Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

LG updates its svelte Gram 15Z980 notebook with 8th-gen Core, Thunderbolt 3

Mark Coppock
By

gram 15
Image used with permission by copyright holder
We applauded LG’s Gram 15Z970 notebook for its incredibly thin and light chassis that still managed to pack in strong performance and an excellent display. Now that Intel’s excellent eighth-generation Core processors are hitting the mainstream, LG has taken the opportunity to update its flagship 15-inch notebook with both better performance and some nice design touches.

LG Gram 15Z980

Recommended Videos

Key Specs

  • Intel eighth-gen Core i5 and i7 CPUs
  • 72 watt-hour battery for up to 19 hours of battery life
  • 2.42 pounds
  • USB-C with Thunderbolt 3
  • Nano-carbon magnesum alloy
  • Dual SSD slots
  • MIL-STD 810G certification

We can tell from the pictures that the notebook maintains its basic design but with some notable changes. It utilizes a nano-carbon magnesium alloy material that’s allowed LG to meet the MIL-STD 810G certification for durability and use in harsh environments. The webcam that was uncomfortably placed under the display for an up-the-nose view has been relocated to above the display where it belongs.

The LG Gram 15Z980 retains the former model’s very light 2.42 pound chassis, which we found extremely comfortable to carry around for a notebook with such a large 15.6-inch display. By packing in Intel’s very efficient and high-performance quad-core eighth-generation CPUs, LG can now boast significantly faster performance along with greater efficiency. The company is promising up to 19 hours of battery life, which is in line with some other newly introduced systems.

LG has stuck with the SATA interface for the solid state drive (SSD), which is a bit of a disappointment. However, the company managed to build in a slot for a second SSD, which would allow for twice the storage space as well as extra flexibility in separating system and data files.

The machine also packs in a very large 72 watt-hour battery, which promises excellent battery life. The combination of its lightweight but durable chassis and hopefully strong battery life should result in a very portable notebook.

Finally, the LG Gram 15Z980 fixes one of our complaints with the earlier model. While its predecessor was limited to a USB-C 3.1 port, the updated machine offers Thunderbolt 3, which greatly improves the notebook’s peripheral support and long-term viability. It can also charge external devices such as smartphones.

LG has released availability and pricing information for the Gram 15Z980. The machine starts out with an Intel Core i5-8250U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SATA SSD for $1,250, and runs all the way up to an Intel Core i7-8550U CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SATA SSD for $2,000.

Updated on February 6: Added pricing and availability information.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mark Coppock
Mark Coppock
Computing Writer
Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for…
How to convert WMA to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and Web
The JBL Tune 760NC wireless headphones on someone's head.

Remember when Windows Media Player ruled the earth? Before the world was inundated with versatile playback tools like VLC and countless other platforms, most users flocked to the built-in OS media players provided by Windows and Apple (the latter being the minds behind QuickTime). In fact, you’ve probably come across a handful of WMA files in your life of using computers.

Read more
The 6 best laptops for realtors in 2024
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED front view showing display and keyboard.

If you're a realtor, trying to find a good laptop can be just as challenging as finding the perfect home for your clients. Not only do you need something that looks professional and can withstand the daily demands of the modern work environment, but it also needs to be portable and durable. After all, there's a good chance you'll be lugging it around with you to your showings, so a clunky laptop simply won't cut it.

That means you'll need a laptop that's portable, reliable, responsive, and boasts a professional design that'll impress your clients. That's quite the checklist – but thankfully, there are plenty of great laptops for realtors that fit all these criteria.

Read more
The most common Skype problems and how to fix them
best mac apps for small business skype

Skype is an excellent option for video chats with your friends and family or conducting a videoconference call with your colleagues.  However, Skype is not without its bugs, hiccups, and issues that can make getting face-to-face with someone seem like an ordeal. To make things easier on everyone, we've compiled a selection of the most common Skype problems and how to fix them.
Video not working
If you can't get your camera to work or experience issues seeing other's connections, you might as well be using an actual telephone instead of Skype. Thankfully, these issues can usually be resolved with a bit of tinkering on your end, or they may just be service disruptions on Skype's end.

One of the more common problems that crop up is visual issues due to Skype not having access to your PC or phone's camera. For desktop users, open the Skype application and select the Three horizontal dots near the notification bell icon to access the Skype menu. Select Settings > Audio and video. If your picture fails to appear in the Skype camera preview window, you'll know there's a connection issue.

Read more