HP, one of the biggest PC manufacturers, has given its verdict on the ongoing DRAM shortages, and the solution is renting gaming laptops. Yeah, you read it right.
HP Is Now Offering Four Different OMEN Laptop Configurations to Rent, And You'll Never Own the Device
The DRAM supercycle has disrupted the PC supply chain, and it appears manufacturers have few options on board to mitigate the risks posed by rising DRAM prices. One solution discussed in the industry is sourcing Chinese memory modules, which is thought to be a cheaper option, but we won't go into that for now. In an LTT video, HP's latest venture was discussed: it's actually a subscription model for PC hardware. Based on what HP has revealed on its OMEN website, it appears the company is now offering gaming laptops at 'monthly' prices, with various specifications.
OMEN Gaming Subscription ensures you won’t miss out on the best gaming experiences due to aging hardware. You’ll receive an OMEN Gaming laptop of your choice, optional accessories, and continuous support, all at an accessible monthly price.
No need to drop all your cash upfront for new gear that begins depreciating almost immediately. OMEN Gaming Subscription allows you to escape upgrade anxiety, giving you the option to trade in for a new laptop every twelve months.
- HP
HP positions this venture as benefiting gamers, but we'll go into that in a bit. In terms of how this model actually works, gamers can choose from four OMEN laptop configurations at varying prices. This is an entirely 'subscription-based' program, which means you'll never own the hardware; instead, you can upgrade it after extensive use. This program might sound a bit compelling from this angle, but the more interesting aspect is its pricing model, and here's the key breakdown:
When we break down the actual costs over time for the above-mentioned devices, the approximate time to pay off the laptop's value is 15 to 25 months, depending on the device's purchase price. What's interesting is that you'll never own the device, even after owning it for over two years, and, from a retailer's perspective, entering a subscription-based model, especially for PC hardware, is never a worthwhile move. It might make sense if you are an 'upgrade freak', but HP limits consumers to twelve months before they can switch devices.
And, if you decide to cancel the subscription in between, you'll be obliged to pay the remaining payments left out in the twelve months. Well, this has become the reality of PCMR in modern times, given that owning hardware has become much more difficult due to recent price hikes. Interestingly, HP has decided to follow the "own nothing, and be happy" motto, and we shouldn't be surprised if other vendors follow suit.
News Source: PC Gamer
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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