iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
When memory, storage, processors, or other PC components become more expensive or harder to secure, laptop makers may raise prices, reduce discounts, change configurations, or prioritize certain models. Retailers may also stock up ahead of anticipated cost increases. These pressures can affect what buyers pay and which configurations are easy to find, but they do not prove that any particular laptop is overpriced or out of stock.
How a component shortage can reach a laptop buyer
A laptop is assembled from parts that manufacturers must source in compatible quantities and on a schedule. A constraint in one important input can raise costs or disrupt production even if other parts remain available. The effect depends on the component, the manufacturer’s contracts and inventory, and which models it chooses to build.
Manufacturers have several ways to respond
- Pass on costs: Raise a model’s list price or reduce discounts and promotional offers.
- Absorb some of the increase: Protect the advertised price while accepting lower margins.
- Change configurations or product mix: Offer less memory or storage in some price tiers, or direct limited components toward models with stronger margins.
- Secure supply earlier: Buy or reserve components in advance, which can tie up cash and does not guarantee that every model will be available.
These are possible responses, not evidence that every price change or specification change is caused by a shortage. A laptop’s retail price also reflects factors beyond component costs.
Why memory and storage costs matter
TrendForce’s modeled US$900 mainstream notebook illustrates how much component costs can influence a manufacturer’s bill of materials (BOM). It estimated that the CPU, DRAM, and SSD together represented about 68% of BOM in 3Q26, compared with about 45% in 1Q25. These are analyst cost-model estimates for a defined notebook, not measurements of retail prices or the cost structure of every laptop. TrendForce’s October 8, 2026 notebook outlook and its September 4, 2026 shipment and cost analysis describe the estimates.
#1 Best Overall
- FULL HD IPS DISPLAY - Enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide-viewing angles
- AMD RYZEN 3 30 PROCESSOR - Everyday performance you can count on; Multitask, stream, game casually, and edit photos smoothly with responsive power and vibrant HDR visuals
- ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 610M GRAPHICS - Experience smooth entertainment; Built for streaming and multitasking, enjoy realistic visuals and efficient performance for work and play
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Component pressure can also vary over time. TrendForce reported that CPU supply improved from 2Q26, while memory and storage cost pressure persisted. Its October outlook described differing prospects for DRAM and NAND, so “PC supply constraints” should not be treated as one uniform shortage affecting every part in the same way. TrendForce’s October outlook
What recent market figures do—and do not—show
Market forecasts and shipment reports help explain the direction of pressure, but they measure different things. A forecast is not a completed result; shipment prices are not the same as the retail price a buyer sees; and aggregate shipments do not tell you whether one laptop is in stock at a nearby retailer.
Rank #2
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
| Source and date | Geography and measure | Reported figure | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrendForce, September 4, 2026 | Global notebook shipments, full-year forecast | Down 9.4% year over year | A forecast for notebook shipments, not a count of laptops unavailable to buyers. Source |
| Omdia, September 9, 2026 | US PC shipments, excluding tablets, in 2Q26; then full-year outlook | Observed 2Q26 shipments rose 1.0% year over year to 18.8 million units; full-year 2026 shipments forecast down 10.7% | The positive quarter and negative annual outlook can coexist: purchases were brought forward, while Omdia still expected a weaker year overall. The shipment total includes PCs, not just laptops. Source |
| Omdia, September 9, 2026 | US average PC sell-in price in 2Q26 | Up 12.0% year over year and above $1,000 | Sell-in prices are industry prices for sales into the channel, not necessarily the amount consumers paid at retail. Source |
| Omdia, September 9, 2026 | US PC shipments in 2Q26 by price band | Down 6.5% below $699; up 36.8% above $1,500 | These are shipment changes in price bands, not retail price increases or proof that a particular budget laptop is unavailable. Source |
| IDC, updated June 8, 2026 | Global PC market, full-year 2026 forecast | PC average selling price up 18.3%; shipments down 11.3% | IDC’s forecast, not an observed year-end outcome. Source |
| Gartner, February 26, 2026 | Worldwide PC market forecast, comparing prices with 2025 | PC prices up 17%; combined DRAM and SSD prices projected up 130% by end-2026 | Both figures are Gartner forecasts, not measured final 2026 results. Source |
| Gartner, February 26, 2026 | Worldwide PC shipments, full-year 2026 forecast | Down 10.4% | A separate Gartner shipment forecast; it should not be averaged with forecasts from other publishers. Source |
The outlooks differ because they were published at different times and cover different products, geographies, and methodologies. TrendForce’s 9.4% decline concerns global notebooks; IDC’s 11.3% decline concerns global PCs; Gartner’s 10.4% decline concerns worldwide PCs; and Omdia’s 10.7% decline concerns US PCs. They are not interchangeable estimates of one identical market.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhy availability can change without every laptop disappearing
Availability is shaped not only by total component supply, but also by procurement decisions, allocation, production plans, and retailer inventory. Omdia reported that PC makers maximized available volumes in the US in 2Q26 and that channel partners built inventory ahead of anticipated increases. It also described allocation shifting away from entry-level systems. Those are aggregate observations; they do not establish the stock status of a specific model, retailer, or country. Omdia’s September 9, 2026 US market report
Rank #3
- Stunning 15.6" FHD IPS Display: Experience crisp 1920x1080 resolution on this 15.6 inch laptop with an IPS panel that delivers wide viewing angles and vivid colors. The narrow-bezel design maximizes screen real estate for comfortable viewing on this Win 11 laptop, whether you're studying or working.
- Celeron J4105 Processor & 256GB SSD: Powered by a reliable Celeron J4105 processor paired with 12GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 SSD. This laptop computer supports SSD expansion up to 2TB and TF card expansion up to 1TB, so your storage grows with your needs. Delivers smooth multitasking for daily productivity.
- AI-Powered Win 11 Laptop: Built-in AI features enhance your productivity with smart assistance for writing, summarizing, and task management. Pre-installed with Win 11 and includes Office 365 subscription. This student laptop is backed by 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer support.
- All-Day 7000mAh Battery & 180° Hinge: The high-capacity 7000mAh battery keeps this laptop powered through long classes or meetings. The 180-degree lay-flat hinge lets you share your screen effortlessly during presentations. This durable laptop computer adapts to your dynamic workflow.
- Versatile Connectivity Hub: Equipped with USB 3.2, Type-C, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm audio jack to connect all your peripherals. Stay online anywhere with high-speed 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2. This college laptop keeps you connected at home, in the library, or on the go.
Inventory brought forward can temporarily support availability while raising the risk that later replenishment will cost more or take longer. At the same time, a manufacturer may keep producing premium configurations while scaling back less profitable entry-level ones. That can make a particular configuration harder to find without implying that all laptops are scarce.
What this means for shoppers
Broad forecasts can explain why prices, discounts, and configuration choices may be under pressure, but they cannot tell you whether to buy now or guarantee that a specific laptop will become more expensive. Check the actual listing and configuration you intend to purchase.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Computing: Powered by Intel N150 processor with up to 3.6 GHz Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, and 4 threads, this HP laptop delivers responsive performance for web browsing, streaming, document editing, and multitasking. Paired with 4GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS storage, it handles daily tasks smoothly. Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage to maximize your productivity.
- 14-Inch HD Micro-Edge Display:Enjoy clear visuals on the 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare screen with 250-nit brightness and 62.5% sRGB coverage. The micro-edge bezel delivers a 79% screen-to-body ratio in a compact design. An HP True Vision 720p HD camera with noise reduction and dual-array microphones supports clear video calls, remote work, and online learning.
- Modern Connectivity and Wireless Technology: Stay connected with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless pairing with accessories. Versatile port selection includes 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps with DisplayPort 1.2 for external displays, 2 USB Type-A 5Gbps ports for peripherals, 1 HDMI 1.4b port, 1 headphone/microphone combo jack, and 1 multi-format SD media card reader. Connect monitors, transfer files quickly, and expand your workspace with ease.
- All-Day Battery Life and Portable Design: Enjoy up to 11 hours of video playback, 7.5 hours of mixed usage, or 7.5 hours of wireless streaming on a single charge, perfect for students and professionals on the go. Weighing just 3.24 lb and measuring 12.76" x 8.86" x 0.71", this lightweight laptop fits easily in backpacks and bags. The stylish willow green top cover with matte finish and natural silver keyboard deck with vertical brushing pattern offer a modern, professional look.
- AI-Enhanced Productivity: Access Microsoft Copilot instantly with the dedicated Copilot key for faster assistance. AI Noise Reduction filters background sounds and improves voice clarity during calls. Dual speakers provide clear audio, while the full-size natural silver keyboard and HP Imagepad support comfortable typing and navigation.
- Compare the price for the exact configuration, not just the laptop family name; memory and storage can differ within a product line.
- Check the retailer’s current stock status and delivery estimate when you are ready to order.
- Confirm the installed memory and storage on the listing or manufacturer specification page before comparing prices.
- Review the seller, warranty, and return terms, especially if the listing is from a marketplace seller rather than the retailer itself.
Omdia’s US 2Q26 data showed shipment declines below $699 and growth above $1,500, alongside a 12.0% rise in average PC sell-in prices. This describes a US market result for one quarter, not a universal rule that higher-priced laptops are better or that budget models cannot be found. Omdia’s report
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What the forecasts say about entry-level PCs
Gartner forecast that “The sub-$500 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028.” That is a forward-looking analyst prediction, not a statement that such PCs have already disappeared or that every market will follow the same path. Gartner also said on February 26, 2026, that vendors and channels faced a critical window in the first half of 2026 to optimize pricing and protect margins before component inflation compressed profitability from the second quarter onward. Gartner’s forecast and analyst comments
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Powerful Performance】Equipped with an Intel N150 CPU, featuring up to 4.4 GHz, ensuring efficient and powerful multitasking capabilities.
- 【Versatile Connectivity】Stay connected with multiple ports including USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, and a headphone/mic combo jack, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless networking.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
