Intel’s latest global survey makes one thing clear: AI PCs aren’t a gimmick. They’re now seen as essential by 90% of business leaders who say these machines will supercharge productivity and drive innovation. But there’s a catch. While everyone wants in, not everyone is prepared.
AI PCs Mean Business
AI PCs aren’t just laptops with fancy branding. They’re equipped to handle AI tasks directly on the device, making them faster and more secure. According to Intel’s survey of 5,050 business and IT decision-makers across 23 countries:
- 90% believe AI PCs will boost productivity
- 92% expect them to unlock new revenue streams and services
- 87% are already upgrading or planning to upgrade to AI PCs
That’s a massive shift in thinking. Businesses clearly see AI PCs as a long-term investment, not a short-term trend. With local processing, sensitive data stays on the device, making them ideal for sectors like healthcare, finance, and legal.
Security Still Worries Some
Even with all the excitement, there’s hesitation. Especially from companies that haven’t yet made the jump.
- 33% of non-adopters cite security as a top concern
- Only 23% of adopters still see security as a problem
Why the difference? It comes down to experience. Those using AI PCs already benefit from built-in hardware security. And unlike cloud-based AI, local processing reduces exposure to external threats.
Big Spend, Bigger Returns
Business leaders aren’t shy about putting money behind this tech:
- Willing to pay up to 25% more for AI-enabled PCs
- Early adopters report up to 213% ROI over three years
- 90% fewer IT site visits, and 65% less time managing devices
That kind of efficiency means IT teams can finally focus on strategic projects instead of putting out fires. In the UAE, where tech infrastructure is rapidly evolving, this could be a major boost.
Training Is the Blind Spot
Here’s where the hype hits a wall. Everyone agrees training matters:
- 95% say it’s essential to get full ROI from AI PCs
- But only 42% of companies offer ongoing support or training
Too many firms rely on one-off briefings. But AI tools evolve quickly. Without continuous learning tied to specific jobs and tasks, businesses won’t get the full benefit.
What It Means for UAE Firms
The UAE is pushing hard on digital transformation. That makes AI PCs a natural fit. But to make them work, firms need to do more than just buy the latest hardware. They need to:
- Invest in proper onboarding and continuous training
- Reassess security needs with local data processing in mind
- Focus on performance gains aligned with business goals
Summary
AI PCs are not just another upgrade. They’re a smarter, faster, and more secure way of working. But without the right training and support, most firms won’t realise their full potential.
FAQs
What exactly is an AI PC?
It’s a computer with built-in AI capabilities that processes data locally, rather than relying on the cloud.
Are AI PCs secure?
Yes, they often include hardware-based security features and keep sensitive data on-device, which reduces risk.
Is it worth upgrading now?
If you’re looking to boost performance and free up IT resources, yes. However, make sure that you have a training plan in place.