Is Device Ownership Bleeding Your IT Budget?
Why AI Is Making Laptops More Expensive
The AI boom is reshaping the technology industry in ways most organisations never expected. While headlines focus on powerful AI models and next-generation data centres, a less visible consequence is beginning to affect businesses and consumers alike: the rising cost of laptops, workstations, and other everyday devices.
Behind every AI platform sits a vast amount of high-performance memory. Cloud providers and hardware manufacturers are investing billions in AI infrastructure, creating unprecedented demand for DRAM and NAND flash memory, the same fundamental components found in laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
To maximise profits and meet demand, memory manufacturers have increasingly shifted production capacity towards higher-margin AI and data-centre products. The result is a tightening supply of the standard memory components used in mainstream computing devices.
The Impact
This supply squeeze is already being felt across the market. Over the past six months, the cost of DRAM and NAND flash has risen sharply, forcing hardware vendors to increase prices on laptops, workstations, and enterprise devices. Some manufacturers have reported component cost increases exceeding 70%, with further price rises emerging throughout June.
For organisations and government departments planning device refresh programmes, the timing is significant. Devices that cost £1,000 a year ago may now carry a substantially higher price tag, even with volume discounts. What was once a routine hardware upgrade cycle is becoming increasingly expensive as memory costs continue to climb.
Industry analysts believe these market pressures are unlikely to ease quickly. With global investment in AI infrastructure continuing at record levels, supply constraints could persist well into 2027 before a meaningful balance between demand and manufacturing capacity is restored.
Moving the Financial Burden: Hardware as a Service for Business
Agile organisations are replacing large, lump-sum technology costs with predictable, fixed monthly payments.
Choosing a structured hardware-as-a-service model for business allows organisations to shift device procurement into an operating expense (OpEx) framework. This practical alternative offers clear financial advantages:
- Cash Flow Protection: Keeps your capital free to invest in software development, developer hiring, and scaling marketing campaigns.
- Direct Cost Savings: Saves between 18% and 22% over the lifespan of the hardware compared to buying machines outright.
- Total Budget Predictability: Bundles the costs of devices, initial configuration, and technical support into a single, clear monthly invoice.
Comparison: DaaS vs Corporate Laptop Purchase
Choosing how to source your technology comes down to balancing immediate cash outlays against day-to-day operational efficiency. The table below outlines how a standard purchase compares to a managed service:
| Feature | Traditional Corporate Laptop Purchase | RND-IT Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Model | Upfront Capital Expenditure (CapEx) | Predictable Operating Expense (OpEx) |
| Supportability | Devices have limited warranty and support | Zero cash down with fixed monthly payments |
| Refresh Cycle | Reactive upgrades that leave teams using slow tech | Planned 3-year refresh to current hardware |
| Tech Support | Managed in-house, draining internal IT time | Helpdesk and maintenance included in the fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) just another name for hardware leasing?
Yes DaaS Lite is simple finance or operating hardware. DaaS+ goes above this and includes device configuration, helpdesk support, JML, SW Management, proactive 3-year refresh cycles, and secure data disposal into one single monthly subscription fee.
Can shifting from CapEx to OpEx really save money on corporate IT hardware?
Yes. Moving your corporate endpoints to an operating expense (OpEx) model can reduce overall technology deployment costs by 18% to 22% compared to buying assets outright. This shift avoids large upfront cash outlays, reduces internal IT configuration tasks, and eliminates expensive out-of-warranty hardware bills.
What happens to data security when DaaS equipment is returned?
Every device returned at the end of its 3-year lifecycle goes through an audited, certified data sanitisation process. You receive an official certificate of data destruction for each asset, ensuring your proprietary software code and sensitive company data remain completely secure and compliant.
Simplify Your IT Sourcing with RND-IT
Do not let outdated procurement habits slow down your business growth or drain your cash reserves. RND-IT provides clear, flexible IT leasing and managed device options across Tier 1 vendors, including Apple, Lenovo, Dell, and HP.
You can choose the right level of support for your team, from our accessible RND-IT DaaS Lite package for straightforward hardware supply to our fully managed RND-IT DaaS+ service.
Take control of your technology budget and keep your engineering teams productive. Speak directly with our account management team to review your options.