Looks like we have another laptop leak ahead of CES 2017, which kicks off on January 5. This time it’s device manufacturer LG refreshing its Gram family of laptops with new processors, better batteries, Thunderbolt 3, and built-in fingerprint sensors. The leak arrives by way of German-based WinFuture, which posted some specs and images of the unannounced laptops.
The refreshed LG Gram notebooks will be served up in three models sometime during 2017: the 13Z970 with a 13-inch display, the 14Z970 with a 14-inch display, and the 15Z970 with a 15.6-inch display. The screen size will be the biggest difference between the three units, packing IPS displays with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. The company will offer models with touchscreens as well, a first for the LG Gram series.
The refreshed laptops will reportedly sport Intel’s seventh-generation “Kaby Lake” Core processors. The leak specifically names the Core i5-7200U and the Core i7-7500U processors.
| Core i5-7200U | Core i7-7500U | |
| Launch date: | Q3 of 2016 | Q3 of 2016 |
| Process node: | 14nm | 14nm |
| Number of cores: | 2 | 2 |
| Number of threads: | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock speed: | 2.50GHz | 2.70GHz |
| Boost clock speed: | 3.10GHz | 3.50GHz |
| Cache: | 3MB | 4MB |
| Maximum power draw: | 15 watts | 15 watts |
| Integrated graphics: | Intel HD Graphics 620 | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Graphics base clock speed: | 300MHz | 300MHz |
| Graphics boost clock speed: | 1.00GHz | 1.05GHz |
In addition to these two processors, all three models will include at least 8GB of system memory, and up to 512GB of storage on a SATA-based solid state drive. Other options and features will include a USB Type-C port supporting Thunderbolt 3, Bluetooth 4.0, dual-band Wireless AC connectivity, gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI output supporting 4K displays.
On the battery front, LG’s current crop of Gram laptops relies on 34.61 watt-hours (up to 7 hours) and 52.06 watt-hours (up to 13 hours) batteries, depending on the configuration. For the upcoming refreshed laptops, LG is reportedly keeping the 34.61-watt-hour battery, but switching out the 52.06-watt-hour version for a slightly beefier 60-watt-hour model. As the table shows below, the bigger battery is needed to support a touchscreen, indicating that the refreshed batch will ship with models sporting touchscreens as well.
Here is what LG is selling now:
| Model | Size | CPU | Memory | Touch | Battery | Price |
| gram-13Z950-A.AA3WU1 | 13” | Core i5-5200U | 8GB | No | 34.61 Wh | $800 |
| gram-14Z950-A.AA3GU1 | 14” | Core i5-5200U | 8GB | No | 34.61 Wh | $850 |
| gram-15Z960-A.AA52U1 | 15” | Core i5-6200U | 8GB | No | 34.61 Wh | $1100 |
| gram-14Z950-A.AA4GU1 | 14” | Core i7-5500U | 8GB | No | 34.61 Wh | $1200 |
| gram-15Z960-T.AA52U1 | 15” | Core i5-6200U | 8GB | Yes | 52.06 Wh | $1300 |
| gram-15Z960-A.AA75U1 | 15” | Core i7-6500U | 8GB | No | 34.61 Wh | $1500 |
| gram-15Z960-T.AA75U1 | 15” | Core i7-6500U | 8GB | Yes | 52.06 Wh | $1700 |
The leak also notes that the battery size and number of ports will depend on the size of the laptop. However, all three models will be lighter than the previous generation, reportedly dropping around 1.41 ounces to weigh in at just over 2 pounds.
What’s notable about the LG Gram refresh is that LG will offer models with a fingerprint reader built into the upper-left corner of the trackpad. This is likely Synaptics’ SecurePad solution that combines its TouchPad technology and its Natural ID fingerprint sensor. This can be used to unlock Windows 10 without the need for login credentials, to make online purchases, open programs and apps, and more.
Unfortunately, that’s all we have for now. The refreshed LG Gram notebooks are expected to arrive in 2017, but an exact release window is unknown for the moment. LG will likely announce the next-generation laptops during CES 2017, so stay tuned.
