Laptop Prices Rise Into 2027 as RAM and Storage Crunch Hits Back-to-School Buyers
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Aug 14
Laptop Prices Rise Into 2027 as RAM and Storage Crunch Hits Back-to-School Buyers
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Aug 14
Summary
Memory shortages are pushing back-to-school laptop prices higher, with some models only slightly pricier and others jumping sharply as students shop for the new term.
All memory output through 2027 is already allocated, the report says, making further price increases likely and strengthening the case for buying a more capable machine now.
Budget options still exist: usable laptops can be found under $500, solid picks around $700, and Chromebooks such as Asus' CX34 remain available near $350.
Apple's lineup anchors the recommendations, with the MacBook Neo starting at $599 for students and the MacBook Air at $1,199, while Windows alternatives from Asus, Acer, HP and refurbished ThinkPads fill the midrange.
The buying advice is to prioritize longevity over the lowest sticker price—ideally 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage—because underpowered machines will age poorly as component constraints persist.