We are currently in “Tech Limbo.” The holiday sales are technically over, but the new 2026 tech forecast is due because gear hasn’t launched yet. CES 2026 (Consumer Electronics Show) kicks off in Las Vegas in just one week (January 6th), and it’s going to make a lot of current tech look obsolete.
So, do you spend your Christmas cash now, or hold the line? Here is your cheat sheet for Q1 2026.
1. The Monitor Revolution (VERDICT: WAIT)
If you are about to buy a gaming monitor, stop. Samsung and LG are about to drop a bomb at CES 2026. The rumors are all but confirmed: we are entering the era of “Glasses-Free 3D” and 500Hz OLEDs.
- The Rumor: Samsung is expected to unveil the Odyssey 3D, a monitor that uses eye-tracking to create a 3D image without you needing to wear goofy glasses.
- The Strategy: Even if you don’t care about 3D, these new launches will crash the price of the 2024/2025 240Hz OLED panels.
- The Move: Wait until February. You could save $300 on today’s top-tier screens.
2. The “Galaxy S26” Effect (VERDICT: WAIT)
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is coming. Leaks suggest a launch in late January or early February. But here is the kicker: rumors point to a price hike due to the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips.
- The Hype: The S26 is rumored to feature “Edge AI”—meaning the AI runs on the phone, not the cloud (a huge privacy win).
- The Strategy: When the S26 drops, retailers will panic-sell the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- The Move: If you want the smartest phone, wait for the S26. If you want a bargain, the S25 Ultra (still an incredible phone) is about to see its price plummet to under $800.
3. The Laptop Sweet Spot (VERDICT: BUY NOW)
This is the rare exception. Apple released the M4 MacBook Air back in March 2025. It’s a beast, but it’s still expensive ($1,099+). Because the M4 is the “current” king, retailers are dumping stock of the M3 MacBook Air to clear warehouse space for 2026 inventory.
- The Reality: The M3 chip is still faster than 99% of Windows laptops for creative work.
- The Deal: Look for the M3 Air dipping below $799 at Best Buy or Walmart. That is the best value in computing right now. Do not wait for an M5; it’s not coming until late 2026.
4. Televisions (VERDICT: WAIT)
Never buy a TV in December (unless it’s a clearance sale). CES is “TV Season.” We are expecting MicroLED technology to finally become somewhat affordable (under $3,000) this year.
- The Move: Wait for Super Bowl sales in February. That is when the 2025 models hit their rock-bottom clearance prices.
The Raza Rants Bottom Line:
- Laptops: Buy now (M3 Air).
- Phones/Monitors/TVs: Hold the line until February. Your wallet will thank you.
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