An AI PC is a PC with a built-in NPU (neural processing unit) that handles certain AI-assisted tasks directly on the device. This on-device intelligence can improve responsiveness for collaboration and content creation, while helping keep sensitive data on the PC instead of constantly sending it to the cloud.

For a small business, the AI label only matters if it supports real outcomes. When you evaluate AI PCs, focus on four areas:

• Security by design – Look for hardware-rooted protections and BIOS/firmware safeguards. Dell, for example, offers Dell Trusted Device, Dell SafeBIOS (for BIOS and firmware tamper detection) and Dell SafeID with ControlVault (to protect credentials in dedicated hardware).
• Simple cloud management – If you have a lean IT team, you need easy visibility and control. Dell manageability solutions integrate with Microsoft Intune to simplify BIOS policy control, driver and firmware updates, and device monitoring from the cloud.
• Battery life and durability – Mobile and hybrid teams need devices that last through the workday and stand up to travel. Lines like Dell Pro and XPS are built with this in mind.
• Lifecycle value – The real cost of a PC spans deployment, support, refresh and retirement. Dell Pro notebooks, for instance, deliver over 10 months longer usable life versus competitors, which can reduce disruption and refresh costs over time.

In short, the best AI PC for a small business is one that helps the business run better every day: secure by default, easy to manage, built to last and supported by services that keep IT overhead low.

You can think of Dell’s small business portfolio in terms of user needs and roles rather than just specs.

• Dell Pro Essential – Best for task workers and cost-conscious teams that need dependable performance and core security. This is a good fit for roles like customer service, front-office staff or basic productivity users who don’t need premium features but still require reliable AI PC capabilities.
• Dell Pro (3/5) – Designed for mainstream business users who need dependable performance in an AI PC. This is a solid choice for most knowledge workers who rely on collaboration tools, content creation, and local AI features throughout the day.
• XPS 14 / 16 – Aimed at executives and customer-facing leaders who want a premium design, strong battery life and advanced collaboration features. These systems are well suited for frequent travelers, sales leaders and anyone who spends a lot of time in high-visibility meetings.

Across these lines, you can layer in services to match your IT capacity:

• ProDeploy to set up new PCs quickly so employees can start working on day one.
• ProSupport and ProSupport Plus for 24/7 experts, plus proactive and predictive support capabilities.
• Asset Recovery to retire devices securely and responsibly.

Independent data points can help you justify the choice internally: 8.9 out of 10 customers say Dell Pro outperforms competitors in reliability, and PCMag named Dell the leading brand for tech support and PC repair in 2025.

Dell APEX PC as a Service is designed to reimagine how you acquire and manage PCs by bundling hardware, software and services into a single monthly payment per user.

Key elements include:

• Predictable costs – Instead of large upfront purchases, you pay a monthly fee over 1–5 year terms, which can make budgeting more straightforward.
• Full lifecycle coverage – APEX PC as a Service spans deployment, support, refresh and retirement, so you’re not stitching together multiple vendors and contracts.
• Scalability – You can scale up or down as your workforce changes, which is useful for growing or seasonal businesses.

A Forrester Total Economic Impact study of a composite organization using 4,000 devices on a 36‑month term reported:

• 30% ROI over three years
• 75% elimination of user downtime
• 35% savings on support costs over three years
• 50% reduction in shipping costs when combining services with an OpEx model

While actual results will vary by organization, these benchmarks show how a subscription model can help you reshape your PC strategy: more predictable spending, less unplanned downtime, and a lighter load on your internal IT team.