Affordable Laptop Shortage Poses A Big Problem For Remote Schooling

Added to the long list of troubles for students entering the fall semester is a lack of computers for remote schooling. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, “tens of thousands” of young students across the country may not have access to tech products due to supply-chain issues and record-shattering demand.

Some school districts were able to get their orders in time for the start of the school year by foreseeing the issue and ordering months in advance. However, schools that ordered more recently are left in an uncertain place as bulk orders have been hit with major delays.

Some of the affected districts include ones in Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. Manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard have warned these schools that their shortages are in excess of 5 million units.

Manufacturers explained to the Journal that their supply of certain parts have been slowed by the pandemic and a handful of other factors. Another factor has been high demand from regular consumers, which has forced longer waits for schools in need of bulk shipments for disadvantaged students. The trade war with China has also exacerbated the problem.

Adding to the woes is a shortage of the popular Google Chromebooks -- inexpensive laptops that are common in schools. The remaining off-the-shelf laptops are likely to either be too expensive or lacking the features and durability needed for young students to engage in remote learning.

Hong Kong-based Lenovo has warned of delays of up to six weeks.

The Associated Press reported that school districts have pleaded with the Trump administration to resolve the laptop shortage.