Laptop Computers

Laptop computers perform the same functions as a desktop computer but are a much smaller and therefore mobile device. Also known as a notebook computer or notebook, these mobile computers tend to weigh between 2 and 18 pounds depending on materials used, size and so on.

Laptops usually run by battery power or a mains adaptor which can charge the battery whilst simultaneously running the computer. Most laptops also have a backup battery in the form of a 3 volt cell which runs the clock and other important processes in the event of a power failure.

A laptop computer can usually perform the same tasks as a personal computer but due to its size can be less powerful. It’s components are virtually identical but they’re miniaturized and optimised for mobile use and low power consumption. They usually include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen, a built-in keyboard and a touchpad instead of a mouse although a mouse can be plugged in. The touchpad is touch and heat sensitive so the on screen pointer can be controlled with your finger.

There have been several problems with laptop computers. The most prevalent problem for normal consumers is security as notebooks are a common theft target. Not only is the loss of an expensive device a problem in itself, but the data potentially stored on laptops can lead to further security threats such as identity theft. Some solutions have been released such as software that has disk encryption. Whilst encrypted, the data on the laptop is virtually unreadable and only a key can decrypt it.

Laptops are not as well performing as their desktop counterparts due to the sharing of RAM between the program memory and graphics adaptor which slows down the computer. Energy efficiency and mobile use is prioritized over speed and performance. However, new dual core processors and perpendicular recording are slowly closing the performance gap between notebooks and personal computers.

Notebook computers are not standardised as much as desktop computers. Internal components such as motherboard layouts and internal adaptors do not have accepted worldwide standards and therefore uneducated users have had many problems trying to connect their notebooks with incompatible hardware or adaptors.

Some scientists have even tried declaring the health risks of laptops, particularly with men who when using laptops on their laps are putting their potency at risk due to the heat generated from the computer warming up and damaging sperm.

Laptops can be divided into several subcategories. Ranging from smallest to biggest, these are: UMPCs (Ultra-Mobile PCs), ultraportables, thin-and-lights, mainstream and desktop replacement computers. Thin-and-lights and mainstream are the most popular categories of laptop computers for consumers. Examples of thin-and-lights include the Apple MacBook and the Sony Vaio. Examples of mainstream laptops include the Dell Inspiron (E1405, E1505,1420,1520/1521 and 1501) and the Acer Aspire (5520 and 5920).

The biggest and most popular brands of laptop computers are Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Acer, Apple, Dell, Panasonic, Sony and Toshiba.