tech
If You Need a Laptop, Buy It Now
Electronics are getting more expensive and worse. Blame the AI boom.
TL;DR
- RAM prices have increased dramatically, with a 64GB stick going from $250 to over $1,000 in a few months.
- The AI boom is the primary driver of this shortage, as data centers require vast amounts of RAM for AI models.
- Tech companies are shifting production lines to cater to AI data centers, reducing the supply for consumer electronics.
- This shortage is leading to price increases for laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, with predictions of further hikes and the potential extinction of sub-$500 computers.
- The consequences are global, disproportionately affecting developing countries where affordable smartphones are crucial.