AI crisis: Affordable Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are getting expensive

When we reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 2, we described this model as an affordable AI machine. And to be fair, a pricing of roughly €1,100 for a laptop with 32 GB of RAM is not too bad at all.

Lenovo just launched a new generation of ThinkPad L series, and while these ThinkPads are still among the most affordable models of the ThinkPad lineup, it would be wrong to call the new Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 7 and Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 3 "affordable". Both start at $1,440.

For this, it can be assumed customers will get the basic variants, with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD, as well as either Intel Core Ultra 5 CPUs (Panther Lake, of course) or AMD Ryzen AI 5 (Gorgon Point), as well as a basic screen.

Other than the new CPUs, both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are based on the older 2024 L series designs like the L14 Gen 5 (available on Amazon), so there are no physical or design changes to describe. The L series retain a very repairable design, with user-replaceable keyboard and two SO-DIMM slots, but as they are more affordable than the T series, they lack 5G options, as well as higher resolution and higher quality screen options. Also, unlike the T series, the batteries are limited to 57 Wh - the new ThinkPad T series has 75 Wh batteries.

Lenovo ThinkPad L series 2026: Pricing and availability

The new Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 7 and L16 Gen 3 will be available in May 2026, with the starting price mentioned above.