LG Gram 15-inch (2018) - Hands On Review

The New 15-Inch LG Graham Laptop: A Review

LG, known for its conservative approach to laptop design and feature sets, has updated all its new Grahams with 8th gen processors. The result is a lightweight laptop that is not only impressive but also raises questions about the value proposition of such a product. With an 8th gen processor, LG has taken a significant step forward in terms of performance, making it one of the most powerful laptops in its class.

One of the standout features of the new LG Graham is its weight. At under 2.5 pounds, this laptop is not only the lightest 15-inch laptop we've ever used but also almost half the weight of a 15-inch Surface Book. This makes it an attractive option for those who need to carry their laptop around frequently or use it on the go. The reduced size and footprint of the laptop also make it more manageable, allowing users to take it with them wherever they go.

However, while the new LG Graham is undoubtedly impressive in terms of its weight and size reduction, its design leaves a lot to be desired. The laptop has a significant amount of flex around the keyboard and lid, which may raise concerns about its durability. Although LG claims that the laptop meets US military standards for durability, it feels more delicate than similar products like the Dell XPS 15 or Surface Book. The plain appearance of the laptop does little to make it stand out from other laptops on the market.

Despite these design flaws, the new LG Graham is still a solid performer in terms of its battery life and display quality. The 1080p touchscreen display may not be the most impressive in terms of contrast and color accuracy, but it is still usable for everyday tasks. However, there are some significant omissions from the laptop's feature set that raise questions about its value proposition. Specifically, the lack of a discreet graphics card or 4K option means that users will not be able to enjoy gaming or video editing on this laptop.

This is particularly disappointing when compared to other laptops in similar price ranges, such as the Dell XPS 15, which starts at $1,300 and comes with a GTX 1050. The new LG Graham, priced at $2,000, feels like it offers significantly less value for money. In fact, one cannot help but wonder why anyone would choose to spend this amount of money on a laptop that can't handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

One positive aspect of the new LG Graham is its performance, thanks to the 8th gen processor and 16 gigabytes of RAM. This makes it an attractive option for those who need a powerful laptop for work or creative pursuits. However, when compared to other laptops in similar price ranges, such as the MacBook Pro or Surface Book, the new LG Graham does not offer enough value to justify its premium pricing.

Ultimately, while the new 15-inch LG Graham is a solid performer in terms of weight and size reduction, its design flaws and omissions from its feature set raise significant questions about its value proposition. Unless LG can address these concerns and provide more features at a lower price point, it may be difficult for this laptop to compete with other options on the market.