laptop computer
A portable computer that has an LCD screen and usually weighs less than eight pounds. Often called just a "laptop," it uses batteries for mobile use and AC power for charging the batteries and desktop use. Today's high-end laptops provide all the capabilities of most desktop computers. Following are the major features:
Keyboard
Keyboard layout is often sacrificed. The Home, End, PageUp and PageDn keys may not be dedicated, requiring that you hold down the Fn key at the same time. This can be very cumbersome if you use these keys a lot. Function keys and cursor keys are often made smaller, and one keyboard feels better than another. There are only two rules. Rule 1: spend some time typing on the keyboard. Rule 2: spend some time typing on the keyboard. See Fn key.
Screen Resolution
Today, laptops use high-quality active matrix LCD screens. However, the built-in display system also feeds an external monitor for desktop use or a data projector. Unlike a desktop computer, you cannot replace the display adapter, so be sure that the laptop has the highest resolution you require for the external display if you plan on connecting one.
External Display & Keyboard Connectors
Connect a full-size monitor and keyboard for home/office. Even if you like your laptop keyboard, you may want to use an external one with your external monitor, so that both units are positioned comfortably. A full-size keyboard can be connected through the external keyboard port or USB port.
Built-in Pointing Device
Either a touchpad or pointing stick is built into the laptop. Try it. There are differences. A regular mouse is always an option and connects via the mouse port or USB port.
Expansion
Modern laptop computers have PC Card slots and USB ports, making them very flexible for expansion. When not traveling, a docking station turns the laptop into a full-featured desktop. See docking station, USB and PC Card.
Batteries
Battery life is a critical feature when traveling. Extended life batteries are typically available for laptops, but add weight. Flat auxiliary batteries are also available that most laptops can plug into (see image at end of this definition).
Multimedia
All laptops today have built-in speakers and may include a camera for videophoning. They generally include a CD or DVD drive, the latter being the most flexible as DVD drives support all CD read and write modes.
Weight
Six pounds does not sound like much until you lug it around all day. To reduce poundage, subnotebooks use external CD and DVD drives. Also, check the weight of the external power supply that plugs into the wall (see power adapter). This plastic brick puts one or two more pounds in your travel bag and is never included in the laptop's advertised weight.
Categories
Following is a rough guide to weights and terminology. There are some shoe-box-sized portable computers with a handle that provide several slots for card insertion and weigh up to about 15 pounds. See subnotebook computer.
Approximate Weight Range
Excluding the External
Type Power Supply (in pounds)
Portable 1 - 15
Laptop 4 - 8
Notebook 5 - 7
Subnotebook or Netbook 3 - 4
Mini Laptop or
Mini Netbook 2 - 3
Ultra-Mobile PC 1 - 2
Pocket .3 - 1
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| One of the First |
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| In 1983, Tandy's Radio Shack division launched the Model 100 Micro Executive Workstation. It weighed only four pounds and included a built-in word processor, name and address list and modem. The Model 100 was inspiration for the huge portable market that followed. (Image courtesy of Tandy Corporation.) |
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| A Decade of Difference |
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| Comparing the specifications of these two Toshiba laptops is striking. With a CPU sixty times faster, a hundred times more memory and two hundred times more disk space, the model on the right bears little resemblance to the one on the left with its small 8.5" screen. |
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| Never Enough Power! |
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| The only problem with portable computers is that the batteries never last long enough. This lithium ion battery from Hi-Capacity (www.hicapacity.com), which easily slips under the laptop, can add up to seven more hours of run time. |
laptop,
laptop computer a personal computer that is small and light enough to be operated on the user's lap
laptop computer [
′lap‚täp kəm‚pyüd·ər]