What's Happening?
LG has introduced a new line of Gram Pro laptops at CES 2026, featuring a significant redesign with a new aluminum/magnesium alloy called 'Aerominum.' This material aims to provide a balance between lightweight
design and durability, addressing previous concerns about the flex-prone nature of earlier models. The 16-inch Gram Pro model weighs just 2.6 pounds and includes a 2.8K OLED screen, Intel's Panther Lake chips, and support for dual NVMe SSDs. Additionally, LG has launched a 17-inch version, which is the lightest notebook of its size equipped with an NVIDIA RTX GPU, specifically the RTX 5050. Despite the improvements in weight and durability, the Gram Pro's keyboard has been criticized for its lack of key travel, affecting the typing experience.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the 'Aerominum' Gram Pro laptops represents a significant advancement in laptop design, particularly for consumers seeking ultra-lightweight devices without compromising on durability. This development could influence other PC manufacturers to prioritize weight reduction in their designs, potentially leading to a new standard in the industry. The inclusion of high-performance components like the NVIDIA RTX 5050 GPU in a lightweight form factor also highlights the growing demand for portable yet powerful computing solutions. This trend could impact the competitive landscape of the laptop market, pushing companies to innovate further in terms of materials and design.
What's Next?
As CES 2026 continues, LG's new Gram Pro laptops are likely to attract attention from both consumers and industry experts. The reception of these devices could influence LG's future design strategies and potentially lead to further refinements in their product lineup. Additionally, the feedback from CES attendees and tech reviewers will be crucial in determining the commercial success of the Gram Pro series. Other manufacturers may also respond by accelerating their own innovations in lightweight and durable laptop designs, potentially leading to a broader shift in the market towards similar materials and technologies.
