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LG updates its super-light Gram laptops with Intel’s latest processors and larger batteries

By Koh Wanzi - on 7 Feb 2018, 9:40pm

LG updates its super-light Gram laptops with Intel’s latest processors and larger batteries

Note: This article was first published on 14th December 2017 and is now updated with more details and US pricing.

Image Source: LG

LG has refreshed its range of super-light Gram laptops, just ahead of CES in January. The Gram comes in three different screen sizes – 13.3-, 14- and 15.6-inches – and all of them will now come with Intel’s latest 8th-generation processors and larger batteries. These new notebooks will have a new SKU to better identify them and they are the 13Z980, 14Z980 and 15Z980 models respectively.

However, LG is still maintaining the Gram’s reputation for freakishly lightweight, and the 13.3-inch and 14-inch models still weigh less than a kilogram, coming in at 965g and 995g respectively. The larger 15.6-inch version breaks the kilogram mark ever so slightly, weighing 1,095g.

Despite the lightweight, LG says its new laptops have passed stringent MIL-STD 810G durability tests for resistance to impact, pressure, and temperature. They’re built using a full metal alloy that combines nano carbon with magnesium to cut down on weight without compromising on strength and integrity.

That’s great news for those who require a slim and light laptop, but LG has also made the Gram 15Z980 notebook even more portable by cramming in a larger 72Wh battery (up from 60Wh before).

Image Source: LG

The company claims that its laptops can now run for almost a full day before giving out, a certainly tantalizing prospect if it holds true. According to LG, the 13.3-inch Gram laptop can last the longest, or up to 22.5 hours on 2014 MobileMark. The 14-inch and 15.6-inch models are good for up to 21.5 and 19 hours respectively on the same benchmark.

These are impressive claims, and it may be that the increased competition from ARM-based Windows laptops, all of which are touting super-long battery life, may prompt manufacturers to step up their game in the battery department for laptops running off Intel chips.

The updated Gram laptops also run off Intel’s latest 8th-generation processors, so you should gain additional performance when it comes to heavily-threaded tasks. There’s also space for a second SSD on the larger Gram 15Z980 model, so you’re not limited by the notebook’s svelte dimensions. In addition, the fans have reportedly been upgraded to run even quieter.

LG says it worked to incorporate touchscreen capabilities as well, and the IPS display is better able to avoid color shift when you’re touching it.

Finally, Thunderbolt 3 support is included this time around, a step up from the 5Gb/s USB-C ports on the 2017 models.

Launched in the USA on 5th February, these are the configuration and pricing options:-

  • LG Gram 15Z980 (R.AAS9U1) - 8th Gen Intel Core i7, up to 1TB storage, and 16GB DDR4 memory. From US$1,999.
  • LG Gram 14Z980 (A.AAS7U1) - 8th Gen Intel Core i7, up to 512GB storage, and 8GB DDR4 memory. From US$1,399.
  • LG Gram 13Z980 (A.AAS7U1) - 8th Gen Intel Core i7, up to 256GB storage, and 8GB DDR4 memory. From US$1,549.

Source: LG and Virtual Press Office

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