I remember the first time I saw an LG Gram in person, and I couldn’t believe a laptop that large could feel so light.

It was the 17-inch version, and it looked almost too big to be so easy to carry around.

Since then, LG has kept updating the Gram series, and now we have a 2024 model called the LG Gram 17ZB90S that continues this tradition.

Honestly, if you need a big screen and you still want to move around a lot, it’s hard not to appreciate what this machine offers.

The body is made from a magnesium alloy that feels airy in your hands.

Some people think that makes it seem a bit flimsy at first, but LG’s special alloy isn’t just about being lightweight—there’s also a surprising amount of durability behind that thin shell.

Actually, a lot of folks might underestimate how strong it is.

They pick it up and think it’ll bend or warp easily, but if you’ve ever tested it out day to day, you’d see it handles minor bumps and jolts pretty well.

 

You could say the big claim to fame of the Gram 17 is the giant screen plus the almost featherweight design.

This is perfect for people who do a lot of writing, coding, or editing and need more screen real estate, yet don’t want to haul around a heavy desktop replacement.

When I put it side by side with older 15-inch laptops from other brands, I’m reminded how quickly technology moves.

The big 17-inch display has a 2560 x 1600 resolution, so it’s not just large, it’s also pretty sharp and roomy if you like to have multiple windows open.

Sure, you can find other laptops with 17-inch displays, but you typically end up with a bulky machine that isn’t fun to carry around.

The Gram 17 stands out for keeping things ultra-portable.

Plus, the 16:10 aspect ratio can be a real game-changer if you work on documents or browse websites for hours.

The added vertical space helps you see more text or content without scrolling all the time.

 

 

The 2024 model, which is the one we’re focusing on, is equipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H processor.

That name might sound fancy, but the takeaway is that it provides more performance than you’d expect from something so slim.

Older versions of the Gram line were already pretty quick for standard everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office apps.

Now, with this CPU, you can tackle heavier workloads and maybe even do some creative tasks like photo editing or light video work without feeling like the laptop is going to melt in your lap.

Additionally, the laptop packs 16GB of DDR5 RAM, which boosts speed for multitasking, and it can help if you do heavier stuff like running multiple apps at once.

 

One cool thing about LG Gram laptops is how they typically manage heat.

Because the chassis is relatively large for an ultra-light, it gives some extra room for airflow, which keeps it from overheating under moderate loads.

Of course, if you really push it with intensive tasks, you’ll hear the fans kick in, but it’s still better than you might expect.

Also, the storage is an SSD that’s using a fast 4×4 interface, and you even get two slots, so you can upgrade or add more space if you need.

That’s good news for folks who like to keep big video files or a giant photo library on their main drive.

 

Now, some people will say that paying attention to performance on a super-light laptop can be a bit of a contradiction.

However, the Gram line has always tried to combine large screens with portability and decent power.

This 2024 version continues that trend, adding a bit more muscle for power users without sacrificing the thin-and-light concept.

People who need a laptop for traveling but also prefer a giant screen might find it tough to get a better blend of size, weight, and speed than this.

 

 

When it comes to build quality, the magnesium-based alloy that LG uses is definitely a conversation starter.

If you’ve never picked up a Gram before, you might be surprised by how thin the metal shell feels.

Some folks even describe the sensation as “less premium” compared to aluminum or carbon fiber.

In a way, it can feel a bit less rigid, and a few owners have expressed that it flexes slightly if you press hard on the lid or around the keyboard deck.

But after using older Gram models, I think the weird sense of lightness is just part of the experience.

In practice, the laptop tends to hold up well.

 

One reason is that magnesium-based alloys can be both lightweight and durable in ways that are different from aluminum.

They might have a bit more give, which can reduce the chance of the chassis breaking on impact.

The Gram 17 also passes multiple durability tests, such as those in the MIL-STD standard, which is often used to rate laptops for reliability under rough conditions.

This means it can handle some knocks, temperature changes, and maybe even small drops better than you’d assume.

As always, though, it’s not a rugged laptop designed for extreme environments, so don’t go tossing it around.

 

I think one of the more practical benefits of the magnesium finish is that it’s not too slippery.

Some metal laptops feel smooth but can easily slip out of your hands, especially if you’re carrying them around by one edge.

On the other hand, the Gram 17’s coating helps you keep a decent grip, so you’re less likely to drop it when walking from your desk to a meeting room.

Yes, it can get scratch marks if you’re rough with it, but most people use protective sleeves or handle it with care anyway.

 

Now, about the display itself: it’s a 17-inch WQXGA panel with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 16:10 ratio.

I’m someone who does a lot of text work, and trust me, that ratio can make a difference for productivity.

You see a bit more vertical space, so you can keep your editing window, a browser tab, and maybe even a smaller chat app all visible at once.

The Gram’s display typically shows pretty good colors, and LG claims around 99% of the DCI-P3 gamut, which is quite high.

That’s something creative folks appreciate if they need color accuracy for design or photography.

Even for everyday streaming, it just looks really nice.

Blacks are fairly deep, and whites are bright without looking washed out.

 

The brightness level is generally decent for indoor use, though I wouldn’t expect miracles in direct sunlight.

Still, for coffee shop hopping or typical indoor setups, it does the job well.

The slim bezels around the screen also help make the laptop feel modern, and it looks pretty sleek when you open it up.

There’s a built-in webcam at the top, plus Face ID support, which can be really handy.

Being able to open the lid, have the camera see you, and then unlock without typing a password is something you get used to pretty fast.

Once you have it, you kind of miss it on laptops that don’t.

 

If you’re wondering about the keyboard, it’s surprisingly comfortable for a machine so thin, though the layout can feel a little spread out due to the wide form factor.

Some might love that extra space, but others might take a bit of time to adjust if they’re coming from a more compact laptop.

The backlight is also there, so working in dim rooms isn’t a problem.

The trackpad is fairly large, and I think LG made some improvements to the click mechanism in newer models, so it’s more responsive and quiet.

 

 

Another big selling point for the Gram series is battery life.

The 17ZB90S has a hefty 77Wh battery, which is quite a big capacity for something that weighs so little.

Typically, bigger screens drain more power, but LG still manages to give you respectable battery endurance.

I can’t provide an exact figure that applies to everyone’s usage, but it’s generally enough to get through a full workday if you keep the screen brightness moderate and aren’t doing anything too power-intensive, like gaming or high-level rendering.

That said, if you’re just browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents, you might be pleasantly surprised that the battery doesn’t drop too quickly.

 

Thunderbolt 4 support is also here, meaning you can do fast data transfers, hook up external GPUs, or connect to powerful docking stations through the USB-C ports.

If you’re big on productivity, having that kind of expandability is vital.

You can even power the laptop and output to a high-resolution monitor with a single cable, which is pretty convenient if you have a desk setup at home.

Then, when you head out, just unplug one cable and take the laptop with you.

 

I’ve also noticed LG tries to offer decent speakers on these models.

They might not be the loudest or have the richest bass compared to some heavier laptops, but for calls, movies, and casual music listening, they’re fine.

You can always plug in headphones or external speakers if you want more powerful audio.

Considering how much LG focuses on slimming everything down, it’s nice they didn’t forget about providing a bit of sound quality.

 

 

So, summing up all these thoughts into one final perspective, the 2024 LG Gram 17 is a pretty unique package for anyone who really loves a bigger screen but hates the idea of lugging around a massive laptop.

It’s a standout choice if you’re traveling frequently, you work from different spots throughout the day, or you just like to hold your machine on your lap without feeling weighed down.

That 17-inch display is a dream for people who edit documents, watch content, or want that wide workspace.

And even though the magnesium alloy might feel a bit unusual at first, it’s a deliberate design choice that keeps the laptop extremely light while maintaining enough sturdiness for everyday use.

 

Under the hood, the Core Ultra 7 155H chip, combined with DDR5 RAM and a speedy SSD, gives you a machine that runs faster than older Gram versions, making it more future-proof if your workload might increase over time.

LG’s improvements to the cooling system help keep performance stable, and the battery is large enough to power that big screen for many hours, which is a major plus.

The addition of features like Face ID, Thunderbolt 4, and a comfortable keyboard round out the experience, ensuring it isn’t just a lightweight novelty but actually feels like a capable daily driver.

 

Of course, it’s not perfect.

If you’re used to solid metal builds that feel like a tank, you might be slightly put off by the flexible sensation in some areas.

Some owners might also wish for bigger SSD storage right out of the box, although the dual slots do let you upgrade.

Also, the price can be higher than some regular 17-inch laptops, but once you realize how portable it is, you might find it worth the cost.

At the end of the day, the Gram 17 has always been about balancing contradictory ideas: a huge display on a machine that weighs next to nothing, but still manages decent performance and battery life.

That combination is tough to beat in the current market, so if it lines up with what you need, there aren’t many alternatives that compare.