A laptop computer, or simply laptop (also notebook computer
or notepad), is a small mobile computer, which usually weighs 2-18 pounds
(around 1 to 8 kilograms), depending on size, materials, and other factors.
Laptops usually run on a single main
battery or from an external AC/DC adapter which can charge the battery while also
supplying power to the computer itself. Many computers also have a 3 volt cell to run
the clock and other processes in the event of a power failure.
As Personal computers, laptops are capable of the same tasks as a
desktop computer,
although they are typically less powerful for the same price. They contain components
that are similar to their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions, but are
miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption. Laptops usually
have
liquid crystal displays and most of them use different memory modules for their
random access memory (RAM), for instance, SO-DIMM in lieu of the larger DIMMs. In addition
to a built-in keyboard,
they may utilize a touchpad (also known as a trackpad) or a pointing stick for input, though an
external keyboard or mouse
can usually be attached.
Terms sometimes used for subtypes of laptop computers include:
- UMPCs
-
These Ultra-Mobile PCs are mobile computers with a size comparable to
PDAs -
they are extremely portable. They are now officially called notebooks as the term lap- top
insinuated the laptop should be used on the lap, this however caused the hard drive
to over heat thus in turn can seriously damage the computer. Because of their small size,
they incorporate a 20 cm (7 inch) or smaller touch-screen for the user to interact with it (
as with a virtual keyboard), though some are designed with a miniature physical keyboard
(a thumbboard) and mouse interface. They house lower performing, power-saving components
(in comparison to larger laptops).
- Ultraportables
-
Laptops with screens typically less than 12 inches (30 cm) diagonally and a weight of less
than 3 to 5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg). Their keyboards are usually not full-size. Their primary audience
is usually business travelers, who need small, light laptops. Ultraportables are often
very expensive, have extended battery life, house power-saving CPUs and almost always have
integrated graphics.
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