AI Is Making Your Next Laptop Way More Expensive (And It's Not Getting Better)

Your next laptop is about to cost a lot more. So is your next phone, your next SSD, and pretty much every piece of consumer tech you've been planning to buy. The reason is not what you'd expect.

The global memory supply is being devoured by AI. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, the three companies that make 95 percent of the world's RAM, have been redirecting their manufacturing toward high-margin AI chips. The result is a consumer memory shortage so severe the industry is calling it RAMmageddon.

In this episode, we break down what's actually happening behind the scenes, why data centers are now consuming 70 percent of all memory chips produced, and why Intel's CEO says there's no relief until 2028.

We also look at the real-world price impact that's already hitting:

• Laptop prices up $55 to $765 depending on specs
• SSD prices surging 90 percent in one quarter
• Fewer smartphones being produced at higher price points
• The PC market projected to decline up to 9 percent in 2026
• Possible delays for next-gen gaming hardware including the PS6

Plus, what this means for your tech purchasing decisions right now, and why this might actually be a good moment to rethink your relationship with upgrading.

If you're planning any tech purchase in 2026 or 2027, this is the episode to listen to first.

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