The term “laptop” was originally used to describe portable computers that were small enough to be carried in a briefcase. It was initially a device for business users, and was capable of performing tasks like spreadsheets, presentations, and financial software packages just as desktop computers could. However, as technology has progressed, these devices have become increasingly more popular for both business and personal use.
In recent years, many computer manufacturers have started using the term “laptop” when describing their smaller devices that are intended for use on-the-go. These devices are similar to the desktop computers, except that they are lighter and thinner.
Some companies are experimenting with the use of “notebook” instead. This is mainly to distinguish their product from portable devices such as Chromebooks and tablets. The change of wording is a positive move that will help people understand the differences between the two devices and be more informed about what they are looking for in a computer.
Laptops are a type of computer that is designed for portability and use on the go, usually weighing between 2 to 4 pounds and requiring a power source to function. They are typically battery operated, but can also be charged by an AC outlet.
They are lightweight, powerful, and often have a high screen resolution. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including business, entertainment, and education. They are generally faster than desktop computers and have a wide range of memory capacities.
Today, most laptops feature solid state disks (SSD) for storage. They are hundreds of times faster than hard drives were ten years ago, and are typically able to hold more data. They are also more durable and less energy consuming than hard drives, which can be susceptible to wear and tear.
Historically, laptops have used nickel metal-hydride batteries and sometimes lead acid batteries. In recent years, most laptops have been powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
These batteries are more powerful and last longer than the older nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They are more environmentally friendly than the old batteries, and can be easily replaced.
Some laptops also support removable batteries, which can be charged and used to extend the battery life. They can also be swapped for larger replacement batteries that have more capacity.
The display on a laptop may be a thin film transistor or active matrix screen, or an STN or dual-scan screen. The latter are brighter and view better at different angles.
In most cases, a notebook will have an attached keyboard with a touch pad and a trackball. Some will include a serial port for attaching a regular mouse.
Other hardware on a laptop includes a PC Card, which can add modem or network interface cards to the device; an HDMI port for connecting to a TV or monitor; USB ports for connecting external devices such as printers, scanners, and other peripherals; and audio connectors for speakers and headphones. Some notebooks have a built-in digital versatile disc drive, which is used for playing DVDs and CDs.