Lighter Than Ever: LG Gram 17 (2024) Review - A Groundbreaking Large Laptop with Mixed Performance

LG Gram 17: A Promising but Imperfect Ultraportable

If you’re in the market for a lightweight and portable laptop that can handle premium productivity tasks, the LG Gram 17 might catch your eye. With a 17-inch display packed into a svelte design, this laptop promises the best of both worlds – size and performance. But does it deliver?

Design and Build

First impressions are key, and the LG Gram 17 doesn’t disappoint. The sleek and slim design keeps all its angles and surfaces as minimal as possible. However, the plastic body doesn’t inspire much confidence, and the loose hinge on the lid can make the display rebound when you open the laptop. Unfortunately, this can raise questions about its durability.

Display

The IPS display is certainly large, but it’s not exactly vibrant. Colors are rendered well, but OLED displays (which this isn’t) tend to impress more with the same 2K resolution. One redeeming quality is its ability to prevent glare, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG Gram 17 handles tasks with aplomb, thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 32GB of RAM. It made quick work of spreadsheet creation, word processing, and even light photo editing. It even played back HD and 4K video content without breaking a sweat.

Battery Life

The LG Gram 17’s battery life is another highlight. It lasted more than 12 hours in our benchmark tests, beating some top laptops in this class.

Noise and Heat

Unfortunately, this laptop falls short in a few critical areas. The noise generated by the fans under heavy load can be distracting, and the heat emanating from the laptop can get uncomfortable.

Keyboard

The keyboard, while not the worst we’ve ever seen, has some peculiarities. The inclusion of a number pad forces character keys too far to the left, making for an awkward typing experience. Adding to the frustration is the occasional failure to register keys, especially the "o" key.

Final Verdict

The LG Gram 17 is an ambitious attempt at creating an ultraportable with premium performance, but it falls short in a few key areas. While its design and battery life are commendable, the noisy and hot performance, poorly designed keyboard, and dubious build quality make it less desirable than its competitors. If you’re in the market for a large, lightweight laptop, there are better options out there that won’t leave you dissatisfied.

Buy It If…

You’re looking for a portable laptop with impressive battery life.
You prioritize screen size over other features.
You don’t mind the occasional noisy performance and heat.

Don’t Buy It If…

You value a strong, durable build.
You’re looking for the best keyboard experience.
You’re on a budget – this laptop is not cheap.

Also Consider

Dell XPS 17: A stronger, more powerful alternative.
Microsoft Surface 7: A more compact option with better battery life.
Other laptops in the ultraportable space, such as the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Air.

How I Tested the LG Gram 17

I tested the laptop for a week, trying out its features and functions.
I used it for a variety of tasks, including streaming video, editing photos, and general productivity.
I tested its battery life, benchmarking tools, and gaming performance.
I have plenty of experience with PC laptops and other devices.