The global rush to build artificial intelligence hardware is making everyday computers more expensive, and Filipino consumers and companies are starting to feel it. That is the message from Michael Ngan, country general manager of Lenovo Philippines, who told reporters that rising prices are leading many buyers to put off laptop purchases even though demand for computing devices has not gone away.
Why prices are climbing
Ngan pointed to three pressures hitting the PC industry at once: higher component costs, tight supply, and a market tilt toward premium, AI-capable machines. Together, they are lifting prices across both consumer and business products.
He also raised a pointed question about the direction of the industry: does an entry-level computer really need AI features? His remark suggests that the push to label devices as "AI-ready" is adding to what ordinary buyers pay.
The root cause sits upstream. Memory makers are giving priority to the chips that AI data centers need, which leaves less supply and higher costs for the parts that go into laptops. Market tracker TrendForce expects conventional DRAM prices to rise by as much as 15% and NAND flash by as much as 20% in the fourth quarter, according to a report on Ngan's media roundtable.
Buyers are delaying, and companies are rebudgeting
Ngan described a split in how organizations are coping. Some businesses are asking for bigger budgets to cover the higher sticker prices. Others are pushing back scheduled equipment upgrades or limiting purchases to the devices they cannot do without.
His outlook for the near term is not encouraging. He said PC prices are unlikely to fall before the end of 2026, and that the picture for 2027 is still unclear. He added that consumer spending could recover once memory prices settle, though when that will happen is uncertain.
Higher revenue, fewer units
The squeeze has produced an odd result for PC makers. Reports of the same roundtable say higher memory prices have helped companies, Lenovo included, hit their revenue targets in recent quarters while falling short on the number of units sold. Ngan was upbeat about his own business, saying simply, "We are still growing," and described Lenovo's aim to be seen as an AI partner and consultant for customers.
The trend is global. Lenovo reported a 43% jump in quarterly revenue to $26.94 billion for the three months to June 30, driven by AI-related demand, and the company has raised PC prices twice this year to offset memory costs. Yet Counterpoint Research found that worldwide PC shipments slipped 2% in the second quarter to 16.6 million units, the first decline in over a year, with memory-driven cost pressure cited as the reason. Lenovo kept its lead with a 25.6% share.
Why it matters for Filipino builders
For a country that wants more of its people, schools and small businesses to work with digital tools, the cost of the basic laptop matters. Startups equipping new hires, MSMEs digitizing their operations and students heading into hybrid classes all depend on affordable hardware.
The timing is awkward. A World Bank update this month found the Philippines is gaining less from the global AI boom than regional peers such as Vietnam and Malaysia, because it is less tied into AI-related supply chains. In other words, Filipino buyers may be paying part of the price of the AI boom without yet sharing equally in its gains.
For now, the practical advice implied by Ngan's comments is patience. Companies and households that can wait may find better prices later, while those who must buy are weighing cost against how much capability they really need.
Sources: Newsbytes PH, "Lenovo PH chief says AI boom driving up PC prices" (Oct 11, 2026), HeadTopics PH, "Lenovo Philippines Expects Growth in 2026 Driven by AI Despite Rising Memory Costs", BusinessDay, "Lenovo quarterly revenue soars 43% on AI infrastructure boom" (Aug 13, 2026), The Manila Times, "Lenovo posts 43% jump in Q1 revenue" (Aug 14, 2026), BusinessWorld, "Philippines hit harder by high energy costs, gains less from AI boom" (Oct 6, 2026)