Laptops are small mobile computers that are light and portable enough to fit on your lap. They weigh usually in the range of 4 to10 pounds depending on the materials, size and other factors. When compared to the PC Desktop, the portable laptops are different on the basis of peripherals and weight. A typical portable laptop computer has a weight of four to five pounds. Some bulkier laptops range in their weights from six to seven pounds as they may have a CDROM/DVDROM or a floppy drive.

Laptops operate typically on a single battery and function similar to their desktop counterparts as the basic components of laptops and desktop computers are same. Laptops have liquid crystal (LCD) displays and uses different RAM modules. A portable notebook or laptop is provided with a pointing stick or touch pad and built-in keyboard as an input device. You can also plug in an external mouse. The power consumption and noise are less compared to a desktop. Unlike desktops, laptops can be run on batteries also.

Osborne 1 was the first available portable computer in 1981 for commercial use. This portable computer weighed about 24 pounds and was available at a price of about 1800 dollars. Later IBM launched ‘Kaypro’ in 2000, which had a LCD display of 25 lines and 80 characters, a removable keyboard and a floppy drive of 3.5 inches.

The following are the different types of laptops. Ultra-Mobile PCs are small in size and portable. Ultra portables have LCD screen of about 12 inches or less, weighing about 3 to 5 pounds. Thin-and-light Laptops typically weigh about 4 to 6 pounds and have a screen size of 12 to 14 inches. Mainstream Laptops have a screen size of about 14.1 inches to 15.4 inches and weigh about 5 to 7 pounds.

Laptops have proven to be useful in many ways. While on the move, from students to business executives, software professionals and housewives have found laptops to be beneficial. Laptops are available across a wide range of brands, models, sizes, styles and prices. As the innovative laptops have increased in demand, leading notebook manufacturers such as IBM, HP-Compaq, Dell, Acer, Sony and Toshiba are offering sophisticated laptops with innovative features and designs. As the demand for laptops has increased, you should be careful when choosing a laptop. You can look for reviews on laptops from online sources and the manufacturers also provide the information on the various models available with details of prices, specifications and ratings on their websites.

Laptops have to be chosen based on the features such as Portability, Price, Screen size, speed, memory, upgradeability, hard drives, batteries and hardware. You can go for a laptop with a better screen resolution of 1024 x 768 XGA or 1280 x 1024 SXGA. For getting best performance in terms of speed, laptops can be chosen having memory capacities of 128MB, 256MB, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, depending on your use of application. For occasional typing and web surfing, a laptop with a memory of 256 MB RAM is sufficient. You need to also check for lithium batteries as they offer longer life. Other peripherals such as standard floppy or DVD drives are required. Though laptops are expensive than desktop computers for similar configurations, the price tag is not big when compared to the functions they offer.

The laptop notebook computer is one of the greatest technological advances to come along. And you will probably find it difficult to eschew the computer if you live if the modern world, unless you are Amish. The desktop computer was a wonderful invention, but the laptop notebook computer is gaining a powerful momentum that is hard to ignore.

While people have come to use the terms laptop and notebook interchangeably to describe the portable computing devices that business owners and stay-at-home moms alike carry around, there are a few differences between the two.

A laptop computer is a portable computer that is small enough to fit comfortably in the user’s lap. They are a bit larger than their counterparts – the notebook computer. Laptop computers are normally larger to include such features as built in or removable CD ROM drives.

Most standard laptops will feature a 14 inch to 17 inch screen, a full featured keyboard, 2+ hour battery life, integrated audio system, mid to high level graphics cards, integrated modem and WiFi capabilities, and a built in or removable optical drive. Laptops offer the ability to be upgraded to some extent also.

A notebook computer is designed to be ultra-portable and ultra-lightweight. Therefore, it includes the minimal amount of features necessary to provide the greatest degree of mobility. Standard notebook computers feature 4+ hours battery life, minimal graphics system, no internal optical drive, 12 to 14 inch screen, integrated modem and network capabilities, and the smallest possible keyboard. It is also normally thinner than a traditional laptop computer.

With technology improving at such a rapid pace, though, it is now possible to include much more computing power into a smaller space. This may be one of the reasons that the line has become blurred between the laptop and notebook computers. Now, both of these mobile computing devices have simply become known as the laptop notebook.

And since the differences are so slight, there really is no harm in putting the two into the same category. Most people do not care enough to recognize the difference in the terminology anyway. They just know that they want their laptop notebook along for the ride.

Computers manipulate electronic data according to a set of instructions called programs. It is this feature of computers that distinguishes them from calculators and makes them highly versatile. A computer program can include instructions that may vary from a few scores to a billion or even more. It may take years for a team of computer programmers to develop a program for an internet browser. The program may still contain some errors called bugs. Some of the earliest models of computers were as large as a room. Modern computers use integrated circuits (ICs) to perform their complex functions. These circuits have helped in developing compact and light weight variants of computers. Some modern day simple computers are small enough to be fitted into a wrist watch.

The one feature that distinguishes a computer from other machines is their ability to be programmed. It simply means that they can store a set of instructions in their memory and execute them later as per the user’s requirements. A computer’s central processing unit (CPU) directs its various components and establishes coordination in them. Technological advances have made it possible to develop portable computers. These portable computers are called laptops or notebook computers. These devices generally do not weigh more than 18 pounds or 8 kilograms. They usually sport a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a full QWERTY keyboard. Many variants of portable computers like personal digital assistants (PDAs) and internet tablets are also available in the markets.

The first true portable computer, titled GRiD Compass 1101 was developed by Bill Moggridge in 1980. Apple released Macintosh Portable in 1989. It was the company’s first computer which was powered by a battery. In 1994, IBM released its PowerPC notebook that ran on a UNIX based AIX operating system. Most present day portable computers feature a PC card, and a 30 cm active matrix display with a resolution of not less than 1024 x 768 pixels. The devices usually feature an integrated video and sound chip. Newest models of notebook computers use lithium polymer batteries which are more powerful than earlier lithium ion or nickel metal hydride batteries.

Leading manufacturers of computers like Sony, Toshiba and Acer have released several high performance laptops in the markets. VAIO is among the most successful models of Sony laptops. The word VAIO is an acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation. The device sports Sony’s proprietary XBRITE display that provides about 1.5 times better brightness than traditional LCD displays. The device comes loaded with Windows Vista operating system. The AR series of the device was first to feature a Blu-ray disc burner. The device’s SZ series feature an Intel GMA 950 graphics chip that shows high resolution graphics.

Toshiba’s many models of notebook computers have registered good sales. Qosmio, Tecra and Portege are among the best selling models of Toshiba laptops. The Portege M400-1115E uses an Intel Core Duo T2400 processor. The device is equipped with 80 GB of hard disk drive and weighs 2.1 kg. It runs on a Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system. It sports a 12.1″ XGA display. The device has support for Bluetooth and WiFi connectivities and is available in titanium silver colour.

Acer’s Aspire series of notebooks have got wide acceptance among the users. The notebook is counted among the best selling Acer laptops. The device features a ‘Pebble’ design and is intended for use by general users. Aspire 4710 comes equipped with Gigabit LAN, 160 GB hard disk drive and 1 GB RAM. It operates on a LINUX platform. Manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Compaq and Lenovo have also rolled out some highly successful models of notebooks into the markets. Laptops have given new dimensions to computing. The devices have become a must have for many senior executives and professionals.

Notebook or laptop is a small mobile PC used to perform similar tasks done by PCs. A laptop has all the necessary parts of a general personal computer, the monitor, keyboard, CPU, etc. but compact in a much smaller space, done by using a lot of microchips. Since it can be used while on the move; hence, it has got a rechargeable battery inside it. Generally it has a thickness of 1.7 to 4 cm.

The first portable computer, Osborne 1 came in the market in the year 1981.With a small 5“ CRT screen. It was a massive device as compared to the present day laptop. GRiD Compass 1100, was the first laptop which used the clamshell design, produced in 1982. Just the following year the Gavilan SC came in the market, which was the first notebook to use the term laptop.

On the basis of purpose, laptops are generally being classified as follows:

Subnotebook laptops, which have been built keeping the portability, factor in mind. Hence, they are not very big in size and have a maximum of 13“ screen, with less features and ports and quite a long battery life, even as long as 10 hours. They are made by using the latest technology and advanced materials. They generally use the desktop operating systems like Linux, Windows or Mac OSX.

An inferior and smaller version of the Subnotebook is the Netbook laptop, which also keeps portability as the main building feature. They generally have a screen size of 10“ or less. For saving power consumption, some models use SSD drives instead of the normal HDDs. Netbooks are generally used for performing basic office tasks and surfing the net.

Table PCs are laptops having a touch screen interface, with or without a keyboard. They are generally used for performing certain specific functional tasks only.

Desktop replacement laptops keep performance as the major feature over portability and have a screen of 17“, with many ports. They can be called as a miniature form of PC, which can perform almost all the functions of a PC. Generally the batteries of such laptops can supply power for lesser amount of time, as their large sized screen consumes huge amount of power.

Standard laptops are those laptops which keep a balance between the performance and portability. They generally have a 13-15“ screen, having a moderate battery life.

Apple, HP, Dell, Sony, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, Panasonic and Samsung are some of the renowned brands manufacturing laptops.

The basic hardware components of a laptop are similar to the desktop`s counterpart, but are miniature variants of the one used in the later. The areas where laptop scores above the normal desktop computers are; they can be used as mobile devices; they can also be used during power cut offs, as they are powered by chargeable battery. Moreover they consume less energy than the usual desktop computers.

However, there are certain disadvantages of laptops too. The major problem being: upgradability, due to the compact design of the laptop. Again due to the compact design, they cannot be cleaned properly and it leads to improper functioning due to accumulation of dust inside. Researchers have shown heat generated from laptop decreases the sperm count in male users.

Though laptops have a few disadvantages, but they are here to stay with us. In a recent market survey the results revealed a rise in laptop sales as compared to the number of PCs sold, in the recent year. Hence, in this twenty first century, we can say we need mobility and laptops are here to meet the bill.

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!