The modern world is practically based on and composed of a lot of technological inventions. Technology remains basic and we seem to be lost without it. One of the inventions many of us cannot do without is the PC. The latest developments in the field of computers have brought us the notebook computers. When discussing about laptops, which are also called small notebook computers, we actually imply small PCs for flexible use.

We can virtually retrieve all the basic components in laptops from desktops. Thus, laptops have a display screen, a built in keyboard, a pointing device replacing the mouse and a battery power source. The difference lies in the fact that all these components are to be found into one single unit that is also portable. The rechargeable batteries of laptops get their power from an AC/DC adapter and their capacity enables them to be functional for several hours.

The thin shape of the devices definitely led to their being called notebook computers. Laptops thickness seldom goes higher than 1.5 inches and their dimensions range from 10×8 inches (13 inch display) to 15×11 inches (17 inch display) or up. Furthermore, laptops are built light, weighing no more than twelve pounds. The design of most laptops as the flip form factor, is meant to protect the screen of the computer when it is closed.

Personal computers were produced for the first time at the beginning of the 1970s and not long after that the laptops invention germs were there. The person who imagined the transformation was Alan Kay of Xerox PARC. In 1972 he put his idea on paper under the name of Dynabook. The first laptops were available on the market only in 1981. The Epson HX-20 and Osborne 1 models were the first portable computers available for public use. Since then laptops have developed and become more and more proficient.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to the use of laptops too. First we need to see the good parts to be able to investigate the flaws. The main and most important advantage of laptops is evidently the flexible use they are suitable for. Moreover, laptops have the ability to work on battery power in the event of a power outage. The cheapest laptop computer is also more economical and does not produce as much heat as desktop computers do. Compatibility and standardization are the main flaws of laptops today. In spite of some accepted world standards for the making of the elements for the peripherals and add-in PC cards in desktop computers, the processor and hard driver manufacturing part does not fall subject to any international regulation yet.

Tags

Computers