Strike Twice Computers

02/03/2026

Memory and solid-state drive (SSD) prices have been skyrocketing these last 6 weeks. Last Black Friday could be the last time to get a good deal on a computer for years. Prices are expected to climb more and the shortage may last into 2027 if not 2028. One advantage of Strike Twice Computers is that most of our computers are refurbished and not subject to tariffs. Also, the components were purchased before prices jumped recently.

12/16/2025

Due to the tariffs and surging artificial intelligence (AI) demand, memory prices have doubled in the last month. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are also more expensive and out of stock. Micro Center is out of stock of all 1TB Samsung drives! Thankfully, we at Strike Twice Computers stocked up this year for Santa Claus! 😊

05/01/2025

Today's newer laptops have their memory (or RAM) soldered on the circuit board. In other words, you cannot add additional memory as your demands increase. More memory makes the laptop faster and allow you to have more software programs open (for you multitaskers out there) or more websote tabs opened in your browse. I saw a Best Buy laptop "on sale". It had only 8GB memory soldered onto it. Look for words like "LPDDR5" or "onboard" to indicate you cannot upgrade the laptop's memory. Forget about sales like this. Instead, get a laptop with 12GB or more and the ability to add even more as your needs change.
- Keith Aleshire, Owner
Strike Twice Computers

04/23/2025

I was interviewed on KSTP local news about the effects of tariffs on businesses like mine, Strike Twice Computers. That was fun! It's true; the camera does add 10 pounds! (Plus I recorded this on a curved screen!)😁

Aleshire says that he hopes President Trump's possible easing of tariffs will restore customer confidence. Currently, he says that sales at Twice Computers are down about 30%, even though he hasn't raised prices due to his stockpile.

04/09/2025

The Trump tariffs are raising prices of computers soon. 104% tariffs on goods from China, where most computers are made. Also, Windows 10 support ends in October and there will be a rush to upgrade to newer computers. We recommend people upgrade or buy their electronics now, rather than later!

09/11/2024

Starting September 16th, Microsoft is requiring all emails that go through them (emails ending in .com, .com, .com and .com) to use newer email desktop software that supports higher security. (You can go to their OUTLOOK.COM web site to read your email, however.)

You need at least Microsoft Outlook 2021 or Microsoft 365. All older Outlook software will not work! And if you use Thunderbird or Apple Mail on your iPhone, you need to tweak some settings to use it with your email address. There is a free Outlook (New) program with Windows but I find it lacking.

Also, if you are using the free Mail and Calendar program in Windows, that is not being supported after the end of 2024. Please call us at 952-939-0174 if you have questions or need help.

Keith Aleshire, Owner
Strike Twice Computers

07/09/2024

Pre-Prime Holiday Day Sale: Save 50% on Dozens of Items - https://mailchi.mp/ac6ac3fed724/christmas_specials-17220823

05/29/2024

Extended Memorial Day Sale...Save $50-$100 on most computers - https://mailchi.mp/2cba77be325b/christmas_specials-16532122

05/13/2024

RISING COMPUTER PRICES? I have seen components used in computers (e.g. solid-state drives [SSD], memory) rising lately. I expect computer prices to rise because of this. For example, my cost for a 1TB SSD drive tripled in the last 4 months! What's causing this? The world economy appears to be doing well. Initially, demand fell the last two years and production was cut. Now, prices are rising as demand gets back to normal but production hasn't increased to meet the demand. I expect people that bought a computer in 2020 before Covid lockdown or with pandemic "free" money are getting ready to replace their aging computers. Also, Windows 10 updates goes away next year, and people are getting a newer computer rather than put good money into a dead-end operating system. Windows 11 is the way to go. I am proud to say that all of the refurbished and new computers we sell only have Windows 11 on them. We have a few Windows 10 desktop computers we are blowing out at 50% off. Anyway, now may be the time to buy a newer computer than to wait for rising demand to raise prices even further.
- Keith Aleshire, Owner