The laptop notebook computer is a mobile computer that is small enough to be carted and kept on the lap while working. It does not weigh more than 1 to 6 kg. It is much smaller than its elder sibling - the desktop computer. A laptop does the same functions as the desktop one and therefore the parts are the same but of mini size. Instead of a mouse a touchpad does the tracking but if required a mouse can be attached. Internet tablets are used for the vital interspace link.

The laptops have both good and bad points. Due to technical and economic hurdles the unit cannot be upgraded easily. Regarding health matters the laptop is blamed for low sperm count as it is kept continuously on the scrotum that causes the heat to rise to undesirable levels in this region of the body. To avoid it the mobile unit can be kept on the desk and does not necessarily have to be kept on the lap all the time.

Another obvious problem is that laptops can easily be stolen. Laptops are relatively slow and have less sound and graphics capability. Laptops are much more costly than desktops but of late the gap is closing. However Laptops consume less power. The performance is more or less the same as the desktop models and new generation models are becoming more efficient and user friendly.

How can such a small package hold such varied capabilities?

Laptops and desktops run on the same principles but the difference is how the components are fitted and fixed. In a desktop there are motherboard, video card, hard drive etc. The monitor, keyboard and other incidental items are connected without wires or with cables but there is sufficient space for extra cards, cables while allowing for flow of air. In a laptop the screen and keyboard rests on the side of the box. The design of the laptop is small and flat wherein all the pieces fit in snugly. Thus the space is compact allowing for conservation of power and less production of heat.

The CPU is the brain of the computer and a fan and heat sink system with plates and channels are required to cool it. But a laptop runs on a lower voltage resulting in less speed. Instead of pins and socket as in a desktop, in a laptop balls are used. However it means that the processor cannot be removed separately. The batteries of laptops that run fast suffer from being frequently run down. The Apple G4 processor tries to neutralize this defect.

Laptops use mini sized fans, heat spreaders and heat sinks. Some use liquid coolants to keep down the temperature. The CPU`s of the laptops are placed near the edge of the box allowing for hot air to be released without flowing over other components. A laptop also has a hard disk drive wherein is stored the operating system, data and application files.

The mechanism of memory differs from one laptop model to another. Usually smaller memory modules are used to economize on space. Both run on electricity but a laptop can also function on batteries.

Every invention begins with a dream. In 1970 Alan Kay of Xerox had such a vision of a portable computer approximately the size of a notebook. He never went much ahead with the idea but set the balls rolling. In 1979 the first working portable computer was made by William Moggridge of Grid Systems. Others like Apple soon jumped in to complete the success story.

I admit it. I am hooked. I am hooked on my Apple G4 Laptop. First, you have to know this. It is my first Apple and my first laptop. I always thought that laptops are what you used when you could not buy a real computer. Now I hang my head in shame for ever thinking that.

The Apple G4 laptop may be all you will ever need to buy in a computer. The G4 runs very fast so that you can play all the new games that require a lot of processor speed. Although for my Apple G4 laptop, I installed extra memory because I sometimes work with large documents.

This laptop is slick and compact with all the features you need. You can get the Apple G4 has a built in CD/DVD reader and CD writer. You can also add on a DVD writer. The Apple G4 laptop comes with a track pad that works very well even for a person like me with fat, clumsy fingers. But I have to tell you the truth. I like a mouse, which by the way, Apple invented. So, I plugged in a mouse to one of the two USB ports and now it performs exactly like my old desktop. The Apple G4 laptop keyboard has the feel of a desktop with all the function keys. Except the number keypad is integrated with the alphabet keys so you have to press a function key to get them to work as number input. This is annoying but it is the same as all laptops.

One other thing that is truly great about the Apple G4 laptop is the built-in speakers and microphone. You do not need to by a headset with the unit. I did add plug-in speakers for better music quality but it is not necessary and remember this. With the built-in microphone, you are instantly ready for web voice chat.

As with all Apples, the G4 laptop has automatic software updates from the Internet. Just hook up to the Net and it automatically calls home for updates. No checking the website, no figuring out what you need. The operating and installed apple software is updated automatically.

The LCD screen has great resolution and color quality and tilts to every position you need if you do decide to take with you off the desk. Also, the battery runs for at least three hours or more for normal no-sound applications.

The Apple G4 laptop is a neat, clean package that gives you both the feel and performance of the biggest desktop computer. You are sacrificing nothing but space to own this unit.