If you’re planning to buy a new laptop in 2025, chances are you’ve already come across the term Copilot+ features. But what exactly does that mean? And why do people keep talking about RAM, NPU, and battery life when discussing these laptops?
Think of this blog as your friendly guide. I’ll walk you through everything in simple terms, so even if you’re not a tech expert, you’ll know exactly what to look for before spending your hard-earned money.
What Are Copilot+ Features?
Copilot+ laptops are the latest generation of Windows AI PCs. They’re built with special hardware that makes Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant run smoothly. Unlike older laptops, these machines aren’t just about speed or storage. They’re designed to handle tasks like:
- AI-powered photo and video editing
- Real-time translations
- Better security features
- Productivity tools that “think” with you
To unlock these experiences, you need the right combination of RAM, NPU, and battery life—three things that make a huge difference in daily use.
Laptop Buying Checklist for Copilot+ Features
Here’s the simple checklist you should follow before buying a Copilot+ laptop.
1. RAM: The Fuel for Your Laptop
When you hear “RAM,” think of it as your laptop’s short-term memory. The more it has, the more apps and AI tools you can run without slowdowns.
- Minimum for Copilot+ laptops: 16GB
- Recommended for smooth AI tasks: 32GB or higher
Why so much? AI-powered tools, like image upscalers or AI chat assistants, use a lot of memory. If you buy a laptop with only 8GB, it might struggle, and you’ll regret it later.
💡 Pro Tip: Always choose a laptop where RAM is either upgradeable or already future-proof.
2. NPU: The Brain for AI
Here’s a term you might not be familiar with—NPU (Neural Processing Unit). It’s basically a small brain inside your laptop made especially for AI tasks.
- What an NPU does: Handles things like real-time translation, voice recognition, and AI image tools without draining your CPU or GPU.
- Why it matters: Without an NPU, Copilot+ features won’t work as smoothly or may not even be supported.
Look for laptops with at least 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of NPU performance. This ensures your machine is ready for heavy AI workloads.
3. Battery Life: Don’t Ignore It
AI features are amazing, but they can drain your laptop’s battery faster than you think. That’s why battery life is a critical part of the laptop buying checklist for Copilot+ features.
- Basic usage: Aim for 8–10 hours of real-world use.
- Heavy AI tasks: Look for 12+ hours with power-efficient processors.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just trust the numbers on the box. Check reviews and real-world tests, because manufacturers often exaggerate battery claims.
4. Processor: ARM vs x86
Copilot+ laptops often come with ARM-based processors (like Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite) or x86 processors (like Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI chips).
- ARM laptops: Longer battery life, very efficient with AI, but some older apps may not run perfectly.
- x86 laptops: Great compatibility with older software, but usually less battery efficient.
Choose based on your needs: If you care about all-day performance, ARM might be the better option. If you need maximum compatibility, stick with x86.
5. Storage: SSDs Only
AI applications work with huge files—think images, videos, and datasets. A fast SSD is non-negotiable.
- Minimum storage: 512GB SSD
- Recommended storage: 1TB or more
💡 Pro Tip: If you work with creative tools (like Photoshop or Premiere Pro), extra storage will save you a lot of headaches.
Laptop Buying Checklist in Simple Words
To sum it up, here’s your easy-to-remember checklist:
- At least 16GB RAM (prefer 32GB)
- NPU with 40+ TOPS performance
- Long-lasting battery life (10+ hours)
- Processor that fits your needs (ARM for efficiency, x86 for compatibility)
- Fast SSD storage (512GB–1TB minimum)
If your new laptop ticks these boxes, it’s ready for Copilot+ features.
Also Read: Fix No Sound or Audio Missing After Windows Update
Why Following This Checklist Saves You Money
Buying a laptop without considering Copilot+ readiness is like buying a car without checking the engine. Sure, it might look shiny, but it won’t perform when you need it.
By following this checklist, you’re making sure your laptop lasts for years, runs AI tools smoothly, and gives you the best bang for your buck.
Also Read: How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows 11 Without Deleting Important Files
FAQs About Laptop Buying Checklist for Copilot+ Features
Q1. Do I really need 32GB RAM for a Copilot+ laptop?
Not always. 16GB is the minimum, but 32GB makes a noticeable difference for AI-heavy tasks like video editing or coding.
Q2. What if my laptop doesn’t have an NPU?
Without an NPU, many Copilot+ features won’t run efficiently. Your CPU and GPU will take the load, causing slower performance and higher battery drain.
Q3. Which is better for Copilot+ laptops, ARM or x86?
ARM is better for efficiency and longer battery life, while x86 ensures maximum software compatibility. Choose based on your workflow.
Q4. Can I upgrade RAM and storage later?
Some laptops allow it, but many ultra-thin AI laptops don’t. Always check before buying if upgrades are important to you.
Q5. Is battery life really that important for Copilot+ laptops?
Yes. AI tasks can quickly drain power, so a bigger, efficient battery ensures you stay productive without constant charging.
Final Word:
When buying a new laptop in 2025, don’t get distracted by shiny ads. Use this laptop buying checklist for Copilot+ features—RAM, NPU, and battery life are the three must-haves. Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a laptop that feels future-proof and keeps up with all your AI needs.
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