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| This 14-inch Lenovo laptop shows how expensive PCs with 32 GB RAM are becoming |
Memory and SSD costs have reshaped the laptop market, turning once-cheap notebooks into premium-priced machines.
"Affordable" definitely means different things to different people. As always, things are relative, but in general terms, we typically would not call laptops that cost more than $1,000 or €1,000 affordable.
Of course, this was the old status quo - before the memory and SSD prices started to explode in late 2025. As of now, even a laptop priced above the magic mark can sometimes be considered affordable, depending on the configuration. The market has undergone a seismic shift that few analysts predicted, and consumers are feeling the pinch in every price bracket.
The ThinkBook That Broke the Mold
We recently reviewed the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL. If you do not know the ThinkBook line: the basic models are pretty much entry-level office laptops, without luxury features like nice screens or metal chassis designs. These laptops would usually retail well below the $1,000/€1,000 mark, but of course, in the year 2026, things have changed.
The review device we tested, with a basic Core Ultra 5, WUXGA screen, 512 GB SSD and, notably, 32 GB RAM, retails for around €1,150 at the moment here in Germany. That's a significant jump from what we've come to expect from Lenovo's business-oriented budget line.
For a detailed breakdown of performance, battery life, and build quality, check out our full Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL review with 32GB RAM where we put this machine through its paces against competitors in the same price bracket.
Launch Price Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026 Lenovo ThinkBook
That is not out of reach for many buyers, but also not that cheap anymore. And taking a look at the predecessor reveals just how much the price has increased since 2025.
The older model was called Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G8 IAL, and it is still available from many resellers. We picked a model with a similar configuration to compare: Core Ultra 5, WUXGA LCD, 512 GB SSD and 32 GB RAM. Last generation, this model originally retailed for €868.
When the perspective model of the current ThinkBook laptop 14 G9 IPL launched, it cost €1,080 - about a 25 percent increase. Of course, prices have gone up even more since then, and they probably will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
What's Driving the Price Surge?
Industry analysts point to several factors behind this dramatic inflation in laptop pricing:
Memory market volatility: DRAM and NAND flash prices have more than doubled since Q4 2025, driven by supply chain constraints and increased demand from AI server farms. Consumer laptops are now competing for the same memory modules as enterprise-grade data centers.
Component shortages: While pandemic-era shortages had largely resolved, new geopolitical tensions have created fresh bottlenecks in semiconductor supply chains. Several key manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia are operating at reduced capacity.
Inflation and currency fluctuations: The weakening of the Euro against the US Dollar has made imported components significantly more expensive for European consumers, exacerbating the price increases.
Is 32GB RAM Now a Luxury?
Still, the ThinkBook remains a relatively affordable way to get a laptop with 32 GB RAM. In a market where many premium ultrabooks now start at €1,800 with similar specifications, the ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL offers a compelling value proposition despite its elevated price point.
The question becomes: what exactly are you getting for that €1,150? The answer is a functional, no-nonsense business laptop that prioritizes productivity over style. The plastic chassis won't win any design awards, but the upgradeability, port selection, and repairability exceed what you'll find in more expensive consumer laptops.
The New Normal for Budget Laptops
For the first time in nearly a decade, we're seeing the entry-level laptop segment begin to disappear. What was once a €500-€700 price range has now shifted to €900-€1,200. Budget-conscious shoppers are facing a difficult choice: accept lower specifications or increase their budgets significantly.
Manufacturers are also adjusting their product strategies. Several major brands have announced they will reduce their sub-€800 offerings in 2027, focusing instead on mid-range and premium segments where profit margins remain healthier.
What This Means for Consumers
If you're in the market for a new laptop in 2026, here's what you need to know:
Timing matters: Prices are expected to continue rising through the end of the year, so purchasing sooner rather than later may save you money.
Specs vs. brand: Consider whether you truly need premium build quality or can accept a plastic chassis to save hundreds of euros.
RAM is the new differentiator: With 32GB becoming increasingly necessary for multitasking and future-proofing, it's worth prioritizing RAM over other features.
Refurbished options: The certified refurbished market is booming as consumers seek alternatives to new devices. Last year's models with similar specifications are often available for 30-40% less than current retail prices.
The Bottom Line
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL represents a turning point in the laptop industry. What was once a reliable budget option has now crept into mid-range territory, reflecting broader economic realities that show no signs of reversing.
How much money would you be willing to spend on a laptop? And at which point would you stop considering a budget class laptop affordable? Tell us in the comments!
Share your thoughts below: Are you adjusting your laptop budget in 2026, or are you holding out for prices to drop? Have you already bought a new machine this year, and if so, what did you pay? The conversation is just beginning, and your experiences could help other readers navigate this challenging market.
Source : Laptopscheck review of the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL