Computer Technology News

Laptop – Pc in your briefcase

In general term Laptop is a substitute of Desktop computer. A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use and small enough to sit on one’s lap while in use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a track pad, and/or a pointing stick), speakers, and often including a battery, into a single small and light unit. The rechargeable battery is charged from an AC adapter and typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for two to three hours in its initial state, depending on the configuration and power management of the computer. Laptops are usually shaped like a large notebook with thicknesses between 0. 7–1. 5 inches and dimensions ranging from 10×8 inches to 15×11 inches and up. Modern laptops weight 3 to 12 pounds (1. 4 to 5. 4 kg); older laptops were usually heavier. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed. Modern tablet laptops have a complex joint between the keyboard housing and the display, permitting the display panel to swivel and then lie flat on the keyboard housing. They usually have a touch screen display and some include handwriting recognition or graphics drawing capability. Laptops were originally considered to be “a small niche market” and were thought suitable mostly for “specialized field applications” such as “the military, the Internal Revenue Service, accountants and sales representatives”. But today, there are already more laptops than desktops in businesses, and laptops are becoming obligatory for student use and more popular for general use. In the mid of 2009 more laptops than desktops were sold in the entire world. Gadgets – New Gizmos of 21st CenturyEvolution of LaptopAs the PC became feasible in the early 1970s, the idea of a portable personal computer followed. The IBM 5100, the first commercially available portable computer, appeared in September 1975, and was based on the IBM SCAMP prototype. The first laptop using the flip form factor appeared in 1982. The $8150 GRiD Compass 1100 was used at NASA and by the military among others. From 1983 onwards, several new input techniques were developed and included in laptops, including the touchpad, the pointing stick and handwriting recognition. Displays reached VGA resolution by 1988 (Compaq SLT/286) and 256-color screens by 1993 (PowerBook 165c), progressing quickly to millions of colors and high resolutions. High-capacity hard drives and optical storage became available in laptops soon after their introduction to the desktops. Laptop means Mobile PcAdvantages of LaptopHere are the some advantages of Laptos over Desktop computer -* PortableLaptop computers are portable and can be used in many locations. Portability is usually the first feature mentioned in any comparison of laptops versus desktop PCs. * Getting more doneUsing a laptop in places where a desktop PC can’t be used, and at times that would otherwise be wasted. * ImmediacyCarrying 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 informationIf 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. * ConnectivityA proliferation of Wi-Fi wireless networks and cellular broadband data services combined with a near-ubiquitous support by laptops means that a laptop can have easy Internet and local network connectivity while remaining mobile. * SizeLaptops are smaller than standard 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. * Ease of AccessMost laptops have doors on the underside that allow the user to access the memory, hard drive and other components, by simply fliping the laptop to access the doors. For desktops the user must usually access the backside of the computer, which is harder if it’s in an area with little space. * Low power consumptionLaptops 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. )* QuietLaptops 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. * BatteryA charged laptop can run several hours in case of a power outage and is not affected by short power interruptions and brownouts. A desktop PC needs a UPS to handle short interruptions, brownouts and spikes; achieving on-battery time of more than 20–30 minutes for a desktop PC requires a large and expensive UPS. * All-in-OneDesigned to be portable, laptops have everything integrated in to the chassis. For desktops this is divided into the desktop, keyboard, mouse, display, and optional peripherals such as speakers, and a webcam. This leads to lots of wiring. It can also lead to massive power consumption. * ExtrasIn comparison to low-end desktops, even low-end laptops include features such as a Wi-Fi card, and Express Card slot, and a memory card reader. iPod – Music in your pocketDisadvantages of LaptopsCompared to desktop PCs, laptops have disadvantages in the following fields:* PerformanceWhile the performance of mainstream desktops and laptops is comparable, laptops are significantly more expensive than desktop PCs at the same or even lower performance level. * UpgradeabilityUpgradeability of laptops is very limited compared to desktops, which are thoroughly standardized. In general, hard drives and memory can be upgraded easily. Optical drives and internal expansion cards may be upgraded if they follow an industry standard, but all other internal components, including the CPU, motherboard and graphics, are not intended to be upgradeable. Ergonomics and healthDue to their small and flat keyboard and trackpad pointing devices, prolonged use of laptops can cause repetitive strain injury. The integrated screen often causes users to hunch over for a better view, which can cause neck or spinal injuries. Heat from using a laptop on the lap can also cause skin discoloration on the thighs. * DurabilityDue to their portability, laptops are subject to more wear and physical damage than desktops. Components such as screen hinges, latches, power jacks and power cords deteriorate gradually due to ordinary use. One study found that a laptop is 3 times more likely to break during the first year of use than a desktop. * Limited Battery LifeBattery life of laptops is limited; the capacity drops with time, necessitating an eventual replacement after a few years. * SecurityBeing expensive, common and portable, laptops are prized targets for theft. The cost of the stolen business or personal data and of the resulting problems can be many times the value of the stolen laptop itself. Therefore, both physical protection of laptops and the safeguarding of data contained on them are of the highest importance.