Amazon has raised prices on several hardware products as surging AI-computing demand drives up memory and storage component costs. The entry-level Echo model identified as the series’ best-selling version rose from $49.99 to $79.99, an increase of about 60%, while the 16GB basic e-reader increased from $109.99 to $149.99, or about 36%. Amazon has said it absorbed higher costs for as long as possible and will continue offering occasional promotions over the next year. Apple, Microsoft and Dell have also responded by raising prices or reducing standard memory configurations; Apple has additionally introduced a device leasing program that lets customers pay over time. The broader global memory shortage is expected to persist through 2027, while industry forecasts suggest storage-chip prices could peak in 2028 before gradually stabilizing.