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ZDNET's key takeaways
Expect to pay more for PCs and smartphones this year.
Memory chips are seeing shortages and cost increases.
Apple and Samsung aren't likely to be affected.
Are you looking to buy a new computer or smartphone this year? Well, you may have to shell out more money to snag that new device.
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The DRAM and NAND chips used in PCs, smartphones, and other consumer electronics are experiencing shortages, putting pressure on the overall market, according to a December report from IDC. With the shortages come cost increases for these vital memory chips. That, in turn, will prompt many PC and mobile phone makers to pass along the higher costs to consumers by raising prices on their own products.
What's behind the shortages?
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