A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use. A laptop integrates the components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device, (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad) and speakers into a single unit.
A laptop is powered by electricity via an AC adapter, and can be used away from an outlet using a rechargeable batter. A laptop battery in new condition typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for three to five hours, depending on the computer usage, configuration and power management settings. For most laptops, when the laptop is plugged in, the battery charges, whether or not the computer is running.
Portable computers, originally monochrome CRT-based and developing into the modern laptop, were originally considered to be a small niche market, mostly for specialized field applications such as the military, accountants and sales representatives. As portable computers became smaller, lighter, and cheaper and as screens became larger and of better quality, laptops became very widely used for all purposes.
Advantages of a Laptop Computer
Portability – Portability is usually the first feature mentioned in any comparison of laptops versus desktop PCs. Portability means that a laptop can be used in many places—not only at home and at the office, but also during commuting and flights, in coffee shops, in lecture halls and libraries, at clients’ location or at a meeting room, etc. The portability feature offers several distinct advantages:
Productivity – Using a laptop in places where a desktop PC can’t be used, and at times that would otherwise be wasted. For example, an office worker managing their e-mails during an hour-long commute by train, or a student doing his/her homework at the university coffee shop during a break between lectures.
Immediacy – Carrying a laptop means having instant access to various information, personal and work files. Immediacy allows better collaboration between coworkers or students, as a laptop can be flipped open to present a problem or a solution anytime, anywhere.
Up-to-date information – If a person has more than one desktop PC, a problem of synchronization arises: changes made on one computer are not automatically propagated to the others. There are ways to resolve this problem, including physical transfer of updated files (using a USB flash memory stick or CDRs) or using synchronization software over the Internet. However, using a single laptop at both locations avoids the problem entirely, as the files exist in a single location and are always up-to-date.
Connectivity – A proliferation of Wi-Fi wireless networks and cellular broadband data services (HSDPA, EVDO and others) combined with a near-ubiquitous support by laptops means that a laptop can have easy Internet and local network connectivity while remaining mobile. Wi-Fi networks and laptop programs are especially widespread at university campuses.
Other advantages of laptops include:
Size – Laptops are smaller than desktop PCs. This is beneficial when space is at a premium, for example in small apartments and student dorms. When not in use, a laptop can be closed and put away.
Low power consumption – Laptops are several times more power-efficient than desktops. A typical laptop uses 20–90 W, compared to 100–800 W for desktops. This could be particularly beneficial for businesses (which run hundreds of personal computers, multiplying the potential savings) and homes where there is a computer running 24/7 (such as a home media server, print server, etc.)
Quiet – Laptops are often quieter than desktops, due both to the components (quieter, slower 2.5-inch hard drives) and to less heat production leading to use of fewer and slower cooling fans.
Battery – a charged laptop can continue to be used in case of a power outage and is not affected by short power interruptions and blackouts. A desktop PC needs a UPS to handle short interruptions, blackouts and spikes; achieving on-battery time of more than 20–30 minutes for a desktop PC requires a large and expensive UPS.
All-in-One – designed to be portable, laptops have everything integrated in to the chassis. For desktops (excluding all-in-ones) this is divided into the desktop, keyboard, mouse, display, and optional peripherals such as speakers.
Looking for a new laptop?
Whether looking for something to listen to your favorite music, give you the cutting edge at work, or share photos with family and friends, finding the new laptop can be at times frustrating and overwhelming. We’ve put together a comprehensive overview to get you started on your path to finding the perfect laptop computer.
We’ve taken a look at what the market has to offer, and discovered some good deals, and advice, that will help you choose the laptop that is right for you.
Think and light, Tablet, netbook, or desktop replacement? All the terminology can be a little a confusing. So here’s the lowdown on what’s what in the world of laptop computing. There are a lot of laptops out there. In this section, we’ll start off by first explaining what the different classifications of laptops are, so that you can make the best decision when choosing your next laptop notebook.
Thin and Light Laptops
Thin and light laptops are perfect for travel or on the go. Here’s the skinny on the best thin and light laptop notebooks out on the shelves.
Apple’s highly anticipated new Macbook Air is a great solid little computer that will give you a lot of power with little fuss. It’s not the cheapest computer out there, but if you can afford one, you won’t be displeased.
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At about half the price is Hewlet Packards G42 14-inch laptop. With a sharp design, efficient power consumption, and a decent graphics set up, this thin and light notebook pc has a little bit everything.
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Budget Laptops
Don’t worry if price is a concern. This section on budget notebooks and laptops will help you find the best deals you are looking for. We’ll give you the down low on inexpensive but quality laptops.
First on our list is the Lenovo G530 14.5-inch notebook. From the award-winning makers of the IBM ThinkPad, it has the functionality to run a small business, as well as the features to enjoy computing at home. This computer wins our award for most bang for buck. More details on this great deal here:
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Another favorite of ours is the HP Pavilion DM3-1030US 13.3-inch laptop notebook. It has an brush metal finish which is pretty cool. And up to six hours of battery life for those long hauls. Still within the $600 price range, it will do everything you need with, while looking cool, and giving you great performance.
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Basic Laptops
Another category of laptops you may want to check out are basic laptops. These laptops have no bells and whistles – just the basics you need, whether starting your own business, or earning your degree.
The Lenovo ThinkPad SL410 2842F7U 14-inch Laptop is the business machine every business can afford. Productive, secure, and competitive, this notebook features the Legendary keyboard technology, and reliable wireless options. Perfect for business professionals; sales reps, road-warrior execs, behind-the-scenes desk jockeys and anyone wanting best-in-class technology.
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Desktop Replacements Laptops
A desktop-replacement computer is a laptop that provides most of the capabilities of a desktop computer, with a similar level of performance. Desktop replacements are usually larger and heavier than standard laptops. They contain more powerful components and have a 15″ or larger display. They are bulkier and not as portable as other laptops, and their operation time on batteries is typically shorter; they are intended to be used as compact and transportable alternatives to a desktop computer.
Some laptops in this class use a limited range of desktop components to provide better performance for the same price at the expense of battery life; a few of those models have no battery. These, and sometimes desktop-replacement computers in general, are sometimes called desknotes, a portmanteau of “desktop” and “notebook”.
In the early 2000s desktops were more powerful, easier to upgrade, and much cheaper than laptops, but in later years laptops have become much cheaper and more powerful, and most peripherals are available in laptop-compatible USB versions which minimize the need for internal add-on cards. In the second half of 2008 laptops outsold desktops for the first time.
We recommend the HP Envy 17 as a strong desktop replacement choice:
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Gaming Laptops
If World of Warcraft or Call of Duty mean anything to you, then be sure to check out our reviews of gaming laptops.
Asus has just released their Asus Republic of Gamers 17.3 inch pro gaming computer, which comes with a high definition display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics with 1.5GB GDDR5 VRAM, Intel Core i7-DD740QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost technology, Backlit gaming keyboard with ergonomic tilt-up design, and a 750GB 7200RPM hard drive. One other nice thing about this gaming notebook is it’s finish. It has a stealth black finish which is a lot easier to keep looking clean than glossy finishes which tend to show a lot more fingerprints.
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Netbooks
If you’re looking for a portable computer that is cheap, compact, lightweight, and with a small screen size, then it sounds like what you need is a netbook. These are extra small, with a slightly smaller keyboard, but extremely light and portable. The Lenovo Thinkpad X100e is a great choice–in fact I’m using one right now to write this article.
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You may also want to check our Netbook Buyer’s Guide.
Tablet Computers
Tablets are hot this year. If you’re looking for more power than a smart phone, but don’t want to carry around a laptop, then check out these tablet computers.
The 7 Touch Tablet Internet Media Player comes with 2 gigabytes memory and Google Android Operating system that will give you access to tons of apps in Android Marketplace. Priced under the $200 range, fast Rocketchip proccesser, and fast delivery! Connect to your WiFi network in no time.
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Another popular tablet is the Archos 7 PC Tablet. Play all your multimedia content including HD videos. Easily connect to the internet and stay productive with the Android operating system. Perfect companion for on the road or to carry from room to room or train to plane.
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Once you figure out which category of portable computer will work best for you, any of those listed in the categories above should serve you well. And please do let us know if you have any other recommendations!
References: Wikipedia
