Microsoft and startup Ghost are introducing expensive new computers built to run AI models locally, reflecting a growing push to make AI work less dependent on cloud services.
Microsoft has opened preorders for its Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a compact developer system priced at $5,999 and scheduled to ship in November. The device uses Nvidia’s Arm based RTX Spark platform and includes 128GB of unified memory. Microsoft says this configuration can run local models with more than 120 billion parameters.
The Dev Box is aimed primarily at developers who test models, build AI agents, or use coding assistants on their own hardware. It runs a developer focused version of Windows 11 Pro and includes tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git, GitHub Copilot, WSL, Python, and Node. Its 3D printed aluminum case also serves as a heat sink.
Different customers, similar goal
Ghost, a San Francisco startup, takes a more consumer oriented approach with Core, a $3,499 computer designed to run personal AI agents continuously. The company says Core combines a software layer, browser, file system, and locally stored personal memory. It includes an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 SFF Blackwell GPU and ships with three preinstalled models from Qwen and Gemma.
Ghost says users access the screenless device through an app or phone, while agents can analyze information and carry out approved tasks. The company says it encrypts personal data locally and is developing a firewall to review agents’ network requests. Core’s first batch is expected to ship in late October.
The two products serve distinct markets, but both point to demand for hardware that can handle larger models close to the user. Microsoft focuses on professional AI development, while Ghost is pitching a dedicated machine for persistent personal assistance.
Sources
- Microsoft opens preorders for the $5,999 Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, with 128GB of unified memory to run local models with 120B+ parameters, shipping in November – The Verge
- Ghost, which makes a $3,499 computer designed for AI agents and includes an RTX Pro 4000 SFF Blackwell GPU, emerges from stealth with an $11M seed led by a16z – TechCrunch
Stay up to date
AI for content creation: the latest tools, tips and trends. Every two weeks in your inbox:
