It appears that the cost of upgrading to one of the very latest Windows 11 laptops is about to increase, and the rise could be pretty sizeable. The reason behind the possible hikes is an unprecedented demand for RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a vital part of products such as PCs, phones and even TVs. Its price has exploded due to the massive growth of data centres, which are being used to power the generation of AI.
With tech firms needing an extra supply of Random Access Memory, it has caused an issue with demand. Like all things in life, once something is desperately needed, the price tends to rocket.
So why is RAM so vital to devices, and why can’t manufacturers just remove it?
For those not in the know, RAM is used to store data when using a device and is a critical part of almost all gadgets.
For example, when you open a browser window, its tabs are loaded into RAM. Play a game, and certain assets are stored in RAM while you bash on the keyboard. Even editing a document needs this technology, as data is kept in RAM for quick access.
Although laptop prices appear stable at present, that may not be the case for long. Speaking to the BBC, Mike Howard from Tech Insights said that the current RAM crisis could see things rise for consumers.
“In PCs, memory typically accounts for 15 to 20 percent of total cost, but current pricing has pushed that toward 30 to 40 percent,” he said.
“Margins in most consumer categories are not deep enough to absorb these increases.
“With both demand clarity and supply constraints converging, suppliers have steadily pushed prices upward, in some cases aggressively.
“Some suppliers have even paused issuing price quotes, a rare move that signals confidence that future prices will rise further.”
Some manufacturers, such as Lenovo, Dell and HP, have recently warned that prices may go up by as much as 20 per cent before the end of the year, so now could be a good time to make the jump to something new.
