Technical inventions represent the fundamental structure of our modern world. 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 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 include the display, the keyboard, a pointing device – touchpad or pointing stick, and the battery. The advantage of laptops is that they make one single unit that comprises all the other items, allowing for easy maneuvers and lots of mobility. 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 are usually 0.7 – 1.5 inches thick and their dimensions range from 10×8 inches (13 inch display) to 15×11 inches (17 inch display) or up. Furthermore, they are not heavy, 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 became feasible at the beginning of the 1970s and not long after that the laptops invention germs were there. The person who imagined this 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 gained a lot in terms of proficiency.
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 good bit about laptops is evidently their portability. In addition, 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. The disadvantages of laptops come from the standardization and compatibility issues. In spite of some international standards for the manufacturing 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.