How to buy a laptop when everything’s expensive

Welcome back to the Vergecast, flagship podcast, trying to buy a computer when it's impossible to buy a computer. I'm David Amell. If you've been listening to the Vergecast for a while, you know that David Pearce has been issuing many, many warnings about how you should buy all of your tech as soon as possible before the RAM shortage makes everything way more expensive. And if you ignore those warnings, I'm sorry. But if you're in the market for a new laptop, we are here to help. So today, we're talking to The Verge's laptop reviewer, Antonio d Benedetto, for another installment of our ongoing series, the Ramageddonon survival guide. His recommendations are coming up, but first, here's what's happening on The Verge today. This is ninety seconds on The Verge for Thursday, 08/27/2026. Apple has formally announced its September iPhone event where it's expected to unveil the new iPhone 18 pro series of phones, a new Apple Watch, and most importantly, its first foldable smartphone. The event will take place at 10AM Pacific time on September 9. Hopefully, we'll see a new Apple polishing cloth Ultra. Microsoft has announced a new feature that will allow Xbox owners to digitize their existing game collection. Owners will receive a digital entitlement tied to that specific disc so if they sell the game, they'll no longer have access, similar to real life. Microsoft also started selling a limited edition translucent Xbox Series x for $899, which sold out in minutes. So it seems like they're doing okay. Okay. And finally, game developer and Playdate manufacturer, Panic, has started issuing tariff refunds for customers. The company charged a tariff while the government was illegally charging to import goods and after being overturned by the Supreme Court, the government was forced to issue tariff refunds. We've seen refunds ranging from $12.36 to $23, so check your email if you bought anything from the company. Panic is one of the first companies we've seen to actually start giving people their money back after these illegal tariffs, So hopefully, we start to see this happen more in the future. You can read more at theverge.com. That's ninety seconds on the verge for Thursday, 08/27/2026. Excuses are easy. An epic movie night? We don't have enough snacks. Dinner party with the girls? We'd have to decorate. Surprise date night? Nothing to wear. But Amazon's Prime same day delivery lets you say yes before the moment slips away. Try that new popcorn maker. Order those cheeky drink glasses. Get that new perfume and turn that I wish we could into an I'm so glad we did. Visit amazon.com/prime to find millions of items delivered fast. Same day delivery. It's on Prime. Available in select areas. Terms apply. Hi. It's Kara Swisher. You know me as cohost of Pivot, but for August, I'm flying solo. And I've lined up some incredible guest hosts to join me, Mark Cuban, Chelsea Handler, Caitlin Collins, and a lot more you won't …