovations make AI PCs powerful, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

Webcam and Audio Enhancements

AI Camera Features:

• Background blur/replacement
• Auto-framing
• Low-light enhancement
• Eye contact correction

An HP AI PC also enhances your video and audio calling experience, from improving webcam images to focused framing, white balance adjustments, and audio enhancements.

Whilst applications like Zoom offer these features, an AI PC allows you to access the same features locally without connecting online. The NPU hardware handles processing in the background without monopolising your CPU or GPU or draining your battery.

First Look at HP AI PCs

Best AI PC for Advanced Productivity

The HP ZBook Firefly 16 inch G11 Mobile Workstation PC represents the pinnacle of professional AI computing for Australian workers. This mobile workstation combines AI processing power with professional-grade graphics capabilities, making it ideal for demanding creative and technical workflows.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165H processor (up to 5.0 GHz, 14 cores, 22 threads)
• NVIDIA RTX™ A500 Laptop GPU with 4GB GDDR6 dedicated memory
• 32GB memory for seamless multitasking
• 1TB SSD storage for rapid data access
• 16-inch WUXGA touch display for precision work

The RTX A500 is certified for professional applications like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe Creative Suite, whilst the Intel Core Ultra 7 provides the AI power necessary to automate repetitive tasks and accelerate creative workflows. The spill-resistant keyboard and HP Fast Charge technology ensure reliability during Australia’s demanding work schedules.

Best AI PC for Business Excellence

For Australian business professionals requiring cutting-edge AI capabilities with enterprise-grade security, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14 inch Laptop Next Gen AI PC delivers unmatched performance. This next-generation AI PC features the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor specifically built for AI workloads.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 258V processor (up to 4.8 GHz, 8 cores, 8 threads)
• Intel® Arc™ Graphics for enhanced visual performance
• 32GB memory for professional multitasking
• 512GB storage optimised for business applications
• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with stunning clarity

Windows 11 Pro provides enterprise features, whilst HP Sure Click, HP Sure Sense, and HP Sure Start offer comprehensive security protection. The Wi-Fi 7 connectivity ensures reliable performance in Australia’s dense wireless environments, from Melbourne’s CBD to Perth’s business districts.

Best AI PC for Creative Flexibility

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 inch Next Gen AI PC offers the perfect blend of AI performance and versatility for Australians who need adaptability in their computing. This 2-in-1 convertible laptop transforms to meet various working styles and environments.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 256V processor (up to 4.8 GHz, 8 cores, 8 threads)
• Intel® Arc™ Graphics for creative applications
• 1TB SSD storage for extensive project files
• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with 16:10 aspect ratio
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 protection for durability

The flexible design allows for laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, making it ideal for presentations, creative work, and collaboration. The 2.8K OLED display delivers exceptional colour accuracy for design work, whilst the Intel Core Ultra processor handles AI tasks efficiently across hundreds of applications.

Who Should Consider Buying an AI PC?

Content Creators

Graphic designers, video editors, photographers, and animators can optimise their workflows with AI PCs. Features like image enhancement, background removal, video editing, and rendering work much more smoothly.

For Australian creators working with visual content, the HP ZBook Firefly G11 offers the perfect combination of processing power and professional graphics capabilities. Its NVIDIA RTX A500 accelerates rendering tasks, whilst the Intel Core Ultra 7 handles AI operations like image enhancement and noise reduction.

Recommended Configuration:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 with integrated NPU
• NVIDIA RTX A500 or higher
• 16GB+ RAM DDR5
• 512GB+ SSD storage

Developers

Developers need powerful processors with AI capabilities for workflows like utilising machine learning models and building intelligent applications. In Australia, where software development is growing exponentially, AI PCs provide the necessary tools to create next-generation applications.

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip isn’t just for creative professionals; its powerful configuration makes it an excellent choice for developers who need to compile code quickly, run multiple development environments, and test AI applications.

Recommended Configuration:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 or higher
• 16-32GB RAM LPDDR5X
• Intel Arc Graphics for development acceleration
• 1TB NVMe SSD for large projects

Data Analysts

Whether you’re an analyst in finance, marketing, or healthcare, an AI PC will help you process large datasets, analyse data in real-time, and perform more sophisticated predictive analytics.

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is ideal for analysts who need enterprise-grade security and AI performance. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor is optimised for AI workloads, enabling processing of medium datasets without compromising professional requirements.

Recommended Configuration:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 or 8 processor
• 32GB+ RAM for large datasets
• 512GB-1TB SSD for data storage
• NPU with 30+ TOPS for local inference

AEC Professionals (Architecture, Engineering & Construction)

AEC professionals require powerful PCs for project management, design, construction workflow simulation, 3D modelling, real-time ray tracing, and machine learning VFX.

In Australia, where the construction industry is constantly growing, the HP ZBook Firefly G11 provides the professional capabilities necessary to handle demanding CAD software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SolidWorks, whilst its NPU accelerates structural analysis tasks and design optimisation.

Recommended Configuration:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 with 14 cores
• NVIDIA RTX A500 certified GPU
• 32GB RAM DDR5
• Windows 11 Pro for enterprise features

Cost vs. Value Analysis

AI PC vs. Traditional PC Price Comparison

Entry-level Traditional PC: AUD $800-1,200
Entry-level AI PC: AUD $1,500-2,200
Price difference: 40-60% premium

Professional Traditional PC: AUD $2,000-3,500
Professional AI PC: AUD $3,000-5,000
Price difference: 30-40% premium

The initial investment in an AI PC is higher, but the productivity gains and future-proofing capabilities often justify the cost for Australian professionals working in AI-dependent industries.

Australian Market Considerations

Infrastructure and Connectivity

In Australia, where internet connectivity can vary across regions—from Sydney’s high-speed networks to remote areas with limited broadband—the local processing capabilities of AI PCs are particularly valuable. Professionals in cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, or Canberra can benefit from independence from cloud connectivity for critical tasks.

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip, with its exceptional energy efficiency, is perfect for professionals working in remote locations or during long commutes across Australia’s vast distances, where access to power may be limited.

Educational Market

For Australian students at technological universities like the University of Melbourne, UNSW, or Queensland University of Technology, an AI PC can represent a significant investment in their professional future. HP laptops with AI provide an accessible entry point to these emerging technologies, preparing students for Australia’s evolving job market.

Enterprise Sector

Australian enterprises in sectors like mining, financial services, and retail can leverage AI PCs for predictive analysis, process automation, and customer experience improvement. Investment in HP business solutions can result in significant competitive advantages, particularly important in Australia’s competitive business environment.

Complementary Accessories Ecosystem

Printing and Documentation

For professionals requiring physical documentation of their AI analyses, HP LaserJet printers provide the quality and speed necessary for modern Australian offices, ensuring seamless integration with AI-powered workflows.

Connectivity and Expansion

HP accessories like USB-C docking stations and multiport hubs allow expansion of AI laptop connectivity capabilities, crucial for professionals managing multiple devices. The HP ZBook Firefly G11, for example, includes multiple ports for professional connectivity requirements.

Monitors for Enhanced Productivity

To maximise productivity with AI PCs, HP monitors with high resolution perfectly complement these advanced laptops’ capabilities, especially for tasks requiring visual precision like CAD design or video editing—essential for Australia’s growing creative industries.

Audio and Video Solutions

Professional HP speakers and audio equipment enhance the AI-powered communication features built into these laptops, ensuring clear audio for virtual meetings across Australia’s distributed workforce.

Conclusion

An AI PC provides hardware solutions and systems that support AI applications and tools, ensuring they’re future-proofed for evolving technologies. Whilst purchasing them may mean considerable initial costs, they’re essential for industry professionals handling resource-intensive programs.

HP’s options, from the versatile HP OmniBook Ultra Flip ideal for flexible users, to the powerful HP ZBook Firefly G11 for creative professionals, and the secure HP EliteBook Ultra G1i for business users, ensure everyone can find an AI PC that adapts to their specific needs.

For the Australian market, where technological innovation drives economic growth, investing in an AI PC represents not only an improvement in work tools but a commitment to the professional and business future of the country.