Hardware Pricing in 2027: What to Expect and How to Budget Now

Rising hardware costs don't arrive with a warning notice. They show up in renewal quotes, surprise procurement requests, and budget conversations nobody planned for. Heading into 2027, the signals from major manufacturers are clear enough that waiting is no longer a neutral decision — it's an expensive one.

Here, we break down what Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer are saying about pricing trajectories, what industry experts recommend for cost-conscious businesses, and why the final months of this fiscal year may be the most strategic window you have to act.

What Are the Major Hardware Manufacturers Saying About 2027 Pricing?

Dell: Revenue Growth Points to Rising Demand — and Cost

Dell's Q2 FY2027 results told a clear story: Client Solutions Group revenue climbed 20% year-over-year. That kind of growth reflects strong commercial demand, but it also signals upward pressure on pricing. When demand outpaces supply or justifies premium positioning, manufacturers have little incentive to hold prices flat.

For businesses running aging fleets of laptops or desktops, this trajectory means refreshing hardware sooner rather than later is likely the more economical path.

Lenovo: AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PCs Are Coming — and They'll Cost More

Lenovo's CFO has stated publicly that AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PCs will be mainstream by 2027. These are devices purpose-built to run on-device AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. workloads, equipped with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) and higher-spec configurations than today's standard business laptops.

Mainstream doesn't mean cheap. As AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC adoption scales, entry-level and mid-range devices will increasingly include AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. -capable components — and those features carry a price premium. Businesses that need to deploy at scale have a narrowing window to acquire non- AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. hardware at current price points.

HP and Acer: Navigating Supply Chain Pressures

HP and Acer continue to manage the downstream effects of component shortages, logistics costs, and the ongoing shift toward higher-margin product lines. Both manufacturers have indicated that budget-tier and mid-range hardware options are becoming harder to source in volume, particularly for server infrastructure and commercial-grade desktops.

For businesses relying on consistent hardware specs across distributed teams, supply chain unpredictability alone is a strong argument for locking in procurement decisions before the 2027 market fully resets.

What Does the Broader Market Data Say?

The global laptop market is projected to grow at a 3.9% CAGR through 2027, according to current industry forecasts. Steady growth of that scale, combined with the AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC transition, creates conditions where pricing is unlikely to soften in the short term.

For IT buyers and business owners, this context matters. Purchasing decisions made today are not just about current needs — they're about locking in pricing and availability before market conditions shift further.

What Are Industry Experts Recommending for Cost-Conscious Businesses?

The dominant expert recommendation is straightforward: prioritize longevity and right-sizing over chasing the latest specs.

For most small to mid-sized businesses, AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC capabilities are not yet a daily operational requirement. Deploying current-generation, non- AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. hardware now — at existing price points — and planning a phased AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC rollout in 2028 or 2029 is a financially sound approach for many organizations.

Experts also consistently point to refurbished and certified pre-owned hardware from major manufacturers as an underutilized option. Dell Certified Refurbished, HP Renewed, and Lenovo Certified programs offer business-grade warranties on hardware at significantly reduced costs — without sacrificing reliability for standard workloads.

For server infrastructure specifically, the conversation has shifted toward hybrid cloud models. On-premise servers carry high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance overhead. A hybrid approach — pairing a lean on-premise setup with scalable cloud resources — can reduce capital expenditure while maintaining performance headroom.

Technology is not the solution itself; it's the tool used to reach one. Matching hardware to actual business requirements, rather than speculative future needs, remains the most reliable way to manage procurement costs responsibly.

How Should Businesses Budget for Hardware in 2027?

Start the Planning Process Now, Not in January

The businesses that manage hardware costs most effectively don't start their 2027 budgeting in Q1 2027. They build procurement plans in Q4 of the prior year, using current pricing as their baseline.

That means auditing existing hardware now: identifying devices approaching end-of-life, flagging infrastructure that may not support upcoming software requirements, and building a prioritized refresh schedule. A clear audit makes it possible to separate urgent needs from discretionary upgrades — and that distinction directly shapes budget conversations.

Build in a Contingency Buffer

Given the pricing volatility signaled by major manufacturers, building a 10–15% contingency buffer into hardware budgets is a widely recommended practice. This kind of buffer is what is needed when planning for a market that has demonstrated consistent upward movement.

Explore Multi-Year Procurement Agreements

Where volume justifies it, multi-year procurement agreements with vendors can lock in pricing and provide supply chain predictability. Dell, HP, and Lenovo all offer business purchasing programs designed for exactly this purpose. For growing teams, these agreements can offer meaningful cost stability over a 2–3 year window.

Why End-of-Year Hardware Purchasing Makes Financial Sense

There's a strategic reason many businesses accelerate hardware purchases in Q4, and it's not simply about clearing budgets. End-of-year purchasing has genuine tax advantages worth discussing with your financial advisor.

In the United States, Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying hardware and equipment placed in service during the tax year — rather than depreciating the cost over several years. For businesses with approved budget and identified hardware needs, purchasing before December 31 can meaningfully reduce taxable income for the current fiscal year.

The Bonus Depreciation provision, while being phased down from its prior 100% level, continues to offer partial deductions for qualifying assets placed in service before year-end.

The practical implication: hardware you plan to buy in Q1 2027 may cost more, at a higher tax burden, than the same purchase made before December 31, 2026. That's a compelling case for moving timelines forward — provided the business need is genuine and the budget exists.

Plan Now, Spend Smarter Later

Hardware pricing is not moving in a direction that rewards delay. The combined signals from Dell's revenue growth, Lenovo's AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC timeline, and broader market projections point to a 2027 landscape where costs are higher and options are narrower for businesses that haven't planned ahead.

The most practical next step is an internal hardware audit. Know what you have, know what's aging out, and build a procurement plan that accounts for both near-term needs and end-of-year tax strategy. Partnering with an experienced IT team — one that works alongside your business rather than simply selling to it — can make that process significantly more manageable.

For over 24 years, we've worked directly with clients to build technology strategies grounded in real business needs. If you'd like to talk through your hardware roadmap before year-end, we're here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are hardware prices expected to rise heading into 2027?
Several factors are converging: strong commercial demand (reflected in Dell's 20% YoY revenue growth), the industry-wide shift toward AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. -capable PCs with higher component costs, and ongoing supply chain pressures affecting mid-range and budget hardware availability. Together, these conditions point to sustained upward pricing pressure rather than a temporary spike.

What is an AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC, and does my business need one now?
An AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PC is a device equipped with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) designed to run AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. workloads locally — without relying solely on cloud processing. Lenovo's CFO has indicated these will be mainstream by 2027. For most businesses today, AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In the IT and digital marketing industry, AI is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling machines to analyze data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI is widely used in chatbots, personalized marketing campaigns, predictive analytics, and customer behavior analysis. It helps optimize ad performance, improve user experiences, and target the right audience with precise data-driven insights. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering actionable marketing strategies, AI has become a critical tool for innovation and efficiency in the digital landscape. PCs are not an immediate operational requirement. A phased adoption plan, starting with current-generation hardware now, is a practical and cost-effective approach for many organizations.

What are the most cost-effective hardware options for small businesses right now?
Certified refurbished hardware from major manufacturers — Dell Certified Refurbished, HP Renewed, and Lenovo Certified programs — offers business-grade reliability at reduced costs. For server needs, a hybrid cloud model can significantly lower capital expenditure compared to full on-premise infrastructure.

How does Section 179 apply to hardware purchases?
Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying hardware placed in service during the tax year. Rather than depreciating the cost over multiple years, a qualifying purchase made before December 31 can reduce taxable income for the current year. Speak with your financial advisor to determine what applies to your specific situation.

When should businesses start planning their 2027 hardware budgets?
Now. Building a procurement plan in Q4 2026 — based on a current hardware audit — provides the clearest picture of need, the most flexibility in vendor negotiations, and the opportunity to capture end-of-year tax advantages before the window closes.

Is it better to buy hardware outright or lease it?
Both approaches have merit depending on cash flow, tax strategy, and refresh cycle preferences. Outright purchases can offer Section 179 advantages. Leasing provides predictable monthly costs and easier refresh cycles. The right answer depends on your business's specific financial position — a conversation worth having with both your IT partner and your accountant.