The New Wave of AI-Optimized Devices
The latest generation of AI-ready devices represents a leap forward in how startups can deploy machine learning tools, build models and run data-intensive workloads locally — without having to rely entirely on cloud infrastructure. Three devices stand out for their innovation and startup-friendly value: the ASUS Ascent GX10, the Acer Veriton GN100 and the 2025 Apple MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip.
Each brings something different to the table, and all illustrate how startups can now access computing performance once reserved for enterprise data centers.
ASUS GX10
Startups pushing the limits of AI research need machines that can keep pace with their ambitions. The GX10 by ASUS is among the first devices on the market designed from the ground up for AI workloads. Powered by NVIDIA’s GB10 Superchip, it combines a 20-core Grace CPU with a next-generation Blackwell GPU, delivering 1,000 trillion operations per second.
That sheer processing power enables developers to train, fine-tune and run complex AI models locally with unprecedented speed. For startups working in fields such as generative AI, computer vision or data analytics, the GX10 can dramatically cut processing times and dependency on external computing resources.
While not a small-form-factor desktop, the GX10 is compact enough for startup offices or lab environments and provides a serious return on performance for teams that need muscle over mobility.
Acer Veriton GN100
For startups seeking a balance between capability and cost, the Veriton GN100 by Acer offers a compelling middle ground. This AI mini workstation, also powered by the NVIDIA GB10 Superchip, is capable of delivering up to 1 petaflop of AI performance — a remarkable achievement in a compact design.
The GN100 provides serious computing capacity for AI development or data analysis tasks without requiring a massive capital investment. It’s also designed for energy efficiency and scalability, making it an ideal fit for startups that need to deploy multiple devices or scale their infrastructure as teams grow.
The Acer Veriton GN100 gives startups the ability to build and test AI applications faster and smarter with hardware that won’t eat into their burn rate.
Apple MacBook Pro With M5
Many startups are already standardized on Apple. For them, the 2025 MacBook Pro with the M5 chip will feel like a natural evolution. The new M5 features a 10-core GPU with neural accelerators in each core, alongside a 16-core neural engine that delivers up to 3.5 times faster AI performance compared with the previous M4 chip. With 153 gigabytes per second of unified memory bandwidth, it’s built to handle AI workloads seamlessly across creative, engineering and data science applications.
For startups whose teams already live within the Apple ecosystem, this means zero disruption: no juggling multiple operating systems or workflows. It’s an easy way to step up to AI performance without retraining users or retooling processes.
Click the banner below to keep reading stories from our new publication, BizTech: Small Business.