When it comes to choosing a lightweight laptop, the Asus Expertbook B9 and the LG Gram 17 are two top contenders. Both are designed for portability, performance, and long battery life, making them ideal for professionals, students, and travelers. This article compares these two models across various features to help you decide which is better suited for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Expertbook B9 features a sleek, durable magnesium-lithium alloy chassis that weighs just around 2.2 pounds (1 kg). Its slim profile and premium finish make it highly portable and professional-looking. The LG Gram 17, despite its larger 17-inch display, manages to weigh approximately 2.98 pounds (1.35 kg), thanks to its magnesium alloy body. Its design emphasizes lightweight portability without sacrificing durability.

Display and Screen Size

The Asus Expertbook B9 comes with a 14-inch Full HD display, offering sharp visuals and good color accuracy. Its smaller size makes it easier to carry and handle. In contrast, the LG Gram 17 boasts a large 17-inch Full HD display, providing more screen real estate for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. Both screens are anti-glare, but the larger display of the LG Gram is advantageous for users who prioritize screen size.

Performance and Hardware

The Asus Expertbook B9 is equipped with Intel's latest 13th-generation processors, up to 32GB RAM, and fast SSD storage options. It offers robust performance for everyday tasks and professional workloads. The LG Gram 17 features similar hardware, with Intel Core i7 processors, up to 16GB RAM, and SSD storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and productivity. Both laptops are suitable for demanding applications, but the Asus B9 may have an edge with higher RAM capacity options.

Battery Life

Battery life is critical for portable devices. The Asus Expertbook B9 can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, depending on usage, thanks to its efficient hardware and 66Wh battery. The LG Gram 17 also offers impressive battery life, with up to 17 hours of usage, making it ideal for all-day work without needing to recharge. Both models excel in this area, with the LG Gram providing a slight advantage due to its larger battery capacity.

Connectivity and Ports

Connectivity options are vital for modern laptops. The Asus Expertbook B9 includes multiple USB-C ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, and a microSD card reader, supporting various peripherals and external displays. The LG Gram 17 offers similar connectivity, with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD slot. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connections.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The Asus Expertbook B9 features a comfortable, backlit keyboard with well-spaced keys, facilitating long typing sessions. Its touchpad is responsive and accurate. The LG Gram 17 also has a comfortable keyboard, with a larger touchpad that enhances usability. Both offer good input experiences, with minor differences based on personal preference.

Price and Value

The Asus Expertbook B9 is generally priced higher due to its premium build and enterprise features. It offers excellent value for business users needing durability and performance in a compact form. The LG Gram 17, while slightly more affordable, provides exceptional battery life and a large display, appealing to multimedia users and students. Both are worth considering based on budget and specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Asus Expertbook B9 and LG Gram 17 depends on your priorities. If portability, build quality, and performance are paramount, the Asus Expertbook B9 is an excellent choice. If you prefer a larger screen, longer battery life, and slightly lower price, the LG Gram 17 may be better suited. Both laptops are top-tier lightweight options that cater to different user preferences.