Why Buying a New Laptop Now May Be Cheaper Than Waiting Until Next Year
Consumers planning to purchase a new laptop may want to reconsider delaying their decision until next year, as mounting pressures from the global artificial intelligence boom are expected to drive computer prices significantly higher in the coming months.
While artificial intelligence has already been blamed for a range of challenges - from the environmental footprint of massive data centers to the growing spread of low-quality digital content - it is now emerging as a key factor behind rising hardware costs. The rapid expansion of AI technologies has led to a global shortage of PC memory, as major AI companies consume vast amounts of RAM and storage to power thousands of servers across expanding data centers.
This surge in demand has triggered a sharp increase in RAM prices, a core component found in laptops and desktop computers alike. Industry sources indicate that computer manufacturers are preparing to pass these higher costs directly on to consumers.
According to recent reports, Dell plans to raise prices on its computers by 15% to 20% or more as early as mid-December. Lenovo has also announced that it will increase prices at the start of the new year, with expectations that other major PC manufacturers will soon follow suit.
Buy Now, Before Prices Rise
Industry observers say consumers who already have the budget allocated for a new laptop may benefit from making their purchase before the end of the year, rather than waiting for next-generation models expected to be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the coming weeks. By the time new devices hit the market, price increases across existing models may already be in effect.
Despite the anticipation surrounding new releases, there is currently a wide selection of high-quality laptops available, making immediate purchases a practical option for buyers seeking to avoid higher costs.
Maximize Preinstalled Memory
Experts also advise buyers to prioritize higher amounts of preinstalled RAM when purchasing a new laptop. Many modern laptops come with soldered memory that cannot be upgraded after purchase, making upfront configuration choices especially critical.
With memory prices expected to continue rising, opting for 32GB or even 64GB of RAM could offer better long-term value, particularly for users planning to keep their devices for several years.
For gaming laptops that still offer user-replaceable RAM, consumers are encouraged to fully populate available memory slots at the time of purchase. Buyers who plan to add RAM later may find themselves paying significantly more for upgrades than they would today.
As AI-driven demand continues to reshape the global technology supply chain, analysts warn that hardware inflation may become an ongoing trend, making early purchasing decisions increasingly important for cost-conscious consumers.