The hype around the new Panther Lake processors has mostly been around the more expensive versions. Lenovo has now started shifting its attention towards lower-priced models, as it has expanded the price range of Panther Lake processors with more affordable models such as the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL and ThinkBook 16 G9 IPL.
When Intel launched the Panther Lake processors, the major focus of the new version was on the more expensive processors, which are the standout processors in the new lineup – specifically the Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7. These premium processors have received extensive press coverage, but they probably won’t dominate market share, since they will mostly be limited to more expensive laptops.
And further down the food chain are regular Panther Lake processors, like the Intel Core Ultra 7 355, an octa-core chip with a watered-down iGPU solution — much less exciting, but will be more common, as they power more affordable laptops, like Lenovo’s new ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL and ThinkBook 16 G9 IPL.
Lenovo announced these two new models without much fanfare via its PSREF database. These are basic desktop laptops for small and medium businesses (SMB), and come in 14- and 16-inch panels respectively. Lenovo offers it with Panther Lake core processors, starting from the Intel Core Ultra 5 325 up to the Core Ultra 7 355.
Compared to its predecessors, eighth-generation ThinkBooks like the ThinkBook 14 G8 (available on Amazon), Lenovo hasn’t changed much, as the design remains identical. Aside from the new processors, the newer ThinkBooks feature an additional Thunderbolt 4 port instead of the primary USB-C, and the 14-inch model has the option of a new 120Hz WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display. Additionally, battery capacity increases from 60 to 64 watt-hours in the smaller model, and there are new 5-megapixel webcam options – where old versions were limited to 1080p.
The most important thing about the new ThinkBooks is pricing. In Germany, it’s already listed at some resellers, with prices as low as €929 – around €400 less than the previous cheapest Panther Lake laptop.
