Seasonal sales, increasing memory demands, new pressures in the component market, reasons to buy a new computer before the deadline...
It's a good time to change computers.And this can now, or in the coming weeks.Postponing the purchase may mean paying more, perhaps to understand a series of economic and technological dynamics that change the computer market.
The domino effect of artificial intelligence
The push for adoption of AI, especially in the data center sector, is already changing the balance of supply chains for electronic components.Large language models that power chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot, Google's Gemini require enormous amounts of RAM and storage capacity.And if until recently, these loads were heavy only on cloud infrastructures, today the trend is moving to personal devices as well.
Big companies are investing in AI-ready computers with dedicated coprocessors (such as the NPUs introduced by Intel, AMD and Apple), which require increasingly faster and therefore more expensive components.Many producers still have inventories built up in 2023-2024, when demand was lower due to the post-pandemic crisis and inflation.But in the meantime, according to semiconductor market research firm TrendForce, in the third quarter of 2025, DRAM prices rose by 13% and NAND (used in SSDs) prices by 9%.A trend that will continue into 2026, with double-digit growth expected in the first half of the year.Before the industry can cope with the demands of artificial intelligence, it will take time, it will be necessary to start new factories or rebuild existing ones, to find a balance point between supply and demand: in the meantime, consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets, computers, consoles) risk being content with what is left.
Time to sell
In addition to long-term incentives, there is something more immediate: year-end raises.Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas deals represent the most competitive time of the year for laptop and PC computer prices.Many mid-range and high-end models, including MacBooks, laptops with Intel Core Ultra chips and gaming computers with Nvidia RTX GPUs, are reduced by 15-30% compared to regular price lists, due to Good Friday, Christmas offers, year-end sales and early sales.Therefore, the current increases are not just a reduction, but the last useful window before a sudden change in the price situation.
New laptops with native AI features will arrive in 2026: but, at least initially, they will have high prices and may not offer immediate benefits to the average user.Meanwhile, standard computers, tablets and smartphones have increased every two years: today it is difficult to find laptops and desktops with 4 or 8 GB of RAM, not to mention a hard disk, all with SSD technology.Processors, both taken from PCs and those developed with smartphone chips, can already use mid-range artificial intelligence models in the area.In short, even though AI hasn't reached computers yet, it's already done some good things.And, in general, without causing large price increases.Apple is a case in point, offering at least 16GB of memory in all Macs today and with the latest MacBook Pro M5, has improved the chip's AI capabilities.But even at Lenovo, the world's leading PC manufacturer, "artificial intelligence is already increasing the number of products".For Luca Rossi, head of the Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group, "some AI experiences already exist, such as Copilot Plus or other applications that exploit the NPU: they perform the same tasks as before, but faster and with a fraction of the consumption".
For those who need a new computer or a better device for work, study, or content creation, waiting for new models means spending more on features they don't yet need.Many of them will be presented at the world's largest exhibition of consumer electronics CES, which is scheduled for January 6-9 in Las Vegas.They won't arrive right away, but they could further reduce the prices of laptops and desktops that are currently in stock.are emerging, so the window for smart shopping continues until the end of January.
Shopping instructions
Here are 5 types of laptops/computers to consider for your current purchase, with recommendations for different needs:
Lenovo Yoga Slim Con Intel Core Ultra 7
Why choose it: A good balance between performance, portability and freedom, ideal for professionals and consumers who need a powerful ultrabook for work, productivity and daily use.
Ideal for: complex office work, multitasking, light creativity.
Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 Intel Core Ultra
Why choose it: Convertible with Intel Core Ultra processor and AMOLED display, perfect for those looking for 2-in-1 flexibility with high performance and long battery life.
Perfect for: Students, creative professionals, anyone who wants a high performance laptop/tablet.
Apple MacBook Pro M5
Why choose it: Apple's latest chip is a radical step forward from the already excellent performance of previous models.Up to 24 hours of autonomy, real Pro power: it costs a lot, but it's an investment that pays off over the years.
Ideal for: Mobile professionals, remote workers, digital nomads.
Asus Vivobook S 15 OLED
Why choose it: thin, light, powerful (with an AMD Ryzen processor), it has an excellent Oled display, perfect for those who want a versatile laptop without the high-end budget.
Best for: Light gaming, creativity and fun.
HP OmniBook X Flip Copilot+ AI PC
Why choose it: A convertible laptop with Intel Core Ultra and Copilot+ AI, designed for productivity, creativity and advanced AI right on the device.
Best for: Users who want built-in AI features without sacrificing portability or performance.
