<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none;" alt="" src="https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=1400476&amp;fmt=gif">
Asset Leasing

Leasing vs buying: Why flexibility matters in the age of AI laptops

Discover why leasing IT equipment offers flexibility and cost efficiency in the era of AI laptops so you can stay competitive and avoid outdated tech.


As businesses navigate the rapid evolution of technology, the decision to lease or buy IT equipment has never been more critical. The rise of AI-powered laptops - devices equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for better processing through on-device AI workloads - has introduced both opportunities and challenges for enterprise IT strategies.

Why AI laptops are changing the equation

AI laptops promise significant productivity gains, enabling faster data processing, improved privacy, and reduced reliance on cloud services. However, these benefits come with a catch:
Refresh cycles will start to accelerate dramatically from 2026 onwards, making outright purchasing riskier than it's ever been.
 
shutterstock_2614316363
As AI laptops become the norm, and the rate of technology advancement increases dramatically, refresh cycles will shorten.
Don't leave your business with a fleet of outdated tech.
 

The vendor narrative vs reality

Hardware vendors often market AI laptops as “future-proof” investments, justifying their premium price tags. In theory, these devices should remain relevant longer due to their advanced capabilities.

In practice, however, the risk of being stuck with outdated equipment is higher than ever. AI technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and what feels cutting-edge today may be obsolete in two years. Owning these devices outright amplifies this risk, leaving businesses with depreciating assets and limited flexibility.
 
Leasing flips this dynamic: instead of betting on long-term relevance, businesses can adapt quickly, upgrading to the latest AI-enabled hardware without sunk costs or disposal headaches down the track when your entire fleet of devices needs to be replaced.
 

The case for leasing

Leasing offers clear advantages for businesses seeking agility and cost efficiency:
 
  • Lower upfront costs and predictable budgeting through manageable monthly payments, preserving capital for other growth initiatives.
  • Technology refresh cycles are accelerating. Leasing agreements typically allow businesses to upgrade at the end of the term without the hassle of disposing of outdated equipment, ensuring teams always have access to cutting-edge tools as new tech emerges.
  • Leasing mitigates the risk of being locked in to using outdated technology, plus it supports scalability, whether you need to expand or downsize your fleet.

The bottom line

Leasing is no longer just a financial decision - it’s a strategic move that supports agility, competitiveness, and cost-efficiency in an era where technology lifecycles are shrinking. For businesses aiming to leverage AI-driven productivity gains without overextending capital, leasing offers the flexibility to stay ahead.
 
At Quadrent, we help organisations stay competitive by providing flexible leasing solutions for AI laptops and IT equipment. Avoid the risk of outdated technology and keep your teams equipped with the latest tools without tying up capital.
 
Talk to Quadrent today about how our tailored leasing programmes can transform your IT strategy.

Similar posts

Get notified on new marketing insights

Be the first to know about what Quadrent is up to and how we're helping businesses like yours reach their financial and business goals.