AI-Ready Devices: Gamechanger or Gimmick?
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, isn’t it? It’s already transforming how we work and create, and AI-ready devices promise smarter workflows and creative assistance. But are they truly worth the investment, or just adding complexity and cost? Let’s explore…
Privacy, Security and Reducing Shadow IT
Whether you enable it or not, colleagues are already using AI tools like ChatGPT to get work done. The risk? Uncontrolled, unsecured platforms that expose sensitive data. By providing a securable, controllable AI assistant such as Copilot, you keep innovation inside your organisation’s security framework—reducing shadow IT and ensuring compliance without slowing productivity.
On-device AI processing supports this. Sensitive data doesn’t need to leave your machine, and features like the Microsoft Pluton security chip add extra protection. For businesses concerned about compliance and privacy, this is reassuring.
Smarter Tools at Your Fingertips?
One of the biggest appeals of AI-ready tech is convenience. As an example: Copilot+ PCs feature a dedicated Copilot button, just like the Netflix shortcut on your TV remote. Press it, and you instantly access AI-powered assistance to summarise documents, compile ideas, rewrite copy or generate images. For many, this feels like a genuine productivity boost, reducing friction in everyday tasks. And just like that Netflix button sped up streaming adoption, this could accelerate how often your colleagues use AI assistants.
If boosting AI adoption is your goal, Copilot+ PCs are likely a good choice.
Performance and Battery Life
AI tasks demand significantly more processing power than traditional applications, often 100× more for deep learning!
AI-ready tech includes advanced processors and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle AI tasks locally. This specialised hardware ensures faster response times and reduces reliance on the cloud.
And of course, new tech boasts faster charging and longer battery life… but that’s only part of the picture.
High Price for Unproven Benefits?
AI-ready devices often carry a premium price tag, and without understanding the value to the business it can be hard to justify. Copilot+ PCs are marketed as next-generation hardware, but many of their AI features, like image generation or deep research, aren’t yet part of most teams’ daily workflows. That doesn’t mean they won’t add value; it just means adoption comes hand in hand with device upgrades.
Before investing across the board, review how your teams currently use AI and where upgrades could unlock the most impact. Each team will have unique use cases, and giving them time to explore and experiment can spark creative applications and new ideas for everyday tasks. A phased or hybrid approach often works best—start where the potential is highest and scale as adoption grows.
Limited App Compatibility
While Copilot+ PCs boast impressive performance on paper, they rely on ARM-based processors. This can mean compatibility issues with older software or specialised applications. Yes, emulation exists, but it’s not always seamless, and for businesses with legacy systems, there may be steps that need to be undertaken before fully investing in AI-ready tech.
The Bottom Line
AI-ready tech, including Copilot+ PCs, offers real advantages, especially for those who value integrated AI tools and mobility. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Think of it like that Netflix button: brilliant if you use it every day, less so if you don’t. Before investing, consider whether these features will genuinely make your work easier—or just add another button you rarely press.
If you'd like to speak to us about AI ready devices such as Surface's Copilot + PCs or how we can support you with AI Adoption please get in touch
