Yes, ‘AI laptops’ are a thing now: 5 that will boost your AI workflow

We already told you about the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 that Lenovo unleashed on Thursday, but what about the other PCs ushering in a new era of AI laptops?

For the uninitiated, popular chipmaker Intel unveiled the next generation of chipsets, called Intel Core Ultra processors. What's the big deal about 'em? Well, they include an NPU, which means AI and machine-learning tasks should get a boost on these new "AI laptops."

That being said, let's take a look at all the recently announced AI PCs.

1. Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra

The refreshed Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra features the new NPU-packed Intel Core Ultra processor (up to Core Ultra 9).

Credit: Samsung

Here are its specs:

• Up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU

• Up to 64GB of RAM

• Up to 2TB of storage

• a 16-inch, 400-nit, 120Hz, AMOLED touch display with 2880 x 1800-pixel resolution

As a laptop reviewer, the last-generation variant (Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra) blew me away as a content creator machine. It's too early to tell whether the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra will do the same, but after I review it, I'll let you know.

This laptop isn't available yet. Samsung says you'll have to wait until January, and even then, if you're not based in Korea, you'll have to wait even longer. Korea has priority for availability, but other locations will get access to the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra in time.

What's the price? Samsung has been hush-hush about it so far.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon line has a lot of skin in the laptop game, and it's touted as one of the best series for anyone looking for a good work laptop. Now, Lenovo upped the ante and unveiled a new refresh: Gen 12.

Credit: Lenovo

According to Lenovo, it's better than ever with its new AI-capable chip.

The specs include the following:

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• Up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro CPU

• 14-inch display

• Up to a 120Hz, 2,800 x 1800-pixel resolution, OLED touch panel

• Up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM

• Up to 2TB of SSD storage

• Up to Intel Arc graphics

I got to see the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 in person, and I was impressed by its smaller and thinner footprint, thanks to its reduced dimensions. Again, this laptop, packed with a new NPU, gives you a boost to AI apps like Stable Diffusion.

The cheapest configuration has a price tag of $2,989 at Lenovo.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

3. Acer Swift Go 14

If the previous laptop's pricing made you cringe, you'll find some relief with the Acer Swift Go 14. It's less than $1,000.

Acer Swift Go 14 Credit: Acer

Here are the specs:

• 14-inch display

• Up to an OLED, 2880 x 1800-pixel, 90Hz panel

• Up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor

• Up to Intel Arc graphics

• Up to 32GB of RAM

• Up to 1TB of SSD storage

This AI-ready laptop is now available at Acer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Swift Go 14

4. MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo

The Prestige 13 AI Evo is surprisingly light; its weightlessness surprised me when I picked it up at a recent MSI briefing.

MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo Credit: HiDevolution

Another impressive feat of this AI-ready MSI laptop is that it's tough despite its tiny footprint. It has military-grade durability, which means those clumsy, accidental drops shouldn't affect the Prestige 13 AI Evo.

Here are the specs:

• 13-inch display

• Up to an OLED, 2880 x 1800-pixel display (60Hz)

• Up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor

• Intel Arc graphics

• Up to 32GB of RAM

• Up to 2TB of SSD storage

This laptop is set to launch at Best Buy and Adorama, but you can purchase it now at HiDevolution.

Opens in a new window Credit: HiDevolution MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo

5. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED

Another AI-ready laptop, the Zenbook 14 OLED, has a 120Hz, 2,880 x 1,800-pixel (2.8K) display.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Credit: Asus

You can also snag a variant with a 1080p, 60Hz panel, but why would you do that to yourself? According to Asus, the 2.8K panel has "lifelike colors."

It also comes with the following:

• Up to an Intel Core Ultra 9

• Up to Intel Arc graphics

• Up to 32GB of RAM

• Up to 1TB of SSD storage

Plus, it's only 2.6 pounds and has a slimness of just 0.5 inches. You get all that AI goodness in a small package. You can't buy it just yet, though. It'll be available in early 2024 at a price tag of $1,299.