Written by The modern world is practically based on and composed of a lot of technological inventions. We seem to be unable to do anything without technology. A clear example of the technical addiction is the use of the PC. So far laptops and notebooks are the latest achievements in the field of computers, and they are undeniably conquering more users every day. When discussing about laptops, which are also referred to as small notebook computers, we actually mean 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 very name of notebooks comes from the thin shape and small size of these 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 between 3 and 12 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 became feasible 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 Osborne 1 and then, in the same year, the Epson HX-20 were the first portable computers available for public use. Since then laptops have gained a lot in terms of proficiency.
Unfortunately, besides the obvious advantages of laptops, there are also some disadvantages. 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 their portability. Moreover, laptops allow work continuation in case of accidental power outages. The cheapest laptop computer is also more economical and does not produce as much heat as desktop computers do. The disadvantages of laptops come from the standardization and compatibility issues. 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 internal components are a lot more difficult to standardize according to a unique international code.