I’ve seen my fair share of laptops, but the new LG Gram for 2025 genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Holding the 17-inch model in my hands, I found myself questioning physics—how can something this large feel so impossibly light?
At just 1,299 grams (about 2.86 pounds), this 17-inch powerhouse weighs less than many 13-inch laptops on the market. The thinness is equally mind-boggling, with edges so slim they barely seem capable of housing actual computer components. When I first encountered these at CES earlier this year, I was impressed, but having one in hand now makes the engineering achievement even more remarkable.
Hardware That Punches Above Its Weight
Despite its featherweight design, LG hasn’t skimped on features. The Gram comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor paired with Intel Arc graphics. The 90Wh battery should provide substantial runtime, crucial for a device clearly designed for mobility.
Port selection is surprisingly generous for such a thin device:
- Two USB-A ports and an audio jack on the right side
- Full-size HDMI (nearly spanning the entire edge thickness)
- Two USB-C connectors on the left
The keyboard includes a full number pad alongside a spacious trackpad, and despite the ultra-thin profile, the chassis feels remarkably sturdy. Opening the laptop is a smooth, one-handed operation—the hinge provides just the right amount of resistance while keeping the base planted.
A Display That Commands Attention
The 17-inch IPS matte display is a standout feature. With slim bezels, particularly on the sides, it provides an immersive viewing experience that’s increasingly rare in today’s market. Most productivity-focused laptops max out at 16 inches, making this 17-inch option uniquely appealing for those who value screen real estate.
The display quality appears solid, though what’s most striking is simply the sheer size of it in such a lightweight package. For professionals who need to reference multiple documents or work across several applications simultaneously, this extra screen space could be a game-changer.
AI Features That Go Beyond Copilot
While Windows’ Copilot is present (complete with its dedicated key), LG has developed its own AI solutions that add genuine value. The Gram offers two distinct AI experiences:
- Gram Chat on-device: A fully offline AI that can search your files, adjust settings, and even track your desktop history
- Gram Chat cloud: A more powerful, internet-connected AI similar to ChatGPT
The on-device AI particularly impressed me with its practical applications. It can search not just for files but also settings and application content. Its “Time Travel” feature—essentially AI-searchable desktop history—could be genuinely useful for recalling information from previous work sessions.
In my testing, I asked the on-device AI to perform simple tasks like enabling dark mode and finding documents I’d worked on recently. The system executed these requests quickly and accurately. For travelers or anyone working without reliable internet, having capable AI tools that function offline could be invaluable.
Is This the Ultimate Travel Companion?
For professionals who travel frequently or simply move between locations throughout their day, the Gram makes a compelling case. The combination of the massive screen, all-day battery, and remarkably light weight creates a package that’s hard to resist.
The inclusion of a smartphone-style 65W power adapter with a lengthy USB-C cable further enhances portability. Even the power supply seems designed with mobility in mind.
What’s most impressive is how few compromises LG has made to achieve this form factor. The keyboard feels comfortable, the port selection is generous, and performance appears solid with the Intel Core Ultra processor.
For those who value screen size but dread lugging around typical 17-inch laptops, the LG Gram represents a no-compromise solution that genuinely pushes the boundaries of what we expect from large-screen portables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the LG Gram different from other lightweight laptops?
The LG Gram stands out by offering a 17-inch display in a package weighing just 1,299 grams (2.86 pounds), which is lighter than many 13-inch laptops. This combination of large screen and ultralight design is rare in the market, especially with the full port selection and battery capacity it maintains.
Q: How does the battery life compare to other laptops in its class?
The LG Gram 2025 comes with a substantial 90Wh battery, which is larger than what’s typically found in ultraportable laptops. While specific runtime wasn’t tested in this hands-on, the large battery capacity combined with Intel’s newer, more efficient processors should provide excellent battery life for a 17-inch laptop.
Q: What are the key differences between Gram Chat on-device and Gram Chat cloud?
Gram Chat on-device works completely offline and can access your personal files, adjust system settings, and search through your desktop history. It offers enhanced privacy since data stays on your device. Gram Chat cloud requires an internet connection but provides more powerful AI capabilities similar to ChatGPT, handling complex requests and creative tasks that the on-device version cannot.
Q: Does the thin design affect the durability or performance of the laptop?
Despite its extremely thin profile, the LG Gram feels surprisingly sturdy. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, and the chassis shows minimal flex. Performance-wise, it comes equipped with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and Intel Arc graphics, which should handle productivity tasks efficiently, though it’s not positioned as a gaming or heavy rendering workstation.
Q: What color options are available for the LG Gram 2025?
The LG Gram 2025 is available in at least two colors: Obsidian Black (shown in the hands-on) and a blue variant. LG also offers the Gram in different sizes beyond the 17-inch model for those who might prefer something smaller while maintaining the ultralight design philosophy.
