The global component shortage continues to hit consumers' wallets. This week, Apple, Microsoft, and Valve confirmed price increases on their devices. The Steam Machine costs $1,049, the Surface devices have reduced memory, and the MacBook Neo went from $599 to $699. Renewing a device becomes more expensive every day, and there are no signs that this will change anytime soon.
Scarce components and rising prices 📈
The semiconductor supply chain remains strained, affecting the production of processors and memory. Manufacturers like Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices to maintain margins. Valve, with its Steam Machine, enters an already high-priced segment. The Surface devices with less memory indicate a cost-reduction strategy that ultimately the user pays for. For anyone needing a new device, the current moment is one of high prices and limited deals.
The law of least effort (and maximum price) 💸
It seems manufacturers have decided that the shortage is the perfect excuse to raise prices without remorse. Now, buying a basic laptop hurts almost as much as a high-end gaming one. If you used to wait for a deal, now you settle for them not having added another $100 to your cart. The new normal is paying more for less, and smiling while you do it.