Industry experts from PCMag and Tom's Guide warn that memory (RAM) prices are projected to rise significantly throughout 2026 due to AI-driven demand. If you find a good deal on a machine with at least now, it may be wiser to buy immediately rather than waiting for seasonal sales that might be offset by rising component costs.
The "undisputed champion" for deals across all brands, including premium models like the MacBook Pro and high-end gaming rigs.
Shop in January or February . Retailers use post-holiday clearance to move older stock before new models arrive. For MacBooks, look for deals immediately after a new model announcement, such as the recent March 2026 M5 MacBook Air launch . when is the best time to buy a laptop computer
A major mid-year event where Amazon and competitors like Best Buy slash prices on mainstream and budget laptops. Best Time for Specific Needs
The second-best window, especially for students. You'll find solid discounts (8% to 17%) and valuable bundles, such as free gift cards or accessories from retailers like the Apple Store . Industry experts from PCMag and Tom's Guide warn
Target Black Friday or Memorial Day (late May). These periods often feature the steepest price cuts on high-performance machines. 2026 Market Warning: The "RAM Crunch"
When to buy a laptop: Now is a great time to get a PC on sale | Mashable Shop in January or February
Buy in March or April . This is when many models announced at January's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) finally hit shelves.