The Best New Laptops in 2025: Why Microsoft Copilot Matters (Especially If You’re Buying a Laptop for School or Work)

The Best New Laptops in 2025: Why Microsoft Copilot Matters (Especially If You’re Buying a Laptop for School or Work)

What Is Microsoft Copilot and Why Should You Care?

Microsoft Copilot is built directly into Windows 11 as an AI assistant that can help you get everyday tasks done faster — even if you’re not “tech savvy.” It’s designed for real-world use: emails, planning, documents, research, and quick explanations.

Examples of how people actually use it:

  • Drafts professional emails in plain English

  • Summarizes long articles or PDF files

  • Turns bullet points into formatted Word documents

  • Helps organize your thoughts before a meeting

  • Explains technical topics simply

  • Adjusts Windows settings for you instead of digging through menus

If you’re buying a new laptop for school or for a student, Copilot becomes a research assistant and writing tutor in the same device.


What Is Copilot+ (and How Is It Different)?

Copilot = regular AI (runs online)
Copilot+ = advanced AI (runs on the device)

Copilot+ PCs are built with a special AI processor called an NPU. This allows:

✅ Faster responses
✅ Works offline (no internet required)
✅ More privacy
✅ More powerful features like Recall and image creation

Over the next 1–2 years, Copilot+ will become the standard for premium Windows laptops — which matters if you want a laptop that lasts 5+ years.


Intel vs AMD: Which Is Better for Copilot+?

Both work well, but they’re not identical. Here’s the short version:

Feature Intel Core Ultra AMD Ryzen AI Series
AI processing Good Best right now
Battery life Solid Often higher
Heat / efficiency Good Better
Availability Widely available Growing quickly

If you want the best laptop for long-term AI features, AMD currently has the edge, especially for Copilot+ workloads.
If you want the most compatibility and brand options, Intel is still excellent.


How Much Does Copilot Cost?

Copilot Tier Cost Who It’s For
Built-in (free) $0 Everyday users and students
Copilot for Microsoft 365 ~$20–$30/month Business owners, professionals, or college students using Office heavily

Most households never need the paid version. The built-in Copilot already makes life easier for everyday tasks.


What Apps Already Use Copilot?

Copilot integrates with:

  • Word (drafts/polish writing)

  • Excel (analyze or explain data)

  • PowerPoint (creates slides from text)

  • Outlook (summarizes emails)

  • Teams (meeting summaries)

  • Windows settings

  • Snipping tool, Photos, and Paint (AI editing on Copilot+ PCs)

This makes a big difference if you're buying a laptop for school or work — the tools you already use simply become faster and easier.


Do You Need to Be “Into Tech” to Use Copilot?

Not at all. In fact, Copilot makes Windows less intimidating because you can just tell it what you need instead of guessing where a feature is hidden in a menu.

Most people aged 35–60 appreciate it not because it’s flashy, but because it reduces friction:

  • No more digging through email threads

  • No more staring at a blank Word document

  • No more retyping notes from a PDF

  • No more “Where is that setting?” moments

It’s practical time savings — not a gadget gimmick.


What to Look for When Buying a New Laptop in 2025

Before you choose a device, ask:

  1. Does it have an NPU? (Required for Copilot+)

  2. Intel or AMD? (AMD = best AI, Intel = broadest options)

  3. Is the battery rated for 10+ hours real-world?

  4. Is the screen comfortable for long viewing?

  5. Will it comfortably last 5+ years?

If you want the best laptop right now, choosing Copilot+ ensures you’re not buying something outdated in a year.


Final Thoughts

If you're buying a new laptop for school, work, or general household productivity, Microsoft Copilot helps you get more done with less effort. And Copilot+ — powered by the newest Intel or AMD AI processors — is the next major step forward in how Windows is used day to day.

Instead of learning more software, you save time by letting the computer assist you.

The bottom line:

  • ✅ For longevity → Choose a Copilot+ PC

  • ✅ For best battery + performance → AMD

  • ✅ For broad availability → Intel

  • ✅ For everyday productivity → Free Copilot is enough