Why Waiting to Buy Computers Could Cost More and Take Longer

Is your school planning a Chromebook refresh? Is your business waiting until the next budget cycle to replace aging laptops? This year, timing your IT equipment purchases matters more than usual.

A global memory shortage is putting pressure on the entire computer supply chain, especially for organizations that rely on affordable laptops, desktops, and Chromebooks. For schools and SMBs, device refresh projects may now require earlier decisions, more flexible budgeting, and more proactive procurement planning.

At Spera Partners, we are closely monitoring these market conditions with our vendor partners, including Dell Technologies, so we can help clients plan ahead. Here’s why waiting to buy computers could cost more and take longer.

 

AI demand is changing the computer supply chain

The current memory shortage is being driven largely by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

AI data centers require enormous amounts of high-performance memory, including DRAM, NAND flash, SSD storage, and high-bandwidth memory. As demand for AI infrastructure grows, memory manufacturers are shifting more production toward higher-margin AI and data center products. That shift leaves less supply available for traditional PCs, laptops, Chromebooks, and other endpoint devices.

Dell Technologies has advised us that this is not a short-term disruption. They are expecting this structural memory shortage to extend well into 2026 and 2027. It is an industry-wide supply issue that is already affecting PC pricing and availability.

Industry analysts are reporting the same trend. IDC has described the current market as an “unprecedented memory chip shortage,” driven in part by AI data center demand outpacing supply and creating pressure on PC pricing and availability. Gartner has also forecast a 130% increase in combined DRAM and SSD prices by the end of 2026, which it expects will increase PC prices by 17% and contribute to a 10.4% decline in global PC shipments.

 

Rising component costs are putting pressure on entry-level devices

Memory and storage are core components in nearly every computer. When those costs rise, the price of finished devices often rises as well.

This affects the entire PC market, but it can be especially challenging for lower-cost systems such as Chromebooks, education laptops, entry-level business laptops, and standard desktops. These devices are built around tighter price points and depend on predictable component costs, consistent configurations, and broad availability.

The impact may show up as higher prices for similar configurations, fewer device options, reduced availability, more frequent quote changes, or the need to accept alternate models. Large device purchases can be especially difficult to plan when you need consistent equipment across classrooms, departments, locations or user groups.

If your organization relies on standardized, budget-conscious devices, early planning is especially important. Once certain configurations become constrained, replacing them with comparable options may not be as simple, affordable, or timely as expected.

 

Pricing may change before devices ship

One of the most important details for organizations to understand is that pricing may be determined at the time of shipment, not necessarily when an order is first planned. That means a quote or budget estimate created today may not reflect the final cost at fulfillment if the order is delayed or if the device ships after component costs increase.

This can create budget and planning challenges for organizations with fixed funding cycles, approved budgets, or set deployment timelines. Delaying a purchase may not only raise the cost of the same device configuration but also make it harder to align purchasing decisions with available funding, procurement approvals, and broader IT priorities or project timelines.

 

Limited supply can stretch delivery timelines

The memory shortage is not only a pricing issue. It is also a supply chain issue.

As certain components become constrained, manufacturers may place some configurations on allocation. That can limit availability, reduce configuration options, and extend delivery timelines.

A school that waits too long may find that its preferred Chromebook model is unavailable, more expensive, or delayed beyond the start of the school year. A business that waits until devices fail or until a project becomes urgent may mean fewer choices, staggered delivery, or a longer wait to equip employees with what they need.

 

Earlier planning can reduce budget and schedule risk

Spera Partners’ recommendation, aligned with guidance from Dell Technologies, is to plan and buy earlier.

Organizations should not assume this shortage will resolve quickly or that prices will return to previous levels in the near term. This is a structural supply issue connected to AI-driven memory demand, not a temporary seasonal delay.

We recommend that schools and businesses:

• Review device inventories now.
• Identify aging laptops, desktops, and Chromebooks.
• Prioritize devices tied to instruction, testing, security, productivity, or compliance.
• Start procurement conversations earlier than usual.
• Lock in configurations where possible.
• Consider phased modernization instead of waiting for one large refresh.

A phased approach can help organizations spread costs over time while still reducing the risk of sudden price increases, limited availability, and delayed shipments.

 

The bottom line: waiting could cost more and take longer

DRAM and NAND supply growth is lagging. Prices are increasing. Some configurations may take longer to ship. If you’re planning computer purchases this year, the best strategy is to plan early, confirm availability, and move forward before pricing and lead times become more difficult to manage.

Spera Partners is actively working with Dell Technologies and our other vendor partners to help clients understand these market conditions, evaluate their options, and plan technology purchases with fewer surprises. If your school or business expects to make IT equipment purchases this year, now is the time to start the conversation.  Reach out to our Account Management team here or request a complimentary consultation below.  When your IT runs better, everything runs better.

Spera Partners

Consultation for Business: https://sperapartners.com/business-solution-complimentary-consultation/

Consultation for Schools:  https://sperapartners.com/Complimentary-Consultation/