Coders are driving GPU laptop demand—and EMIs are footing the bill: Acer India exec

In India's premium PC market, an emerging segment is attracting the attention of PC brands: coders and developers working in software development. With over 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, India boasts a sizable consumer market that brands are eager to tap into. Acer has noticed a surge in the adoption of lightweight, graphics processing unit (GPU)-based laptops, spanning both entry-level and high-end segments of the premium market.

Traditionally, laptops with GPUs were primarily associated with gaming. However, savvy coders are now leveraging these powerful laptops to run large language models, generative AI applications, and AI agents. Acer's Senior Director, Product Management Group, G S Sondhi, explained that high-end laptops can even handle more advanced AI workloads.

Previously, gaming laptops with GPUs and regular laptops without dedicated GPUs coexisted, but now the lines between these segments are blurring as more programmers, developers, and students opt for GPU-based laptops.

While gaming laptops may be bulkier and less suitable for everyday use, coders are seeking slimmer and lighter alternatives. Not all laptops come equipped with a GPU, emphasizing the growing demand for devices catering to coding needs.

The premium segment of the PC market, which includes major product categories such as laptops, has witnessed significant growth in recent years. This trend is not unique to the PC market but extends to other consumer electronics, including smartphones and homes. Acer, now India's second-largest PC brand by market share, has rapidly risen through the ranks, overtaking larger rivals like Lenovo and Dell.

This growth can be attributed, in part, to Acer's ability to supply computers to the government, including a substantial 5,50,000-unit order from the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu.