The LG gram 14 2-in-1 may not be the ideal tablet replacement, but it gets much closer than most convertibles do. A quick look at the scale reveals why: A magnesium-alloy body helps it weigh in at a scant 2.53 pounds.

The LG gram 14 2-in-1's in-plane switching (IPS) panel is bright and beautiful, with wide viewing angles. Ambient light sources can create annoying reflections off its mirror-like surface, though.

The LG gram 14 2-in-1 is available only with a full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) native screen resolution. Some competing convertibles have the same resolution at this price point, but at least offer 4K UHD (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) screens if you're willing to pay extra.

The island-style keys on the keyboard have an encouraging feel, thanks to their generous up-and-down travel. The keys are artfully cut into the one-piece chassis cover for a clean look. From a layout perspective, though, it would have been nice to have full-size arrow keys and dedicated Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys.

The exposed keyboard and the large gap between the lid and the chassis are obvious reminders that you're not using a dedicated tablet.

The chassis tended to heat up when I stressed the LG gram 14 2-in-1 in benchmarks. The center-underside of the chassis near the display hinge was the hot spot, although no part of the exterior became uncomfortable to touch.

The left edge hosts the power jack, a USB Type-A 3.1 port, a full-size HDMI video-out, a Type-C USB port (which also can be used for recharging the laptop), and some nostalgia-inducing status-light indicators.

The right-side ports include a microSD card slot, a "sleep" button, an audio combo jack, a final USB Type-A 3.1 port, and a Kensington-style security-cable notch.

The LG gram 14 2-in-1 is better at being a tablet replacement than most convertibles we've handled. Its 2.53-pound footprint is scary-light for one with a 14-inch screen. The weight gap may never be fully closed with dedicated tablets, but it's never been this close.