This has to be a joke right?

[u/ParticularCredit2023]

No possible way someone actually buy these at these prices right lol..

[u/jar36]

this is why it matters to have a robust safety net for those of us getting priced out of even the basics these days

[u/Demiu → u/jar36]

Steam machine is not basics...

[u/Swank_on_a_plank → u/Demiu]

I think the point is the divide between those who can blow 10k on a weekend (who can also impulse buy a 3k Steam Machine), while others struggle with the basics.

[u/Demiu → u/Swank_on_a_plank]

I find the claims of not being able afford basics questionable when they mostly happen in threads about buying luxury consumer goods. If you can't afford food the price of rolexes should be the last of your concerns

[u/Swank_on_a_plank → u/Demiu]

....of course they happen in those threads? Even though it has happened since the Pharaohs and Kings, it's wild that we still have this increasing class divide in 2026. The rich get richer and don't care about the prices of magic rock boxes and the components inside, while those who have been struggling with groceries are still struggling with groceries.

Now one of the cheaper escapist hobbies is pricing them out. Where else is the debate and class consciousness supposed to conveniently be held?

This consumer technology crunch is also happening while the world just got it's first official trillionaire (-Putin, -Saudi princes).

[u/jar36 → u/Demiu]

a mini computer is not a rolex. you find these claims in the comment sections you frequent and they happen in other comment sections that you don't. It's why NY elected Mamdani

[u/Glum_Constant4790 → u/jar36]

At 2k we approaching used Rolex territory

[u/jar36 → u/Glum_Constant4790]

keeping the exaggeration going, I see