At CES 2026, Dell product chief Kevin Terwilliger said that, particularly among consumers, buyers were “not buying based on AI.” Chief operating officer Jeff Clarke described an “un-met promise of AI” after the industry expected AI features to create new demand. Dell has not said that consumers universally dislike AI or that it is abandoning AI PCs. The practical message is narrower: an NPU or Copilot+ badge is not yet a primary reason most people replace a laptop.
What Dell actually said at CES 2026
The remarks came during an executive briefing and subsequent media coverage, not a formal announcement called “consumers do not care about AI PCs.” Terwilliger’s point was about purchase motivation: consumers are generally choosing laptops for familiar benefits rather than AI capability. PCWorld reported his statement, while 9to5Mac published the related wording.
Clarke’s diagnosis was broader. He referred to an unmet promise of AI and the expectation that AI would drive end-user demand. Dell’s CES message was therefore “not AI-first,” a notable change from its more prominent AI-PC positioning at CES 2025. PC Gamer’s briefing report described the shift alongside Dell’s renewed emphasis on XPS and Alienware.
That is evidence about AI as a buying trigger, not proof that no one wants AI features. Dell did not publish a consumer survey establishing that buyers “do not care,” and one executive briefing cannot measure the entire PC market.
#1 Best Overall
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
Dell is changing the pitch, not withdrawing the hardware
Dell continues to list AI PCs, Copilot+ PCs, commercial systems with NPUs and AI workstations. Its consumer AI-PC catalog, Copilot+ catalog and XPS range remain active.
The change is positioning. Dell is putting recognizable product benefits—design, performance, battery life, gaming and the revived XPS brand—ahead of an abstract AI label. An AI-capable processor may still be inside the laptop, but it is no longer necessarily the reason Dell wants a consumer to buy it.
Why AI has not become a mainstream upgrade trigger
The immediate benefits are unclear
Many consumer AI tools run in a browser or in the cloud, so they do not require a new NPU. Other features work only in particular applications, are still rolling out or change with software updates. A buyer whose current laptop handles web, office and streaming tasks may see no urgent reason to replace it.
Rank #2
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
Existing laptops are often good enough
People commonly upgrade when a computer is slow, damaged, has poor battery life or cannot run a desired game or creative application. “Not buying because of AI” does not mean “not buying a new PC”; it means the NPU is usually not the trigger.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe terminology is confusing
“AI PC,” “Copilot+ PC,” “NPU,” “on-device AI” and “Copilot key” overlap but are not interchangeable. Buyers must still ask which features are exclusive to the hardware, which require an account or subscription, which work offline and whether the software supports the NPU. Terwilliger reportedly said AI may confuse consumers more than it helps them; Tom’s Guide covered that context.
Privacy is feature-specific
Local processing can reduce the need to send some data to a cloud service, but an “AI PC” is not automatically private. Activity recall, image generation and other functions can depend on Windows settings, an account and cloud services. Check the privacy controls for the exact feature you intend to use.
Rank #3
- Immersive visuals: The FHD IPS display features 99% sRGB and 50% higher contrast* within a narrow border so you can enjoy vivid, true-to-life colours as you work, learn or stream.
- Eye comfort: Keep your eyes comfortable during long screen sessions with Dell ComfortView Plus, designed to reduce harmful blue light emissions. Enjoy a smoother viewing experience, thanks to a refresh rate that's 66% higher than the previous generation*.
- Keep your area clutter-free with an innovative stand that provides the perfect space to house your keyboard underneath the display.
- Picture perfect: Look your best, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to HDR technology on the 5MP+IR camera. Adjust the tilt from 0 to 20 degrees for the perfect angle. For privacy, simply push the pop-up camera down to hide it.
- Wireless, high-definition audio: Immerse yourself in loud, clear audio with dual Bluetooth speakers and Dolby Atmos spatial sound while you’re listening to music, video chatting, or watching a movie.
Price pressure has several causes
CES coverage also discussed memory shortages and rising component costs. AI is not established as the sole cause of higher laptop prices: memory, storage, displays, tariffs, exchange rates and graphics demand can all affect a configuration’s price. PC Gamer reported the component-cost context.
Consumers and businesses are different markets
Dell’s statement specifically concerned consumers. Companies may have defined reasons to deploy local AI: centralized management, security controls, software development, content generation, sales tools, customer care or supply-chain analysis. Deloitte’s analysis of Dell’s enterprise strategy describes those use cases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Dell’s financial commentary also separates the markets. Its FY2025 earnings materials described improving commercial-PC performance while consumer demand remained challenged. In its Q1 FY2026 earnings call, Dell reported stronger commercial momentum but a 19% decline in consumer revenue. That does not prove AI caused the decline; it shows why enterprise and household buying decisions should not be treated as one market.
Rank #4
- Speed up your tasks with AI: Unlock new levels of productivity and creativity by upgrading to Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in AI.
- Supports multiple monitors: Connect up to four FHD monitors using DisplayPort and Daisy Chaining*. Or connect two 4K displays using HDMI 2.1 port and DisplayPort.
- Effortless upgrades: The tool-less entry and removable side panel let you quickly access the internal components, making upgrades convenient and stress-free.
- Ready for business: Keep your data secure with a hardware TPM security chip. And when you need to step away from your desk, simply secure your desktop using the built-in lock slot or padlock loop.
- Style meets sustainability: Dell Tower Desktop seamlessly combines elegance with sustainability. Its sleek, modern design, crafted from recycled materials and featuring refined corners, makes it a stylish addition to any home or office.
AI PC versus Copilot+ PC
Dell describes an AI PC as a PC or workstation with a designated NPU or AI chip; for laptops, Dell also references a Microsoft Copilot key in its definition. Microsoft’s stricter Copilot+ category requires an NPU capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (40+ TOPS). Dell lists at least 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage for Copilot+ systems in its catalog.
| Term | What it means | What it does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| AI PC | A broad vendor label for a PC with an NPU or other AI acceleration. | Faster general-purpose applications or exclusively local processing. |
| Copilot+ PC | A Windows category built around a 40+ TOPS NPU and Microsoft’s supported hardware requirements. | That every feature is available immediately, offline or without an account. |
| NPU | A specialized processor for supported neural-network workloads. | Better gaming, browsing or every traditional desktop program. |
| TOPS | A theoretical throughput measure for AI operations. | “40 times faster” performance in real applications. |
An NPU can be useful, but only software that calls on it will show a benefit. CPU performance, graphics hardware, cooling and memory still determine most ordinary workloads.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Dell’s current lineup means for a buyer
Observed U.S. Dell catalog prices are configuration-sensitive and promotional, so treat these as signals rather than permanent quotes.
Best Value
- 14TH GEN POWER & PRO PERFORMANCE: Powered by the 14th Gen Intel Core i3-14100 processor (4-Core, 8-Thread, up to 4.7GHz Turbo, 12MB cache) and Windows 11 Pro. Built to tackle heavy business workloads, office automation, and continuous daily operations with ultra-responsive speed.
- HIGH-SPEED DDR5 & FAST NVME SSD: Equipped with a massive 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD for storing large database files, media archives, and projects with ease. Combined with 8GB high-speed DDR5 RAM to eliminate lag during heavy, multi-application processing.
- 4K MULTI-MONITOR SUPPORT: Intel UHD Graphics 730 supports up to dual 4K monitors via HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a. Ideal for financial trading, content previewing, and complex data analysis requiring vast visual real estate and crisp clarity.
- COMPREHENSIVE CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Next-gen MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth ensure seamless wireless performance. Fully equipped with modern ports including USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, SD media reader, and audio jack.
- ENTERPRISE-READY & OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Pre-loaded with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit for enterprise-grade security and IT manageability. Features a sleek, space-saving desktop footprint (12.76" x 6.06" x 11.53") designed with an optimized thermal airflow layout for system longevity.
| Family | Observed starting signal | Best fit | Likely poor fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 14 Plus | About $799.99 | Mainstream users prioritizing price, display and battery life. | Serious gaming, high-end graphics or upgradeable memory. |
| XPS 13 | New models from about $699.99; other configurations around $949.99 | Portable premium design and conventional productivity. | Maximum performance per dollar or easy upgrades. |
| XPS 14 / XPS 16 | About $1,639.99 and $1,699.99–$2,149.99, depending on configuration | Larger displays, premium construction and selected discrete-graphics options. | Buyers who do not need premium materials or extra graphics power. |
| Dell Pro 14 Premium | About $1,719 starting; listed configurations around $2,299–$2,609 | Organizations needing Windows 11 Pro, vPro, enterprise support and a 40-TOPS NPU. | Home users with no business-management requirement. |
Verify the live configuration before purchase. Thin systems may have soldered memory, and Copilot+ features can depend on Windows edition, updates, region, account status and software availability.
When paying for an AI PC makes sense
- You need a new laptop anyway and the AI-capable model is competitively priced.
- You use software that explicitly supports local NPU acceleration.
- You specifically want supported Windows on-device features.
- Efficient processor design and long battery life matter, and the complete platform meets your needs.
- You are buying for an organization with a defined local-inference, security or management requirement.
- You will keep the laptop for several years and accept that future software support is uncertain.
When to ignore the AI label
- Your workload is mainly browsing, office software and streaming.
- You expect an NPU to speed up every application.
- The AI model costs substantially more but you cannot name a feature you will use.
- You dislike bundled AI tools or have unresolved privacy concerns.
- You need gaming performance; a discrete GPU and thermal design matter far more than an NPU.
- You need upgradeable RAM or storage and the thin model uses soldered components.
A practical laptop-buying checklist
- Choose the operating system and confirm that your essential applications run on it.
- Match the CPU and GPU to your actual workloads, such as office work, gaming, editing or development.
- Compare independent battery testing and the manufacturer’s stated conditions rather than relying on an AI badge.
- Inspect the display, keyboard, webcam, ports, weight, repairability and warranty.
- Check memory and storage upgradeability before ordering.
- If considering Copilot+, verify the 40+ TOPS NPU, Windows edition, supported features and account requirements.
- Pay extra for AI only when a named workload or feature justifies the premium.
What Dell’s admission does—and does not—prove
The defensible conclusion is that AI has not yet become a compelling mainstream consumer upgrade reason. It does not prove that AI PCs are a failure, that no consumer values local AI or that Dell is abandoning the category. Developers, creators, businesses and early adopters may have legitimate uses, while other buyers may receive an NPU as part of a modern processor without choosing the laptop for AI.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Dell is acknowledging a marketing reality, not canceling AI hardware. Buy the laptop for its screen, battery, performance, reliability, ports and price. Choose an AI or Copilot+ model when a specific supported feature or workload earns the cost; otherwise, treat the NPU as a bonus rather than the reason to spend more.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
