Upgrading Processing Computers:
It is strange to me that throughout this period when I have heard people complain about boredom I have not had the time for such an experience. In this case, the irony is that clearly I was aware of the fact that computer chips and their related products were subject to shortages, and I have been planning to upgrade my processing computer for a couple of years now. So one might think that I would be aware of the current prices. Unfortunately, being busy kept me from tracking all the various pieces I needed, and now, having started looking around, what I am finding is this:
Apparently, prices are over double "list", or more, particularly for the graphics cards (as mentioned above).
The reason is that, more than just "normal" shortages, speculators are buying up parts and then charging double for them.
Well, that's not nice. . . .
So what can I do about it? Actually, literally "nothing". Which is what I am going to do about it. It looks like the pandemic is starting to abate, which means lockdowns will probably be ending, and people will eventually be getting back to work. When? Right now, it's looking like the transition might start before June. So, if I wait that long, the "demand" for the parts will start to end that way.
Also, production is probably picking up by now. Adjustments to production have been on-going, particularly since around January. So as far as I know, there is going to be *more* product available -- not less. The "Texas problem"? Those are generally not the chips I need, though I would like to know how much of their annual yield was lost (assuming they have re-started by now).
But that's the situation for my own current problems. For now, I am going to wait it out, and do my upgrading, most likely over the summer. Annoying, but I do not expect to have a problem with pricing by then. Wonderful. But as far as I can see, a good chunk of the "speculators" will end up losing money on their greed. "Like I should care?"