Back-to-School Laptops and Tablet Prices Are Going Up, but There's a Workaround - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Certified refurbished tech can help you save on your device, but don't expect all-time-low price drops. You still may be able to save money on back-to-school tech by trading in your old device or looking for student discounts. Back-to-school tech doesn’t come cheap. And the RAM shortage is making new devices even more expensive than before. Our devices rely on memory chips, but there’s a shortage thanks to the evolution of AI. As a ripple effect, everything from new phones to computers and tablets costs more. You may be able to dodge price hikes by buying certified refurbished devices that cost a fraction of the original price. In April 2026, CNET found that nearly half (48%) of US adults had considered buying secondhand devices within the past year. Several factors influenced their decision, including cost-effectiveness (31%) and newer models being too expensive (25%). These devices avoid the mem