As Bill keeps getting “longer in the tooth,” he longs for lightweight tech to carry with him to court or when traveling to many exotic places (Tennessee is exotic, right?). Phil is also tired of the “sagging shoulder syndrome” caused by a heavy gear-laden shoulder strap. Fortunately, Bill found a solution to this problem: an LG Gram computer and a Dell 14-inch portable monitor.
We know that two devices are heavier than one, but these two companions are lighter than most “ultrabook” computers. Plus, we just cannot give up the decadence of using two monitors for our computer work.
When Bill saw this year’s models of LG Gram ultraportable notebooks, he fell in love and purchased one as soon as he could.
The notebooks come in various sizes and are the lightest on the market in their respective sizes. The smallest size (a 13-inch model) comes in at 2.1 pounds, but that size is just too small for our aging eyes, and the 14-inch LG Gram Style weighs only 2.2 pounds. These models are unbelievably light — so light you cannot believe a computer is in your briefcase. Bill went for a slightly larger (and therefore heavier) model, the 16-inch LG Gram style (weighing 2.7 pounds, but still amazingly light). Phil is coveting the 17-inch model so he can have a keyboard with a built-in keypad. It weighs 2.9 pounds (or 3.2 pounds with an extra high-powered graphics card).
And all the models are amazingly thin — 0.6 inches for the 16-inch and 0.7 inches for the 17. In fact, both are so thin, they feel a bit flimsy, so if you are rough on your laptops, you may want to pick some another brand. However, independent testing has shown the LG Gram models to be quite durable.
“The screen is vivid and bright and easy to see from all angles. The battery life is in a class all its own. The 17-inch model will last 18 hours unplugged, which may have sold Phil. His pet peeve is a short battery life for a laptop computer.”
They are also loaded with the new paradigm in computer ports — two USB4 Thunderbolt ports (USB-C compatible), two USB-A ports, a microSD slot, an audio jack and an HDMI monitor port. They have facial recognition for logins, a 1080p camera, a nice microphone and two brightness levels for the backlit keyboard. The speakers in the computer aren’t so great, but we always carry nice Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth is included on these models.
The screen is vivid and bright and easy to see from all angles. The battery life is in a class all its own. The 17-inch model will last 18 hours unplugged, which may have sold Phil. His pet peeve is the short battery life for a laptop computer.
The LG Gram ultraportable is great, but of course, we want our second monitors while still traveling light. The Dell C1422H fixes that problem. It’s sturdy, weighs about half a pound and comes with its own case.
This portable also comes with its own frame and sturdy kickstand that allows you to adjust the tilt angle of the screen. It connects to the LG Gram via a USB-C port, and there is a second USB-C for pass-through power if needed. (Remember, the computer for the input source must have a USB-C or Thunderbolt port. Otherwise, you will not get an image.)
You can use the C1422H for a second monitor for your laptop, or as a screen to share with others. It makes the perfect lightweight companion for an LG Gram ultraportable.
