If you’ve shopped for a new laptop, phone, or even fridge lately, you might’ve felt the sting of rapidly increasing prices. This surge, now being dubbed “Ramageddon”, isn’t just media hype, it’s being felt across Aotearoa, impacting businesses and families alike.
The root of the issue is a global “computer memory crisis”, fuelled by the rush toward artificial intelligence. As Paul Spain pointed out recently on ThreeNew, “High-performance memory made for AI systems is in real demand, and the memory manufacturers make a lot more selling that type of memory than they would traditional memories.” This means everything from consumer laptops to smartwatches are getting squeezed, with the cost of RAM (the essential ingredient for smooth computing) climbing sharply.
These increases aren’t just a minor inconvenience. As Chris McGill, a veteran product manager, noted, “Prices are increasing by 4 to 5 times what people have been used to, so quite a price shock.” For New Zealand companies, especially those planning hardware upgrades or device refreshes, this can throw IT budgets into disarray. An upgrade that might’ve cost $2,000 could now be $2,500 or even $3,000, as Paul Spain highlighted. Such jumps demand a more strategic, long-term approach to IT investment.
The advice is clear: if you need new tech and can afford it now, don’t wait as prices are likely to climb further. Experts also suggest considering lower RAM options or holding off purchases if you can.