Techaisle Blog

A study by global IT research firm Techaisle found that PC maintenance and support consumes 77% of SMB IT staff time. Digging deeper into time spent on PC lifecycle management, the research finds that 57% of the time is allocated to deployment and repairs, with an additional 15% allocated to software-related management issues and 9% to OS migrations. These statistics indicate that basic PC-related maintenance tasks consume more than one in every three SMB IT staff hours.

The rise of AI is revolutionizing workplaces across industries. As AI capabilities continue to evolve, businesses are increasingly adopting this technology to enhance productivity and gain a competitive advantage. A key area of this transformation is the emergence of AI PCs. According to Techaisle data, AI PCs are poised for significant growth, with 14% to 28% of all PC purchases in 2025 expected to fall into this category, depending on the business size. This rapid adoption presents both challenges and opportunities for channel partners, MSPs, and PC OEMs responsible for supporting and servicing AI PCs. While 48% of SMBs and midmarket firms anticipate reduced support needs with AI PCs, they are also concerned that new service requirements are emerging. This necessitates a shift in service offerings to effectively address the unique needs of AI-powered devices and their users.

A recent Techaisle survey of 2,000 businesses revealed some key insights into the evolving needs of SMB services in the age of AI PCs. Most respondents (64%) believe performance optimization will be a critical service requirement. This is not surprising, as AI PCs often handle complex tasks and large datasets, demanding high levels of processing power and efficient resource management. IT service providers will need to develop specialized expertise in AI performance optimization to ensure that these devices operate at peak efficiency and deliver the expected business value.

The introduction of Dell AI Studio, Lenovo AI Now, and HP AI Companion marks a significant shift in PC capabilities, creating new demands for specialized support and services within businesses. These AI-powered tools are designed to enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and provide personalized experiences, but they also introduce complexities that many organizations may not be prepared to handle. As businesses adopt these AI-enhanced PCs, IT departments will need to develop new skills and expertise to manage and troubleshoot AI-related issues. This includes understanding how to optimize AI models for specific business needs, ensuring data privacy and security when using local AI agents, and managing the integration of AI tools with existing enterprise applications. Additionally, SMBs and midmarket firms may need to create new roles or teams dedicated to AI PC management, focusing on AI model curation, performance optimization, and user training. These changes will likely lead to an increased demand for AI-specific IT support services, specialized training programs for staff, and potentially new partnerships with AI consultancy firms to help businesses fully leverage the capabilities of their AI-enhanced PC fleets.

On March 12th, Dell unveiled its updated commercial lineup featuring AI-powered PCs. The lineup includes the Latitude 5000 (5340, 5450, 5550), 7000 (7350, 7450, 7650), and 9000 (9450) series, along with the introduction of the new Latitude 7350 Detachable, set to be available in Q2. Inspired by Concept Luna, the Latitude 7350 Detachable is likely the most serviceable commercial detachable. Dell is also enhancing its headset lineup with the Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset (WL7024). This headset features AI-powered noise-canceling microphones that intelligently differentiate human speech from background noise and dynamically adjust the noise cancellation level based on the user’s surroundings.

Beyond the Hype: A Look Inside Dell's AI-Powered PCs

The computing landscape is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation. Dell, a leading technology company, is at the forefront of this movement, offering a range of AI-powered PCs designed to empower users and businesses to achieve more. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Dell Technologies has once again pushed the boundaries with its latest innovation: a new line-up of commercial AI Latitude laptops. These cutting-edge devices are designed to enhance productivity, security, and collaboration for business professionals in the hybrid work era. Predictions about the “AI PC” have been enigmatic, but Dell is already showing how these computers can be genuinely helpful. Windows operating systems may soon incorporate AI-driven features, making everyday tasks more proactive and efficient. Imagine a PC that anticipates your needs, adapts to work patterns, and enhances the overall experience.

Dell AI PCs are not a distinct product category; they represent a designation for Dell laptops and workstations equipped with features and hardware optimized for AI tasks. Essentially, a Dell AI PC is an accelerated computer. Dell has been integrating purpose-built accelerators into its PCs for over two decades. Initially, this involved using GPUs in Precision workstations, which acted as accelerators, enabling local execution of AI workloads. There’s a new option: the NPU (Neural Processing Unit). While the NPU is gaining attention, Dell defines an AI PC simply as a computer capable of efficiently handling AI workloads or AI-optimized applications through a GPU or an NPU. This definition applies to desktops, laptops, and workstations alike.

Dell Latitude AI PCs feature robust Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel vPro at their core. These processors are built on Intel 4 process technology (7nm). The system harnesses various compute engines, including P-cores, E-cores, Intel Arc GPU, and Intel AI Boost, to accelerate AI inferencing at the edge. This collaborative approach reduces reliance on separate accelerators, ultimately streamlining system complexity and cost.

Dell has not only enhanced system configuration with AI but also offers AI-optimized software to elevate the computing experience. Dell Optimizer utilizes AI to enhance system performance, prolong battery life, and enhance overall user satisfaction. Furthermore, My Dell, another AI-powered tool, provides personalized recommendations and support for consumers and small business users.

Beyond Awareness: SMBs Show Strong Purchase Intent for AI PCs

The PC market is poised for a refresh, and AI-powered PCs will significantly impact the industry in the next 3-5 years. According to Techaisle data, SMBs and midmarket companies are not only embracing this trend but may even lead it. A recent survey by Techaisle, covering over 4500 SMBs and midmarket firms, reveals that awareness of AI PCs is remarkably high: 70% among small businesses, 82% in core midmarket firms, and 86% in upper midmarket firms. While smaller SMBs show healthy interest, with 24% planning to purchase AI PC units, core midmarket businesses are even more enthusiastic, with 38% intending to invest. The upper midmarket segment demonstrates the highest intent, with 64% planning to explore AI PCs.