If you’re wanting a laptop, smartphone or any kind of electronic product this year, it is in your best interest to shop early. Due to a variety of factors, tech is in short supply, and it is suspected that this will cause real issues for customers who are looking to buy gadgets as gifts this Christmas.
Why are there supply issues with tech right now?
The reason that tech is in short supply at the moment, or at least a shorter supply than we are used to, is due to the global silicone chip shortage. A huge amount of our tech includes semiconductors, a specific kind of computer chip. These computer chips don’t just power laptops and smartphones, they’re also in everything from toasters to cars.
There a few reasons that the world is running low on semiconductors at the moment, one of them of course being the pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic manufacturing was delayed, and there was an increase in demand for tech which enabled people to work from home, such as laptops and computers.
There have also been issues with shipping these semiconductors, particularly due to additional restrictions caused by the UK leaving the EU. Intel confirmed that plans for a semiconductor factory in the UK have been axed, and the company will instead be planning on opening the chip making facility somewhere within the EU.
What does that mean for purchasing tech this Christmas?
Regrettably, this means that everything that contains these chips is likely to cost more, and be less available. We have already seen the effects of this in Sony’s Playstation 5. Despite being released in November 2020, customers have been struggling to get a hold of one. Due to the semiconductor shortage, the console has been widely unavailable.
If you’re looking at purchasing a new laptop, you’re likely to find the higher-end models on the proverbial shelves. Lower specification laptops seem to be less available. This is in part due to the fact that manufacturers are having to pick and choose which devices get the chips and go on the shelves, and which stay in the factory. It makes more sense for businesses to sell higher end laptops than those on the cheaper side.
Smartphones are also in high demand but low supply; some, like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE were launched later than planned due to semiconductor shortages. Those wanting the latest iPhone may also find that they’re in shorter supply.
Can I get the tech I want?
Although we’d expect tech to be available, it is likely to be in shorter supply and come with a higher price tag. Customers are likely to benefit from being more flexible when it comes to gift giving this year. Look at the specifications of the item that you’re after, and consider alternatives.
When you are purchasing tech online, make sure that the store is reliable and that stock is available. Think twice before purchasing for an item that is not in stock; with the current chip shortage, it might be a while until you receive what you’ve ordered.
If it is a laptop or computer that you’re after, Transcendit can help. If the machine that you’re after is out of stock, our IT support team may be able to find a suitable alternative for you that meets your requirements.
Need help buying a laptop? Give us a call on 0191 482 0444
