Computer usage has increased over the years. Now it has become a mandatory requirement in most professions. Students are also increasingly dependent on computers for their project and research work. The desktop computer is known for its all-rounded performance, higher configuration compatibility and relatively cheaper pricing. On the other hand notebook computers have an advantage for its compactness and mobility factors. Though both these forms of computers are known for their uniqueness and serve different audience but the notebook computers have the ability to eclipse over desktop computers.

Technological advancements are welcomed but they are respected when they can be mobilized. Desktop computers have been made smaller through laptops while retaining most traits. Any notebook computer can perform the tasks of a basic desktop computer and it can be enhanced as per the user wishes. Earlier it wasn’t possible to upgrade a laptop but now with increased innovations, a laptop’s RAM (Random Access Memory) can be enhanced up to 4 GB for enabling superior performance. Notebook computers are expensive as they integrate all the components of a desktop computer into one compact machine.

The storage capacity of the notebook computers was a big limitation but now even that has been considerably diminished through the usage of flash memory. This kind of memory takes up very less space and stores lots of information. Notebooks with 250 GB memory are now available in the market. Notebooks enable wireless internet access through Wi-Fi enabled hotspots and their portability adds to their major advantage. The battery backup of the notebook computer allows its usage even without dedicated power-supply. All notebooks use LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens which are better and brighter in viewing. Notebooks have combined host of features like finger print reading for security issues, inbuilt camera for chats and taking photos, DVD combo drive for playing all types of file formats and much more.

There are different kinds of Laptop computers available to suit varied requirements. There are the basic desktop replacement notebooks which have a large screen display with loaded features. There are gaming notebooks which are configured for hi-end games. There are designing applications based notebooks, tablet notebooks for easier portability and the low budget student notebooks. Thus a user can have defined usage and then buy the required notebook from a trusted computer store. Many online stores also offer great deals on notebook computers and accessories.

Computers have now become best friends of man. This magical technologically advanced device provides us with those facilities which otherwise would have been possible only in our dreams.

Computers come in two forms: desktop and laptop/notebook. The second type is a more stylish, handy, and slick form of the first type. It is also known as notebook computer or simply notebook. It is considered as a small mobile computer. Its weight is somewhat around 1-6 kilograms (2-18 pounds), which varies with size materials and other factors. They are also available in different beautiful colors.

Apart from being stylish and slick it is also portable as it is much smaller in size than a desktop. Unlike desktops a notebook more often than not operates on a single main battery and with the help of an external AC/DC adapter, which assists in charging up the battery along with sourcing power to the laptop computer itself.

Both a desktop and a laptop perform the same tasks as personal computers. They possess all the components of a desktop in a miniature format (the components are-modem, CD-ROM drive, speakers, etc) and are optimized for mobile use. They have efficient power consumption facilities. Initially laptops were priced higher than desktops but now they are almost equally priced.

Most of the Notebook computers have liquid crystal display and make use of different memory modules intended for their RAM (Random Access Memory). Contrasting desktops laptops exploit a built-in keypad, touch-pad or a pointing stick although external keyboard and a mouse can also be put together.

Before this polished and stylized portable computers were introduced, the world`s first commercially on hand portable computer known as Osborne 1, came out in the year 1981, which made use of CP/M operating system. Unlike today`s laptop it was a bit heavy with a small monitor. Nonetheless, debatably the first true notebook was known to be GriD Compass premeditated by Bill Moggridge in the year 1979-1980, which was launched in the year 1982. It had plasma display and bubble memory. In the year 1983 Compaq introduced their first Compaq portable and eventually with the improvement in technology others came forward with their produce, which provided us with our familiar notebooks in their present form.

Nevertheless laptops have certain disadvantages also:

Laptops are more complex than desktops and other electronics as some parts may cause some difficulties in their replacement or repair function.

Compatibility is another issue here. In many cases it has been seen that most of the internal parts produced by notebook producers are not interchangeable with other manufacturers and it is so because the manufacturers want the customer to buy the same manufacturers component for their laptops.

Upgradeability of laptops is very much limited both in terms of technical and economic reasons.

Also, it has also been found through studies that laptops can be harmful and injurious to health. It is said that it can raise the temperature of the scrotum, possibly putting sperm count at jeopardy.

However Notebooks have advantages also: notebooks are versatile and convenient; they have more clear and high-tech digital monitor display; they are stylish and trendy; notebook computers are easy to keep, as they don`t take much space because unlike the desktops many of its components are built-in.

Following are some of the most notable brands and manufacturer of a notebook: Acer- Aspire, Apple-MacBook, Compaq- Presario, Lenovo- IBM, ThinkPad, Panasonic- Tougkbook, Sony-VAIO, Toshiba-Dynabook, Hewlett-Packeard- HP Pavillion, LG, Hyundai, HCL, BenQ, Falcon Northwest and many others.

Following are some of the categories or subtypes of notebook computers: UMPCS (Ultra-Mobile PC`S), Ultraportables, Thin-and-lights, Mainstream, Desktop replacement Computers Transportable, Tablets (shaped like slates).

With so many varieties of notebooks available in the market the user is surely spoilt or choice!