Laptop Prices Are About to Spike — Here’s How to Buy Smart & Avoid Scams

Article Summary

• Tech costs are increasing due to new technology tariffs and inflation.
• To provide value, prioritize at least the minimum laptop specs for 2025, such as 16GB RAM and an SSD.
• Very inexpensive laptops are usually characterized by subpar performance and increased costs later. 
• The best times to buy are during seasonal sales before tariffs hit harder.
• Beware of scams. Look out for salespeople who raise clear red flags, provide unclear specifications, and offer no warranty.
• My Computer Works will always provide affordable tech support to safeguard your investment.

Did you know that in 2023, more than 180 million laptops were sold worldwide? It’s also estimated that the average laptop sells for between $300 and $800, depending on the type and specifications. Also, prices constantly fluctuate, so the time may be now if you’ve considered purchasing a new computer. At My Computer Works, we believe that staying one step ahead of the changing market makes for smarter tech purchases.

With tariffs on the horizon – even though laptops are exempt – and the market more unpredictable than ever, tech on a budget means more planning in 2025. In this article, we’ll take you through the newest developments, provide top computer buying tips, and help you find the best budget tech in 2025, without falling into the most common purchasing traps.

Tariff Talk: What’s Happening with Tech Prices Right Now

Will tech prices rise? The answer is a strong yes. Global happenings, supply chain restructuring, and fresh trade talks are all having a cost impact on electronics, including laptops. 

Tariffs on electronics will be higher in 2025, with prices particularly higher on components such as CPUs, GPUs, and storage drives. Yet, it’s important to note that recent reports from TechRadar indicate that the US government has exempted computers, phones, and other devices from its tariff increases. This has somewhat alleviated concerns about significant price hikes for laptops. 

Editorial credit: Robert V Schwemmer / Shutterstock.com

However, this doesn’t mean prices won’t spike in the current climate. Production delays, increased import costs, and inflationary trends are making conditions ripe for products like electronics to cost more. Knowing this, the smart move is to purchase wisely now, before the next round of price raises.

Minimum Specs You Shouldn’t Go Below (Even on a Budget)

When buying tech on a budget, the tempting option might be the cheapest price available. Unfortunately, skipping out on a high-quality laptop today might equal much aggravation tomorrow. 

The point is, don’t buy cheap things for the sake of being cheap. You need to ensure the laptop you buy is affordable while meeting the basic requirements. The minimum laptop specs in 2025 you should look for are:

• A minimum of 16 GB of RAM for efficient multitasking and future-proofing.
• SSD storage of a minimum of 256GB for quicker boot-up and load times.
• 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or later / AMD Ryzen 5 or later.
• 1920 x 1080 full HD display resolution.
• Wi-Fi 6 support for quicker and more dependable connections.

Selecting computers within these specifications will ensure that your new computer lasts longer and performs better, which is crucial when the objective is to save on computers.

Top Budget-Friendly Devices That Meet Today’s Standards

The good news? You can still get affordable computers with an SSD and strong performance without breaking the bank. Among the best laptops under $700 in 2025 are:

• Acer Aspire 5 (Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM & 512 GB SSD).
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i.
• HP Pavilion x360.
• ASUS VivoBook 15.

These budget laptops offer good reliability and decent specs and are viable contenders for the best affordable laptops of the year in our books.

The Hidden Costs of Buying Too Cheap

While the lowest sticker price may look most appealing, purchasing too cheaply will ultimately cost you. Inferior devices come with:

• Outdated security measures that expose you to cyber threats.
• Poor battery life and decreased processor speeds.
• A failure to support newer versions of software.
• More rapid hardware failure, requiring earlier replacements.

When saving money on computers, it makes more sense to spend a bit extra upfront and avoid the costly headaches later.

When to Buy: Timing Your Tech Purchase in a Volatile Market

With the threat of rising computer prices on the horizon, time is of the essence. Industry experts agree that the best time to buy is in the late spring and during big holiday sales such as Memorial Day and Black Friday.

But holding out for too long in unpredictable markets can prove costly. Purchasing at predictable sales periods and before significant tariff price rises will get you the best bargain, but this isn’t always true. 

So, it’s best to keep an eye out and research the laptops you want when you plan to buy them to ensure you get the best deal. To help with this, you can use price-tracking software such as CamelCamelCamel for Amazon listings to identify valid discounts.

Don’t Get Scammed! Red Flags to Look for When Purchasing a Computer

Online or small retailer shopping carries risks. Be on the lookout for these warning signs that indicate you could be getting scammed on your laptop purchase:

• Too Good To Be True Price: If it’s significantly lower than the competitors’, there’s a good chance it’s a rip-off.
• Missing or Vague Specs: The seller must always list the full specs; otherwise, assume the worst.
• Refurbished vs. Used: Pondering “Should I buy a used laptop?” or “Should I buy a refurbished laptop?” Refurbished laptops are inspected and restored to original equipment standards and are frequently under warranty. Used laptops are typically sold as-is, carrying greater risk and without support.
• No Warranty or Return Policy: Insist on a seller who protects hardware and software through a guarantee or warranty for at least three to six months.
• Sketchy Seller reviews or No Online Presence: Investigate the seller carefully before purchasing, and if they have sketchy reviews or no online presence, it might be best to avoid them when buying a laptop. 

Keeping yourself safe while shopping for tech on a budget requires a bit more care, but it’s worth it.

My Computer Works Computer & Tech Support Bundle

Half the battle of finding and buying the right laptop involves choosing one that meets your needs. The other half is actually keeping it running smoothly. That’s where My Computer Works enters the scene. 

Our cost-efficient support bundle provides end-to-end services involving software troubleshooting, security scans, updating, and optimizing. No matter if you’re purchasing a new 16GB RAM laptop or another top-rated budget laptop, our experts are ready to help you get the most out of your investment when you sign up for our support.

Contact My Computer Works today, and let us guide you toward the ideal device, safeguard your investment, and make the world of tech less daunting!