LG gram 17 (2021)

The LG gram 17 2021 is a compelling laptop that masterfully blends a sprawling 17-inch display with an astonishingly lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for professionals and creatives who demand screen real estate without sacrificing portability.

This iteration solidified LG’s reputation for crafting highly mobile, large-screen devices, packing impressive battery life and solid performance for everyday productivity and content consumption, all while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

It truly redefined what a large-format laptop could be, proving that you don’t need to haul around a bulky machine to get a big-screen experience.

Product Name	Category	Key Feature Relevant to LG gram 17
LG gram 17 2021	Laptop	Ultra-lightweight 17-inch display, long battery life
Dell XPS 17	Laptop	Powerful performance, premium build quality, large display
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro/Max	Laptop	Exceptional performance, optimized software, high-resolution display
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio	2-in-1 Laptop	Versatile design, haptic trackpad, integrated graphics options
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 15-inch	2-in-1 Laptop	AMOLED display, S Pen support, thin and light design
External USB-C Monitor	Display Accessory	Expands workspace, portable display solution
Ergonomic Laptop Stand	Accessory	Improves posture, enhances airflow for cooling

Design and Portability: The Featherweight Giant

The LG gram 17 2021 truly stands out for its paradox: a massive 17-inch display in a chassis that weighs less than most 15-inch laptops. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick.

It’s a fundamental design philosophy that LG perfected.

For anyone who needs serious screen real estate but dreads lugging around a hefty machine, the gram 17 is a must.

It challenges the conventional wisdom that bigger screens mean bigger burdens.

The Unbelievable Weight Factor

At just under 3 pounds 1.35 kg, the LG gram 17 2021 is an anomaly in the 17-inch laptop category. Most competitors in this size class tip the scales at 4-5 pounds or more. This incredible lightness is achieved through LG’s use of a magnesium-alloy chassis, a material that offers impressive durability without adding significant bulk.

• Materials Science: The choice of magnesium alloy is critical. It’s lighter than aluminum but still robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
• Aerospace Influence: Think of it like aerospace engineering – every gram counts. LG applied a similar philosophy to consumer electronics.
• Real-world Impact: This means you can comfortably carry it in a backpack all day, commute with it, or even hold it in one hand for short periods without strain. It transforms a large laptop from a desk-bound behemoth into a genuinely mobile workstation.

Aesthetic and Build Quality

Beyond its weight, the gram 17 2021 maintains a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. It’s not flashy.

It’s professional and understated, designed to blend into any environment, from a coffee shop to a boardroom.

• Matte Finish: The matte black or silver finish resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, keeping it looking clean.
• Military Standard Durability MIL-STD-810G: While incredibly light, LG doesn’t skimp on durability. The gram 17 passed seven MIL-STD-810G tests for shock, dust, high/low temperature, and more. This provides peace of mind for those who travel frequently or are prone to accidental bumps.
  • Shock: Can withstand accidental drops and impacts.
  • Vibration: Resists damage from constant shaking during transport.
  • High Temperature: Functions reliably in warmer environments.
  • Low Temperature: Operates effectively in colder conditions.
  • Dust: Protected against dust ingress that could damage components.
  • Sand: Similar protection against fine sand particles.
  • Salt Fog: Resists corrosion from salty air.
• Thin Bezels: The virtually borderless display not only enhances the viewing experience but also contributes to a smaller overall footprint, making a 17-inch screen fit into a chassis often associated with 15-inch models. This is crucial for maintaining the “gram” philosophy.

Display Excellence: A Canvas for Productivity and Creativity

The 17-inch display on the LG gram 17 2021 isn’t just large.

It’s a high-quality panel designed to enhance both productivity and content consumption.

This is arguably the laptop’s strongest selling point, providing an expansive digital workspace. HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2023)

WQXGA 2560 x 1600 Resolution

Unlike many 17-inch laptops that stick to Full HD 1920 x 1080, the LG gram 17 2021 boasts a WQXGA 2560 x 1600 resolution. This higher pixel density offers significant advantages:

• Sharper Text and Images: Everything looks crisper and more detailed, reducing eye strain during long working sessions.
• More Screen Real Estate: The 16:10 aspect ratio, combined with the higher resolution, provides more vertical space than traditional 16:9 displays. This is particularly beneficial for:
  • Document Editing: See more lines of code, more paragraphs of text without constant scrolling.
  • Web Browsing: Less scrolling on long articles or websites.
  • Creative Applications: More room for toolbars, timelines, and layers in software like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro. You’re effectively getting the productivity of a dual-monitor setup on a single portable device.

Color Accuracy and Brightness

For creatives, color accuracy is paramount.

The LG gram 17 2021 doesn’t disappoint in this regard, offering a display that’s suitable for photo editing, graphic design, and video work.

• DCI-P3 99% Typical: This is a professional-grade color gamut often found in cinema cameras and high-end monitors. Covering 99% of the DCI-P3 spectrum means the display can reproduce a vast array of vibrant and accurate colors, making it reliable for color-critical tasks.
• Brightness: While not the absolute brightest panel on the market, it typically reaches around 300-350 nits, which is more than sufficient for indoor use and even comfortable use in well-lit environments. It might struggle a bit under direct sunlight, but that’s a common limitation for most non-reflective laptop screens.
• IPS Panel: The In-Plane Switching IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, so colors and contrast remain consistent even when viewed from the side, perfect for collaborative work or sharing content with others.

Performance: Handling Daily Demands with Ease

While not a gaming powerhouse, the LG gram 17 2021 is more than capable of handling typical daily productivity tasks, multitasking, and even some light creative work, thanks to its modern Intel processors and ample RAM.

It’s built for efficiency, not extreme computational loads.

11th Gen Intel Core Processors Tiger Lake

The 2021 model of the LG gram 17 came equipped with 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors Tiger Lake. These CPUs brought significant improvements in several key areas over previous generations:

• Improved Single-Core Performance: Faster execution of individual tasks, which benefits general system responsiveness and applications that aren’t heavily multi-threaded.
• Enhanced Integrated Graphics Iris Xe: This is a crucial upgrade for a laptop without a dedicated GPU. Intel’s Iris Xe graphics offer performance comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs, enabling:
  • Smooth 4K Video Playback: Seamless streaming and editing of high-resolution video.
  • Light Gaming: Capable of running less demanding titles at respectable frame rates.
  • Accelerated Creative Apps: Some features in photo and video editing software can leverage Iris Xe for faster processing.
• AI Acceleration: Tiger Lake chips included Intel’s new Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 2.0 GNA 2.0 for AI-driven tasks, improving efficiency for things like background blur in video calls or noise cancellation.

RAM and Storage Options

The LG gram 17 2021 offered various configurations for RAM and storage, providing flexibility for different user needs.

• RAM: Typically came with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM.
  • 8GB: Sufficient for basic productivity web browsing, office suites.
  • 16GB: Recommended for heavy multitaskers, users running virtual machines, or those doing light photo/video editing. LPDDR4x is also more power-efficient, contributing to battery life.
• Storage: Featured NVMe SSDs, usually starting from 256GB up to 1TB or even 2TB.
  • NVMe SSDs: Offer significantly faster read/write speeds compared to older SATA SSDs, resulting in quicker boot times, faster application loading, and snappier file transfers.
  • Dual SSD Slots: A major advantage of the LG gram 17 2021 is the inclusion of two M.2 NVMe SSD slots. This allows users to easily expand storage later without replacing the primary drive, or even set up a RAID configuration for redundancy or increased speed though the latter is less common for typical users.

Battery Life: An Endurance Champion

One of the most celebrated features of the LG gram series, and the 2021 17-inch model is no exception, is its absolutely phenomenal battery life.

This laptop is designed to go the distance, allowing you to work, stream, or create for extended periods without needing to hunt for an outlet.

Large 80Wh Battery

The secret sauce behind the gram 17’s endurance is its massive 80Wh Watt-hour battery. This is one of the largest batteries you’ll find in a laptop of its size, especially one so lightweight. Dell XPS 13 (2024)

• Capacity Advantage: Many similarly sized or even smaller laptops often come with 60Wh or 70Wh batteries. The extra capacity directly translates into longer usage times.
• Optimization: LG’s engineers have also done a remarkable job optimizing power consumption between the hardware components CPU, display, SSD and the battery management system. It’s not just about a big battery. it’s about making every watt count.

Real-World Usage Times

While battery life varies based on usage patterns, the LG gram 17 2021 consistently delivered exceptional results in independent reviews and real-world testing.

• Light Usage Web Browsing, Word Processing: Expect to comfortably get 15-18 hours of continuous use. This means you can easily get through multiple workdays on a single charge or fly across continents without needing your charger.
• Video Playback: For local video playback, it could often exceed 20 hours, making it an excellent travel companion for entertainment.
• Moderate Usage Multitasking, Streaming: Even with multiple tabs open, video calls, and light photo editing, you can still expect 10-14 hours of usage.

Comparison Point: This level of battery life is almost unheard of in a 17-inch laptop, even today. It gives the LG gram 17 a significant competitive edge for users who prioritize unplugged freedom. For road warriors, students, or anyone who frequently works away from a power outlet, this feature alone can be a deal-breaker.

Connectivity and Ports: Ready for Anything

Despite its thin and light design, the LG gram 17 2021 doesn’t skimp on connectivity.

It offers a comprehensive array of ports, ensuring you can connect to a wide range of peripherals, external displays, and networks without needing a dongle farm.

Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A

The inclusion of modern and legacy ports makes the gram 17 highly versatile.

• 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports: These are the star of the show. Thunderbolt 4 offers:
  • 40Gbps Bandwidth: Blazing fast data transfer speeds, perfect for external SSDs, high-resolution monitors, or eGPUs though the gram isn’t designed for heavy gaming, an eGPU could boost its graphical capabilities for specific tasks.
  • Power Delivery: Both ports can charge the laptop, meaning you can use either for the power adapter.
  • DisplayPort Alt Mode: Capable of driving multiple 4K displays or a single 8K display.
  • Daisy Chaining: Connect multiple Thunderbolt devices in a chain.
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports: Essential for connecting older peripherals like external hard drives, mice, keyboards, or flash drives without adapters. This is a crucial practical inclusion often sacrificed on ultra-thin laptops.
• 1x HDMI 2.0 port: A direct connection for external monitors, projectors, or TVs. This eliminates the need for an adapter for most common display setups.

Other Essential Connections

LG ensures that all the basic necessities are covered for a seamless user experience.

• microSD Card Reader: Convenient for photographers and videographers to quickly offload footage from cameras or expand storage if needed.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A welcome sight for those who prefer wired headphones or external microphones. Many modern ultrabooks are ditching this, much to the chagrin of audiophiles and professionals.
• Kensington Lock Slot: For physical security in public or office environments, allowing you to tether the laptop to a secure object.
• Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax: Provides faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in congested network environments compared to Wi-Fi 5. Essential for smooth streaming, fast downloads, and reliable video calls.
• Bluetooth 5.1: For connecting wireless headphones, mice, keyboards, and other accessories with improved range and stability.

User Experience: Keyboard, Trackpad, and Webcam

A laptop’s user experience often boils down to the parts you interact with most: the keyboard, trackpad, and webcam.

The LG gram 17 2021 generally delivers a solid performance in these areas, suitable for long hours of work.

Keyboard Quality

The keyboard on the LG gram 17 2021 is a strong point for typists who demand comfort and accuracy.

• Full-Sized with Numpad: A significant advantage of the 17-inch form factor is the inclusion of a dedicated numeric keypad, which is invaluable for data entry, accounting, or anyone who frequently works with numbers.
• Tactile Feedback: The keys offer a decent amount of travel and a satisfying, tactile click, providing a comfortable typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended sessions.
• Backlighting: Adjustable backlighting allows for typing in dim environments, with multiple brightness levels.
• Layout: Standard QWERTY layout with well-spaced keys, reducing accidental presses.

Trackpad and Biometrics

The trackpad is large and responsive, and the biometric security adds a layer of convenience. Framework Laptop 13 (2021)

• Large Precision Touchpad: The spacious touchpad is smooth, accurate, and supports Windows Precision drivers, enabling fluid multi-touch gestures. This means precise cursor control and reliable pinch-to-zoom, two-finger scrolling, and three-finger swipes.
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader: Located in the power button, the fingerprint reader offers quick and secure login via Windows Hello. This is far more convenient than typing a password repeatedly.
• Webcam HD 720p: The webcam is standard 720p. While it’s sufficient for video calls, it’s not going to blow you away in terms of image quality. In good lighting, it performs adequately for virtual meetings, but don’t expect crisp, high-definition video. This is a common area where many lightweight laptops still lag.

Software and Eco-System: Streamlined and Efficient

The LG gram 17 2021 runs on Windows 10 Home or Pro, providing a familiar and widely compatible operating system. LG also includes some proprietary software and features aimed at enhancing the user experience, often with a focus on convenience and security.

LG Smart Assistant and Control Center

LG bundles a suite of utilities designed to help users manage their laptop’s settings and optimize performance.

• LG Smart Assistant: A central hub for various system settings, including:
  • Fan Control: Adjust fan speeds for silent operation or maximum cooling.
  • Charging Habits: Features like “Battery Protector” can limit charging to 80% to prolong battery lifespan, crucial for longevity.
  • Display Settings: Quick access to color profiles and reading modes.
  • Security: Link to biometric settings and other security features.
• LG Update Center: Ensures that drivers and LG-specific software are kept up to date, maintaining optimal performance and security.
• LG gram Link later versions: While perhaps not heavily featured in the 2021 model’s initial release, LG has developed solutions for seamless integration between the laptop and Android smartphones, allowing for screen mirroring, file transfer, and notifications. This enhances the overall ecosystem experience for users who own LG phones or other Android devices.

Minimal Bloatware

One positive aspect of LG’s software approach is the relatively minimal bloatware out of the box. Unlike some manufacturers who load their laptops with numerous third-party trials and unnecessary apps, LG generally keeps its pre-installed software to a necessary minimum.

• Clean Windows Experience: This results in a cleaner, faster-booting system that feels responsive from day one, without the need for extensive uninstalling.
• Focus on Core Functionality: The pre-installed utilities are typically functional and relevant to the hardware, rather than being promotional or resource-intensive. This aligns with the gram’s identity as a productivity machine.

Ideal User Profile and Value Proposition

The LG gram 17 2021 isn’t for everyone, but for its target audience, it offers a truly unique and compelling value proposition.

Understanding who this laptop is designed for helps highlight its strengths.

Who is the LG gram 17 2021 For?

This laptop is best suited for individuals who prioritize a large, high-quality display and extreme portability above all else, while still needing solid performance for everyday tasks.

• Mobile Professionals and Business Travelers: The unparalleled combination of a 17-inch screen and sub-3lb weight means you can take a comprehensive workstation with you on the road without back strain. The incredible battery life ensures you’re productive throughout long flights or conferences.
• Students especially STEM/Design: For subjects that require significant screen real estate e.g., coding, CAD, graphic design, data analysis, the WQXGA 17-inch display is a massive advantage. Its portability means it’s still practical to carry around campus.
• Writers and Researchers: The large screen allows for multiple documents side-by-side, extensive web research, and a comfortable typing experience for long periods.
• Casual Content Consumers: The vibrant 17-inch display makes for an excellent movie-watching or casual browsing experience, akin to a portable home theater.
• Light Creatives Photo/Video Editing: While not a dedicated workstation for heavy 3D rendering or complex video production, the DCI-P3 color accuracy and large screen are excellent for photo editing, light video cutting, and graphic design tasks where color fidelity and workspace are key.

The Value Proposition

The value of the LG gram 17 2021 lies in its ability to defy conventional laptop compromises.

• No Compromise on Screen Size for Portability: This is its defining characteristic. You get a massive display without the usual associated bulk.
• Exceptional Battery Life: It genuinely delivers all-day-plus battery life, reducing “charger anxiety.”
• Solid Everyday Performance: While not a gaming rig, it handles typical office, browsing, and content creation tasks with ease.
• Premium Features: Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6, a comfortable keyboard, and a durable build make it a well-rounded premium device.
• Investment in Ergonomics: For those who suffer from neck or eye strain with smaller screens, the 17-inch display can be a significant ergonomic improvement, potentially leading to increased productivity and comfort over time.

In essence, the LG gram 17 2021 carved out a niche for itself by offering an unparalleled blend of screen size, portability, and battery endurance, making it a compelling choice for a specific, yet broad, segment of the laptop market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LG gram 17 2021 good for gaming?

The LG gram 17 2021 is not designed for intensive gaming. While its 11th Gen Intel Core processors with Iris Xe graphics can handle light, older, or indie games at lower settings, it lacks a dedicated graphics card GPU necessary for modern AAA titles.

What is the battery life of LG gram 17 2021?

The LG gram 17 2021 is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often delivering 15-18 hours of typical productivity use web browsing, document editing and over 20 hours for local video playback, thanks to its large 80Wh battery. Dell Alienware m18 (2023)

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have a touchscreen?

No, the standard LG gram 17 2021 models typically do not feature a touchscreen. LG usually reserves touchscreen functionality for its 2-in-1 convertible models like the gram 2-in-1.

What resolution is the screen on the LG gram 17 2021?

The LG gram 17 2021 features a WQXGA 2560 x 1600 resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing more vertical screen space than traditional Full HD 1920×1080 screens.

How much does the LG gram 17 2021 weigh?

The LG gram 17 2021 is incredibly lightweight for its size, weighing approximately 2.98 pounds 1.35 kg, making it one of the lightest 17-inch laptops available.

What processor does the LG gram 17 2021 use?

The LG gram 17 2021 is powered by 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors Tiger Lake.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have Thunderbolt ports?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering fast data transfer, power delivery, and display output capabilities.

Can I upgrade the RAM in the LG gram 17 2021?

No, the RAM in the LG gram 17 2021 is typically soldered to the motherboard LPDDR4x and is not user-upgradeable. It’s important to choose the desired RAM configuration 8GB or 16GB at the time of purchase.

Can I upgrade the storage in the LG gram 17 2021?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 features two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, allowing users to easily add a second SSD for expanded storage or replace the existing one.

Is the LG gram 17 2021 good for video editing?

The LG gram 17 2021 can handle light to moderate video editing tasks, especially with its 16GB RAM configuration and Iris Xe graphics. For professional-grade or heavy 4K video editing, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card would offer better performance.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have a dedicated graphics card?

No, the LG gram 17 2021 relies on the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics found within its 11th Gen Intel Core processors, not a dedicated graphics card.

Is the LG gram 17 2021 durable?

Despite its light weight, the LG gram 17 2021 is built with a magnesium-alloy chassis and is MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning it has passed several military-standard durability tests for shock, vibration, dust, and temperature. Dell XPS 14 (2024)

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have a numeric keypad?

Yes, due to its 17-inch form factor, the LG gram 17 2021 includes a full-sized keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad.

What kind of webcam does the LG gram 17 2021 have?

The LG gram 17 2021 features an HD 720p webcam, which is suitable for standard video calls and online meetings.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 come with Windows 11?

The LG gram 17 2021 originally shipped with Windows 10 Home or Pro, but it is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11.

What ports are available on the LG gram 17 2021?

The LG gram 17 2021 typically includes: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Is the display on the LG gram 17 2021 color accurate?

Yes, the display on the LG gram 17 2021 is known for its excellent color accuracy, typically covering 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for creative professionals.

Can the LG gram 17 2021 be charged via USB-C?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 can be charged via either of its Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports using a compatible USB-C Power Delivery charger.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have a fingerprint reader?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 features a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for convenient and secure login via Windows Hello.

Is the LG gram 17 2021 good for programming or coding?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 is excellent for programming and coding due to its large WQXGA 16:10 display that provides ample screen real estate for code, multiple windows, and documentation, combined with a comfortable keyboard.

What is the aspect ratio of the LG gram 17 2021 display?

The LG gram 17 2021 features a 16:10 aspect ratio display, which offers more vertical space compared to the more common 16:9 ratio, benefiting productivity. Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023)

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have a glossy or matte screen?

The LG gram 17 2021 typically features a matte anti-glare display, which helps reduce reflections and glare, improving usability in various lighting conditions.

Can I connect multiple external monitors to the LG gram 17 2021?

Yes, thanks to its Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI port, you can connect multiple external monitors to the LG gram 17 2021. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Is the LG gram 17 2021 fan noisy?

The fan on the LG gram 17 2021 is generally very quiet during light to moderate usage. It may become audible under heavy load, but it’s typically not distracting. LG’s Smart Assistant often allows for fan control customization.

What is the typical refresh rate of the LG gram 17 2021 display?

The LG gram 17 2021 typically has a standard 60Hz refresh rate display, which is perfectly adequate for productivity and general content consumption.

How does the LG gram 17 2021 compare to the Dell XPS 17?

The LG gram 17 2021 is significantly lighter and has better battery life than the Dell XPS 17. The XPS 17, however, typically offers more powerful dedicated graphics card options and a more premium build, making it better for heavy creative work or some gaming.

Is the LG gram 17 2021 suitable for travel?

Yes, the LG gram 17 2021 is exceptionally suitable for travel due to its remarkably light weight for a 17-inch laptop and its outstanding battery life, allowing for extended work sessions on the go.

Does the LG gram 17 2021 have good speakers?

The LG gram 17 2021 has adequate speakers for general use like video calls and casual content consumption. For a more immersive audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended.

What is the difference between the 2021 and 2022 LG gram 17 models?

The primary differences between the LG gram 17 2021 and the 2022 model are typically the processor generation 2022 uses 12th Gen Intel Core processors, offering improved performance and efficiency and potentially minor design refinements or additional software features.

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