LG gram's Z90N notebook is the true ultra-slim powerhouse for 2020

Ultra-portable notebook form factors are now the norm for many mobile computing brands. What else can be modified, upgraded, or completely revamped – beyond specs – to improve on the user experience and interactivity? For LG, it is all about streamlining the notebook’s chassis to make it stand-out and, yet, doesn’t compromise on the performance. With the all-new LG gram Z90N series, it continues to be the trailblazer for this segment.

Like its predecessors, the 2020 LG gram comes in a super-sleek package that promises a high-performance user experience. The 17-inch version continues to be the lead model on the Z90N series and boasts a footprint no larger than a 15.6-inch notebook and is extremely light - hard to believe, but it's all true as we've experienced it first in last year's debut. 

This year's 17-inch LG gram Z90N packs further upgrades such as improved hardware powering it, and updated proprietary features like a next-gen cooling system, and audio performance.

High-Performance Delivery

LG has put in all the latest high-performance hardware that it could load into the ultra-slim LG gram’s chassis. This includes an Intel 10th Generation Ice Lake CPU (up to Core i7), Intel Iris Plus GPU, M.2 NVME SSD hard drives, 16GB DDR4 RAM (8GB Default and 8GB via a secondary slot), and the LG Mega Cooling System. The key changes here are the new Intel processor and storage systems, both necessary to achieve quick boot-ups and speedy task processing.

In using the newest hardware available, the LG gram is more than capable in dealing with a variety of resource-heavy workloads. This includes editing photos and videos, consuming multimedia content, and even running multiple browser tabs and productivity apps at the same time. Paired with the eye-popping 17-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600 pixels resolution) IPS LCD widescreen panel, this ultra-slim powerhouse is perfect for work and that occasional entertainment such as Netflix and gaming. Yes, the Intel Iris Plus graphics is capable of running non-demanding game genres comfortably.

More impressive is the proprietary LG Mega Cooling system that’s integrated into the new LG gram. The in-house designed cooling system is now larger, promising a more efficient thermal dissipation. This ensures the performance and stability for this notebook are not compromised even when under a heavy workload. Not only does it keep things chilly, it will also run quiet too.

The wider footprint of this 17-inch notebook made it possible for LG to fit in a larger 80Wh battery pack inside this time. The improved battery capacity enables this next-gen LG mobile workstation to operate, while on the go, for up to 17 hours when doing normal work productivities, such as word processing, internet surfing, and checking emails.

An All-New Slim

LG gram notebooks have always delighted the world with its ultra-light and sleek designs. So, it’s even more impressive to see that LG managed to further slim down the dimensions of the new LG gram. Beyond shaving off millimetres from the chassis, the company also updated the look and feel of this year’s model.

In removing the design trimmings and unnecessary frills, the new design adopted a very minimalist styling. From the top-lid to the keyboard base, and bezels around the 17-inch screen, all of them now come with a clean-cut, metallic finish. This not only creates a very polished design but one that feels classically chic.

As unwieldly as 17-inch notebooks go, the LG gram does not conform to that expectation. Instead, it offers easy user-handling thanks to its ultra-slim form factor and being a featherweight – just 1.35kg to be exact! This is all thanks to the ultra-light yet durable magnesium alloy the chassis is made with. The 16:10 aspect ratio on the 17-inch display also means less scrolling is necessary, and also allows you to see more on-screen - perfect for breezing through documentation and traversing large amounts of information.

To make sure everything within is fully protected as well, the notebook comes with MIL-STD 810G certification. All these innovations made the LG gram one of the lightest, yet hardy, in its class. Bump it, drop it or even step on it and you’ll find this ultrabook workhorse ready to take on anything in its way.

Intuitive Functions

Beyond design and hardware improvements, LG also went out of its way to pack in loads of progressive features in and around the notebook.

With the latest LG gram, it’s all about fully utilising the wider real estate. To improve the full-size keyboard this notebook sports, LG updated the layout of the keys by giving the numpad a new 4-column design. This means having to deal with less typos when using that side of the keyboard. The improvements also saw its neighbouring keys – Backspace, Enter, and the Right-Shift – being given wider keycaps. This alteration, while simple as it sounds, improved the typing experience.

As for wireless connectivity, LG has included Wi-Fi 6 via Intel's Wi-Fi 6 AX201 wireless module, and Bluetooth 5.0. These, and the generous mix of input/output ports that includes three USB 3.1 Type-A, one HDMI, and a USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3 support, give the LG gram the capability to deal with various high-in-demand connectivity options with high-speed throughput. Need to pair your notebook with a 5K resolution monitor for massive real estate? No problem! As you can see, you won't be needing a USB hub or other cable converters with this notebook's vast array of ports. If you're still not convinced, perhaps the built-in microSD card slot is just what you wish your existing notebook had.

Comfort features such as LG's Reader Mode to cut down blue light output for better low-light or nighttime usage and a one-touch power button with built-in biometric login functionality are still present.

But the LG gram isn’t all about work and no play. Apart from the beautiful screen mentioned earlier, the notebook also comes with a pair of 1.5W speakers and DTS:X Ultra audio processing capabilities. This means that the LG gram is fully optimised to deliver the very best in stereoscopic sound, making it well-suited for not only watching your favourite Netflix shows, playing the latest video games, but also for enjoying high-quality music on your Spotify.

The LG gram is also available in 14-inch and 15.6-inch

The 17-inch LG notebook isn’t the only new LG gram. If you prefer something a little more petite, there are the 14-inch and 15.6-inch models as well. These smaller-sized options come with the same bells and whistles as its larger 17-inch sibling, except for the WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600 pixels) screen resolution, which is exclusive to the latter. Check out their specifications below.

The new LG gram family of ultraportables brings together the very best in notebook performance, industrial design, and user experience. But don’t just take our word from it. You can check out and give these notebooks a go at any LG flagship store, authorised dealers, and channel partners. The 17-inch LG gram impressed us, and we’re sure you will be too.

For more information about the new LG gram, visit https://www.lg.com/sg/laptops.

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