How to save on your next laptop as AI drives up prices | CBS News

Shoppers preparing for the back-to-school season may face higher prices for laptops, a trend driven by the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence technologies. Brian Westover, principal hardware writer for PCMag, explained to CBS News that AI's resource-intensive nature is creating shortages that affect the cost of consumer electronics.

The surge in AI development, particularly for training large language models and other advanced applications, requires significant computing power. This has led to increased demand for specialized hardware, such as high-end GPUs and processors, which are also crucial components in many consumer laptops. The competition for these parts drives up their prices and limits their availability.

Westover offers advice for consumers looking to mitigate these rising costs. He suggests actively seeking out deals and discounts, which are especially important during peak shopping periods like the back-to-school season. Additionally, exploring alternative purchasing strategies, such as considering slightly older models or refurbished options, could provide significant savings without a substantial compromise on performance for many users.

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As the back-to-school shopping season begins, you can expect to pay more for certain items, like laptops, due to shortages stemming from artificial intelligence.