Still Thin, Twice the Power – LG gram Late 2017

The LG gram Late 2017 update tightens the grip on portability while pushing performance with a quad-core 8550U. The host recalls affection for the 14-inch gram and notes that the 13-inch remains nearly identical in appearance, with some practical changes like increased cooling and a stiffer chassis that justify a modest weight gain. On the 13-inch model, LG incorporates a quad-core processor and more robust cooling, enabling significantly better multi-threaded performance in benchmarks such as Cinebench, where the new gram shows a substantial uplift over the previous generation. The reviewer highlights real-world implications: faster photo editing and lighter video editing tasks feel more responsive, though battery life takes a hit, scoring around 7 hours and 20 minutes in a work battery test. Throughout the review, the focus stays on how the improved build quality and power translate into day-to-day usability, with comments on input devices like the keyboard and trackpad and a note that the display remains bright and color-accurate. The video also candidly discusses upgradeability, noting that the 15-inch version allows M.2 SSD and RAM upgrades, while the 13-inch slot remains accessible for a future memory expansion. Overall, the verdict is that LG preserves the gram’s defining lightness while delivering meaningful performance gains, making the 13-inch model a highly recommended daily driver in its size class, and the 15-inch model a capable albeit heavier option for power users.

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