Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G8 IAL

A 16 inch Lenovo business laptop with a number pad and Core Ultra 7

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G8 IAL is the 16 inch model in Lenovo’s 2025 ThinkBook range. It gives finance and admin teams a big 16:10 screen, a full keyboard with a number pad, Thunderbolt 4 and a fingerprint reader, in an Arctic Grey body with an aluminium lid. We stock it with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 16 inch WUXGA screen, and we install Windows 11 before delivery.

It is part of our range of business laptops.

What you get

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

This is a higher-powered H-series chip with 16 cores that boosts up to 5.1GHz. It handles large Excel models, finance and ERP systems, many browser tabs, coding and light photo work without slowing down. It also includes an Intel NPU, a low-power AI engine that supported apps can use. It is not a Copilot+ PC.

8GB RAM, and why adding a stick pays off

The unit comes with 8GB of DDR5 memory, which is enough for a normal office day. Lenovo’s spec sheet lists two memory slots supporting up to 64GB. With 8GB, the processor runs its graphics as standard Intel Graphics. Lenovo notes that the faster Intel Arc 140T graphics switch on only with at least 16GB in two matched sticks, so going to 16GB that way gives you both more memory and much quicker graphics. Ask us before you buy memory so we can confirm what fits.

512GB SSD with a spare slot

The 512GB NVMe SSD keeps start-up and file opening quick. There is a second M.2 SSD slot, empty from the factory, so you can add storage later without removing the first drive.

16 inch WUXGA screen and number pad

The 1920 x 1200 IPS anti-glare screen is 300 nits with a 16:10 shape, so you see more rows of a ledger than on a 15.6 inch 16:9 laptop. The keyboard is spill-resistant, with a dedicated number pad and a Copilot key. A backlight is optional on this model, so ask us if you need one.

Ports for a modern office

You get a Thunderbolt 4 port and a second USB-C port, both of which charge the laptop and drive a display, two USB-A ports (one stays powered with the lid shut, for charging a phone), full HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, an SD card reader and a headset jack. It can drive up to three external screens, and Thunderbolt 4 works with a single-cable dock.

Security, webcam and wireless

The fingerprint reader sits in the power button, the webcam has a privacy shutter, and TPM 2.0 supports BitLocker and Windows 11 security. Lenovo fits Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E depending on configuration.

Size, weight and build

Lenovo quotes a starting weight of 1.7kg and a thickness of 17.5mm. It is a desk-first laptop that still travels well to meetings. Lenovo says the design passed MIL-STD-810H durability tests.

Who it suits

The ThinkBook 16 G8 suits accountants, bank and SACCO staff, procurement and admin teams, and managers who spend the day in spreadsheets and reports and want a fast processor to go with them. If you travel every day and carry the laptop everywhere, the 14 inch version is lighter. If you only need email and documents, a Core Ultra 5 or Core i5 laptop will cost less.

Operating system

We install Windows 11 on it before delivery. If you would rather run a different operating system, tell us when you order.

How it compares

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G8 IAL is the same laptop in a smaller, lighter body without the number pad. The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 IRL is the earlier generation with 13th Gen Intel processors. For a ThinkPad at the same size, look at the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1. Comparing brands? The HP ProBook 460 G11 is HP’s 16 inch business alternative.

Full product details are on Lenovo’s official site.

Looking after it

Use a surge protector or a UPS where power cuts are common, and keep the vents clear by working on a hard surface rather than a bed or sofa. The H-series chip runs warm under heavy load, so give it room to breathe. If the laptop stays plugged in at your desk most of the day, the Lenovo Vantage app lets you limit charging so the battery lasts longer. Clean the keyboard and number pad with a soft brush and the screen with a dry microfibre cloth.

Works well with

Add the Logitech MK540 keyboard and mouse for a full desk setup, or the Lenovo 400 Wireless Mouse on its own. The UGREEN Metallic Foldable Laptop Stand lifts the screen to eye level for long days at a desk.

Frequently asked questions

What is the configuration?

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 16 inch WUXGA screen.

Does it have a number pad?

Yes. The keyboard has a full number pad.

Should I add more RAM?

If you multitask heavily or edit photos, yes. Going to 16GB in two matched sticks doubles the memory and turns on the faster Arc graphics.

Does it have a fingerprint reader?

Yes. It is built into the power button.

Does it charge over USB-C?

Yes. Both USB-C ports support charging, including the Thunderbolt 4 port.

Does it have an Ethernet port?

Yes. It has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port.

Does it come with Windows?

We install Windows 11 before delivery. If you prefer another operating system, tell us when you order.

Buying from Encom Digital

Everything we sell is genuine Lenovo. Prices on this page exclude VAT, and every order comes with a KRA-compliant VAT invoice, which your accounts team will need if you are buying for a company.

We offer same-day delivery within Nairobi and deliver to the rest of Kenya. You can pay by M-Pesa, card or bank transfer. If you are fitting out an office, a school or an NGO, ask us for bulk and corporate pricing.

Call or WhatsApp us on +254 714 962 072, email us, or visit us at Rehema House, 4th Floor, Standard Street, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 6PM.