| Laptops are miniature computers designed | | | | processing tasks. The screen measures 10 inches |
| primarily for mobile use. They are also structured | | | | and weighs between 1.5 and 3 lbs. |
| to consume less power. Equipped with liquid | | | | Laptop Parts |
| crystal displays, most of them use different | | | | The modern laptops also have matrix displays, PC |
| memory models for their random access | | | | Card or Express card and expansion bay for |
| memory (RAM). In addition to an inbuilt key board | | | | expansion cards. They also come equipped with |
| they utilize touch pad (a.k.a track pad) or pointing | | | | one or more USB ports external and monitor |
| stick for input, through an external key board or | | | | ports. The hand disks are physically smaller |
| mouse that can be attached. The Laptops were | | | | compared to the standard desk-tops. They are |
| invented when users felt a need to have full | | | | marked by lower performance and low power |
| featured computers that could be used anywhere. | | | | consumption. The video and sound chips are |
| Their predecessors were called "Luggable", heavy | | | | usually integrated. The higher end laptops have |
| storage instruments. | | | | dedicated graphic processors which enables them |
| The transition to LCD and plasma displays allowed | | | | to have less performance than their desktop |
| "luggable" to shrink in size. They also had internal | | | | counterparts. |
| batteries added to them. The laptops run on a | | | | The laptop specific processors available are |
| single main battery. This battery can be | | | | powered by lithium batteries which, in turn use |
| connected to the main power source through an | | | | lithium polymer technology. The battery has a life |
| AC/DC adaptor. This power can not only charge | | | | of 2 to 5 hours on light duty and may need to be |
| the battery but also run the laptop. The battery | | | | replaced in about 5 years depending on charging |
| supplies power to the laptop when there is power | | | | and discharging systems. Docking Systems offer |
| failure. Many components of the laptop are similar | | | | storage bags, one to three expansion slots and |
| to the desk tops in structure and functions. The | | | | host of connections. All new laptops can be |
| introduction of other conveniences like battery | | | | powered by external AC converters which may |
| technology paved the way for more sophisticated | | | | increase the weight. The Touch pad is used to |
| and sleek portable systems. | | | | control the position of cursor on the screen which |
| Types | | | | is sensitive to touch. |
| Sub-notebook: It weighs between 0.8kgs and | | | | Disadvantages relate to compatibility problems |
| 2.7kgs. Measured diagonally it has a screen that is | | | | mostly. Each company has its own connectivity |
| between 6.4 inches and 13.3 inches. This is a | | | | system. There are no uniform standards all over |
| light-weight computer smaller than the laptop and | | | | the world. Some parts like mother boards, |
| larger than handheld computers. | | | | keyboards are interchangeable with in the |
| Net book: This is a smaller, more compact laptop | | | | manufacturer's brand. |
| designed for surfing the internet and basic word | | | | |