April 2, 2026via ZDNet AI

My two Raspberry Pi boards cost as much as a laptop now - and AI is to blame

Why it matters

AI's explosive growth is creating supply chain ripple effects that impact hardware costs across all segments, from enterprise to hobbyist computing. This signals broader inflationary pressures in the AI hardware ecosystem.

Key signals

  • Two 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 boards cost equivalent to a MacBook Neo
  • AI demand driving RAM and component price increases
  • Hardware inflation affecting consumer and developer markets

The hook

Two Raspberry Pi boards now cost as much as a MacBook. AI demand is driving hardware prices through the roof.

We live in a time when two 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 boards cost the same as a MacBook Neo. Here's why - and how to save.
Relevance score:75/100

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