A laptop, also known as a laptop computer or notebook computer, is a tiny, portable computer having a screen and a keyboard. Although 2-in-1 PCs with a detachable keyboard are sometimes marketed as laptops or as having a laptop mode, laptops traditionally feature a clam shell form factor with the screen mounted on the inside of the higher lid and the keyboard attached on the inside of the lower lid. Laptops are suited for mobile use because they can be folded shut for traveling. They get their name from the fact that they can almost be used on a person's lap when in use. Laptops are now utilized in a wide range of situations, including at business, in schools, for gaming, web browsing, personal multimedia, and general home computer use.
As of 2021, the phrases laptop computer and notebook computer are interchangeable in American English; nevertheless, in other dialects of English, one or the other may be preferred. Although the phrases notebook computers and notebooks used to refer to a specific size of laptop (smaller and lighter than popular laptops at the time), the names have since come to signify the same thing, and notebook no longer refers to any specific size.
Laptops combine all of the input/output components and capabilities of a desktop computer into a single unit, including the display screen, small speakers, keyboard, data storage device, optical disc drive, pointing devices (such as a touch pad or pointing stick), operating system, processor, and memory. Most current laptops include built-in webcams and microphones, and many also include touchscreens. Laptops can be powered by an internal battery or an external power source such as an AC adapter. Hardware parameters, like as CPU speed and memory capacity, varies greatly across types, models, and price ranges.
Depending on the intended function, design aspects, form factor, and construction might also differ dramatically between versions. Rugged laptops for construction or military uses, as well as low-cost laptops like those from the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, which have features like solar charging and semi-flexible components not present on conventional laptop computers, are examples of specialist laptops. Portable computers, which evolved into current laptops, were once thought to be a small niche market, used largely for specialized field applications such as in the military, accounting, or traveling sales reps.
With the evolution of portable computers into current laptops, they became widely employed for a number of functions.
History of Laptops
In 1971, when the personal computer (PC) became practical, the idea of a portable personal computer arose. Alan Kay of Xerox PARC conceived a "personal, portable information manipulator" in 1968, which he described as the "Dynabook" in a 1972 article. In 1973, IBM introduced the SCAMP (Special Computer APL Machine Portable). The IBM PALM processor was used in this prototype. In September 1975, IBM released the IBM 5100, the first commercially available portable computer, which was based on the SCAMP prototype.
The number of portable computers grew significantly as 8-bit CPU processors became more commonly recognized. The Epson HX-20 was the first "laptop-sized notebook computer," conceived (patented) by Suwa Seikosha's Yukio Yokozawa in July 1980, unveiled by Japanese business Seiko Epson at the COMDEX computer expo in Las Vegas in 1981, and marketed in July 1982. In a 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) chassis the size of an A4 notebook, it had an LCD screen, a rechargeable battery, and a calculator-size printer. In its patent, it was described as a "laptop" and "notebook" computer.
By 1988 (Compaq SLT/286), displays had reached 640x480 (VGA) resolution, and color screens had become a regular update in 1991, with resolution and screen size upgrades continuing routinely until the debut of 17" screen laptops in 2003. Hard drives first became popular in portables in the late 1980s, spurred on by the launch of 3.5" drives, and then in laptops in the 1990s, with the development of 2.5" and smaller drives; capacities have traditionally lagged behind physically larger desktop drives.
Laptop cameras often have a resolution of 720p (HD) or 480p on lower-end laptops. In the early 2010s, laptops featuring 1080p (Full HD) webcams, such as the Samsung 700G7C, were produced.
Around 1997, optical disc drives were prevalent in full-size laptops; at first, these were CD-ROM drives, which were gradually replaced by CD-R, DVD, and Blu-ray drives with writing capabilities. Since roughly 2011, the trend has changed against internal optical drives, and as of 2021, they have all but vanished; nevertheless, external peripherals are still easily accessible.
Etymology of the Laptop
While the phrases laptop and notebook are often used interchangeably nowadays, there is some debate about the origins of each term's etymology and uniqueness. The term "laptop" appears to have been coined in the early 1980s to represent a portable computer that could be operated on one's lap, as opposed to older, much heavier portable computers (informally called "luggables"). Manufacturers began manufacturing increasingly smaller portable devices, significantly lowering their weight and size and including a display around the size of A4 paper; these were marketed as notebooks to separate them from bulkier mainstream or desktop replacement computers.
Types of Laptops
Portable computers have evolved greatly since their introduction in the late 1970s, generating a range of visually and technologically distinct subcategories. There are rarely firm distinctions between these classifications, and their usage has fluctuated over time and between different sources, unless there is a specific legal trademark around a phrase (particularly, Ultrabook). Since the late 2010s, the use of more descriptive names has become less popular, with sizes mostly defined by screen size.
Laptops that are both little and large
There were previously several marketing categories for smaller and larger laptop computers, including "subnotebook" models, low-cost "netbooks," and "ultra-mobile PCs," where the size class overlapped with devices such as smartphones and handheld tablets, and "Desktop replacement" laptops, which were noticeably larger and heavier than typical to operate more powerful processors or graphics hardware. Except for niche models, laptop sizes tend to be distinguished by the size of the screen, and for more powerful models, by any specialized purpose the machine is intended for, such as a "gaming laptop" or a "mobile workstation" for professional use, as the size of mainstream laptops has shrunk and their capabilities have increased.
Two-in-one convertible, hybrid
In the portable computer market, the most recent trend of technological convergence created a wide range of devices that merged characteristics from multiple formerly distinct device categories. Hybrids, convertibles, and 2-in-1s have evolved as hybrid devices that combine the features of both tablets and laptops. All of these gadgets have a touchscreen display that allows users to use multi-touch gestures or a stylus/digital pen to work in tablet mode.
Devices that can hide a physical keyboard are known as convertibles. The keyboards on such devices can be flipped, rotated, or slid behind the back of the chassis, allowing the laptop to be converted into a tablet. All vital components are located in the part with the display because hybrids have a keyboard detachment mechanism. 2-in-1s can be hybrid or convertible, and are commonly referred to as 2-in-1 detachable and 2-in-1 convertibles, respectively, although they are distinguished by the ability to run a desktop operating system like Windows 10. 2-in-1 tablets are frequently sold as laptop replacements.
Due to their capacity to run desktop software like Adobe Photoshop, 2-in-1s are designed to be used not only as a media consumption device but also as a viable desktop or laptop replacement. Multiple peripheral devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, and multiple external monitors, can be connected to a modern 2-in-1.
Modern 2-in-1 detachables include Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Book devices, while Lenovo Yoga laptops are a version of 2-in-1 convertibles. While the previous Surface RT and Surface 2 share the same chassis design as the Surface Pro, they are classified as hybrid tablets due to their use of ARM processors and Windows RT. Similarly, a mobile operating system, such as Android, is used on a variety of hybrid computers. These include Asus's Transformer Pad devices, which are hybrids with a detachable keyboard that aren't classified as 2-in-1s.
Laptop with a tough exterior
A rugged laptop is built to withstand extreme situations like intense vibrations, freezing temperatures, and wet or dusty environments. Rugged computers are larger, heavier, and more expensive than conventional laptops, therefore they are rarely encountered in everyday use.
Hardware for Laptops
Laptops' essential components work in the same way that desktop computers do. They were traditionally shrunk and adapted for mobile usage, but desktop systems are increasingly using the same smaller, lower-power parts created for mobile use. Laptop design constraints on power, size, and cooling limit the maximum performance of laptop components as compared to desktop components, though this gap is narrowing.
Except for components that can be detached, laptop components are not designed to be replaced or upgraded by the end user. In the past, batteries and optical drives were widely exchangeable.The massive "tower" casings used in desktop computers are intended so that additional motherboards, hard disks, sound cards, RAM, and other components may be added. This constraint is one of the primary distinctions between laptops and desktop computers. Memory and storage may frequently be updated with a little disassembly, while the smallest laptops may have no upgradeable components at all.
The Common Building Block standard for laptop parts was designed by Intel, Asus, Compal, Quanta, and a few other laptop makers to solve some of the inefficiencies caused by a lack of standards and the inability to upgrade components.
The differences and distinguishing aspects of laptop components in contrast to desktop personal computer parts are summarized in the following sections.
Display for Laptops
Internally, most displays are LCD panels, while OLEDs are rarely utilized. These connect to the laptop using the LVDS or inbuilt DisplayPort protocol, and can have a glossy or matte (anti-glare) screen on the outside. As of 2021, most common consumer laptops have 13" or 15"-16" displays, with 14" variants being more widespread among business computers. There are larger and smaller types available, but they are less common — there is no defined minimum or maximum size. The difference between very small laptops and "All-in-One" desktops is whether they fold for travel. Machines small enough to be handheld (screens in the 6–8" range) can be marketed either as very small laptops or "handheld PCs," while the difference between the largest laptops and "All-in-One" desktops is whether they fold for travel.
Laptop Dimensions
In the past, a wider range of marketing phrases (both formal and informal) were used to differentiate between different laptop sizes. Netbooks, subnotebooks, U
ltra-mobile PCs, and Desktop replacement computers were among them; they are still occasionally used informally, although they are practically dead in terms of manufacturer marketing.
Resolution for Laptops
A higher resolution display allows more items to fit onscreen at once, improving the user's ability to multitask, while on smaller screens, the resolution may merely help to display sharper graphics and text rather than expand the usable space. There has been an increase in the availability of "HiDPI" (or high Pixel density) screens since the debut of the MacBook Pro with Retina display in 2012; as of 2021, this is commonly defined as anything wider than 1920 pixels wide. This has converged around 4K (3840-pixel-wide) resolutions in recent years.
Most laptops can connect to external screens, and ones with a Mini DisplayPort can support up to three.
Rates of refresh and 3D
Dell (M17x) and Samsung (M17x) produced the first laptops featuring a display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and an active shutter 3D technology in 2011. (700G7A).
Unit for central processing
The central processor unit (CPU) of a laptop has enhanced power-saving technologies and produces less heat than a desktop CPU. Although some affordable models still have 2-core CPUs, most laptop CPUs built after 2018 have four processor cores, and 6-core and 8-core variants are also available.
There is no longer a significant performance difference between laptop and desktop CPUs for low prices and mainstream performance, but at the high end, the fastest desktop CPUs still significantly outperform the fastest laptop processors, at the cost of massively higher power consumption and heat generation; the fastest laptop processors generate 56 watts of heat, while the fastest desktop processors generate 150 watts.
Intel, AMD, and other manufacturers have produced a wide range of CPUs for laptops. Motorola and IBM produced the chips for the previous PowerPC-based Apple laptops on non-x86 architectures (iBook and PowerBook). Most full-size laptops had socketed, changeable CPUs from roughly 2000 to 2014; in thinner devices, the CPU was soldered to the motherboard and could not be replaced or upgraded without replacing the motherboard. Intel has not supplied new laptop CPU models with interchangeable pins since 2015, preferring ball grid array chip packages that must be soldered;[38]and only a few uncommon variants employing desktop parts are available as of 2021.
Some laptops have previously employed a desktop processor instead of a laptop processor, resulting in higher performance at the tradeoff of increased weight, heat, and shorter battery life; this is not unknown as of 2021, but the practice has been limited to small-volume gaming versions since roughly 2010. Overclocking laptop CPUs is uncommon; most use locked processors. Even on gaming laptops with unlocked processors, the cooling system in most laptops is frequently pushed to its limits, leaving little space for an overclocking–related increase in operating temperature.
A graphical processing unit (GPU) is incorporated into the CPU on most laptops to save power and space. In 2010, Intel released the Core i-series of mobile processors, while AMD followed suit with similar accelerated processing unit (APU) chips later that year.
Previously, lower-end PCs had graphics processors built into the system chipset, and higher-end machines had a dedicated graphics processor. Since the mid-2010s, the capabilities of CPU-integrated graphics have converged with the low-end of dedicated graphics processors, making laptops without a separate graphics processor more useful for gaming and professional tasks using 3D graphics.
Dedicated, and in some cases two, graphics processors are still found on the motherboard or as an internal expansion card in higher-end laptops designed for gaming or professional 3D work. Since 2011, these have nearly always included switchable graphics, which means that when the higher-performance dedicated graphics processor isn't needed, the more power-efficient integrated graphics processor is employed. Switchable graphics systems such as Nvidia Optimus and AMD Hybrid Graphics are examples.
Memory on a Laptop
Most laptops have used SO-DIMM RAM since approximately the year 2000, while as of 2021, a growing number of machines employ memory soldered to the motherboard. If a laptop's memory could be upgraded before 2000, most of them used proprietary memory modules.
High-end laptops, such as the 2011 Samsung 700G7A, broke the 10 GB RAM barrier in the early 2010s, with 16 GB of RAM.
When memory slots are upgradeable, they are occasionally accessible from the bottom of the laptop; in other situations, accessing them necessitates extensive disassembly. The majority of laptops have two memory slots, while some have only one for financial reasons or because some memory is soldered. Some high-end models have four slots; they are often mobile engineering workstations, while some high-end gaming devices also have four slots.
As of 2021, the most prevalent RAM configuration is 8 GB, with lower-end versions occasionally having 4GB. Higher-end laptops may include 16 GB or more of RAM.
Storage on the inside
Although some early laptops used RAM disk or tape for storage, by the late 1980s, hard disk drives had become the industry standard.
Between 1990 and 2009, practically all laptops featured a hard disk drive (HDD); since then, SSDs have gradually replaced hard drives in all but a few low-cost consumer models. Solid-state drives are speedier and more power-efficient, as well as removing the risk of drive and data corruption caused by physical impacts on a laptop, as they don't employ mechanical parts like a rotating platter. [40] They're also more compact in a lot of circumstances. SSDs were initially far more expensive than HDDs in the late 2000s, but by 2021, costs for smaller capacity (under 1 terabyte) drives had converged, but bigger capacity drives remained more expensive than comparable-sized HDDs.
Since roughly 1990, a 2.5-inch hard drive has been the standard; some extremely small laptops accept even smaller 1.8-inch HDDs, while a very small number used 1" Microdrives. Although some SSDs are designed to fit the size and shape of a laptop hard drive, they are progressively being replaced by smaller mSATA or M.2 cards. SSDs that connect utilizing the newer and faster NVM Express standard are only available as cards.
Many laptops do not have space for a 2.5" drive as of 2021, instead accepting M.2 cards; a few of the tiniest have storage soldered to the motherboard. Those that can usually only fit a single 2.5-inch drive, while a tiny number of laptops with screens larger than 15 inches can fit two.
External HDDs or NAS data storage servers with RAID capability can be connected to nearly any laptop through USB, FireWire, eSATA, or Thunderbolt, or via a wired or wireless network, to expand data storage capacity. Many computers also have a card reader that allows you to use memory cards like those used in digital cameras, which are usually SD or microSD cards. This allows users to transfer digital photos from an SD card to a laptop and then delete the contents of the SD card to make room for new photos.
Drive that can be removed
Between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, optical disc drives capable of playing CD-ROMs, compact discs (CD), DVDs, and, in some circumstances, Blu-ray discs (BD) were practically universal on full-sized machines. Drives are rare in compact or premium laptops as of 2021; they are still available in certain bulkier versions, but the trend toward thinner and lighter machines is gradually eliminating these drives and players — they can be linked via USB instead as needed.
Inputs from laptops
To enter text, data, and other commands, an alphanumeric keyboard is used (e.g., function keys). Controlling the position of the pointer on the screen is done with a touchpad (sometimes called a trackpad), a pointing stick, or both, while typing is done with an integrated keyboard. Some touchpads feature distinct buttons from the touch surface, whereas others share it. A rapid double-tap is usually interpreted as a click, and certain operating systems are capable of recognizing multi-finger touch movements.
A USB port or Bluetooth or similar technologies can be used to connect an external keyboard and mouse. Multitouch touchscreen displays are available as an option or as standard on some laptops. Most laptops feature webcams and microphones, which can be used to connect with others via web conferencing or video-calling software, using both moving images and sound.
Laptops usually contain USB ports as well as a headphone/microphone jack for use with headphones, a headset, or an external microphone. Many laptops contain a card reader that can read SD cards from digital cameras.
Ports for input/output (I/O)
A normal laptop has numerous USB ports; if the earlier USB connectors are used instead of USB-C, they will often feature an external monitor port (VGA, DVI, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, or more than one), and an audio in/out port (commonly in the form of a single socket). Using multi-stream transport technology, you can connect up to three external monitors to a 2014-era laptop over a single Mini DisplayPort.
Apple switched from many I/O ports to a single USB-C port in a 2015 MacBook model. With the use of aftermarket adapters, this port may be used to charge as well as connect to a range of devices. Since then, Apple has reverted to a variety of ports. Google's upgraded Chromebook Pixel follows a similar USB-C transition trend, while it retains older USB Type-A connectors for compatibility with older devices.
Due to the extensive use of wireless networking, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet network ports are rarely found on modern laptops, despite being ubiquitous until the end of the 2000s decade. Some models include legacy interfaces like as a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, serial port, parallel port, or FireWire, however they are becoming increasingly rare. There are Thunderbolt connectors on Apple's systems and a few other computers, but Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C. A headphone jack is commonly included on laptops, allowing users to connect external headphones or amplified speaker systems to listen to music or other audio.
cards for expansion
A PC Card (previously PCMCIA) or ExpressCard slot for expansion was once common on laptops, allowing users to add and remove functionality even while the laptop was switched on; but, since the arrival of USB 3.0, these slots have become increasingly rare. Some internal subsystems, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a wireless cellular modem, can be implemented as removable internal expansion cards, which are typically accessible through an access cover on the laptop's bottom. PCI Express, which is available in tiny and even smaller M.2 capacities, is the industry standard for such devices. Micro SATA (mSATA) capabilities on PCI Express Mini or M.2 card slots is widespread in recent laptops, allowing SATA-based solid-state drives to be used in those ports.
Power supply and battery
Lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries have been utilized in laptops since the late 1990s, replacing the older nickel metal hydride and nickel–cadmium batteries that were used in most of the original laptops. Non-rechargeable batteries, often known as lead–acid batteries, were used in some of the first computers.
Battery life varies greatly depending on the model and workload, ranging from one hour to nearly a day. A battery's performance degrades over time; depending on the charging and discharging pattern and the battery's design, a significant decline in capacity can be seen after one to three years of regular use. Laptop and battery innovations have resulted in scenarios where the battery can give up to 24 hours of continuous operation, assuming typical power consumption levels. When combined with its ultra-capacity battery, the HP EliteBook 6930p is an excellent example.
Larger replacement batteries with increased capacity may be compatible with laptops with removable batteries.
An external power supply hooked into a wall outlet is used to charge a laptop's battery. The power supply produces a DC voltage that is typically between 7.2 and 24 volts. External power supplies are commonly linked to laptops via a DC connection wire. It can usually charge the battery and power the laptop at the same time. The laptop continues to run on power supplied by the external power supply while the battery is fully charged, avoiding battery use. If the power source used is insufficient to simultaneously power computing components and charge the battery, the battery may charge in a shorter length of time if the laptop is turned off or asleep.
Although certain models are either heavier or lighter, the charger normally contributes roughly 400 grams (0.88 lb) to the overall traveling weight of a laptop. Most laptops from 2016 feature a smart battery, which is a rechargeable battery pack with an integrated battery management system (BMS). Internally, the smart battery can detect voltage and current, as well as charge level and State of Health (SoH) metrics, which indicate the health of the cells.
Connectors for power
Laptops have traditionally used DC connectors, which are typically cylindrical/barrel-shaped coaxial power connectors. A rectangular connector was used on occasion by some OEMs, such as Lenovo.
The end device can determine the power supply type by measuring the resistance between the center pin and the connection's negative pole on some connector heads (outer surface). If a power supply is not recognized as an original part, vendors may refuse to charge it, effectively prohibiting the use of universal third-party chargers.
With the introduction of USB-C, portable gadgets began to rely on it for both power and data transfer. Its support for 20 V (common laptop power supply voltage) and 5 A is typically sufficient for low to mid-end laptops, but some laptops with higher power demands, such as gaming laptops, require dedicated DC connectors to handle currents greater than 5 A without risking overheating, and some even greater than 10 A. Furthermore, because their design is less delicate, dedicated DC connectors are more durable and less prone to wear and tear from frequent reconnecting.
Cooling for Laptops
In a laptop's little internal space, waste heat from operations is difficult to remove. The first laptops employed passive cooling, which was followed by heat sinks put directly on the components to be cooled. However, since the hot components are located deep within the device, a big space-consuming air duct is required to exhaust the heat. Instead, modern laptops use heat pipes to rapidly transfer waste heat away from the device's edges, allowing for a fan and heat sink cooling system that is much smaller and more compact. Waste heat is often vented to the rear or sides of the device, away from the device operator.
Because some intakes can be obstructed, such as when the device is placed on a soft conforming surface like a chair cushion, multiple air intake pathways are used. If the laptop is left operating and placed inside a carrying case, secondary device temperature monitoring may impair performance or prompt an emergency shutdown if it is unable to disperse heat. Laptops can benefit from aftermarket cooling pads with external fans to lower running temperatures.
Station for docking
A docking station (sometimes known as a dock) is a laptop device that includes many ports, as well as expansion slots or bays for permanent or removable drives. A docking station connects and disconnects a laptop with a single big proprietary connector. A docking station is a popular laptop accessory in a corporate computing environment because it can transform a laptop into a full-featured desktop replacement while yet allowing it to be easily removed.
This capability can be useful for "road warrior" personnel who must travel regularly for work but also need to come into the office. If more ports are required or their location on a laptop is troublesome, a port replication is a less expensive passive device that can be used. These devices attach to the laptop's connections, such as USB or FireWire.
Trolley recharging
Laptop charging trolleys, also known as laptop carts or laptop trolleys, are mobile storage containers that allow many laptops, netbooks, and tablet computers to be charged at the same time. The trolleys are utilized in schools that have replaced their traditional static computer labs with "tower" computer suites but don't have enough plug sockets in each classroom to charge all of the devices. The carts may be wheeled between rooms and classes to provide fully charged IT equipment to all students and teachers in a given building.
Laptop charging trolleys, also known as laptop carts or laptop trolleys, are mobile storage containers that allow many laptops, netbooks, and tablet computers to be charged at the same time. The trolleys are utilized in schools that have replaced their traditional static computer labs with "tower" computer suites but don't have enough plug sockets in each classroom to charge all of the devices. The carts may be wheeled between rooms and classes to provide fully charged IT equipment to all students and teachers in a given building.
Photovoltaic panels
Solar panels in some laptops can generate enough solar power to keep the laptop running. The One Laptop Per Child Initiative released the OLPC XO-1 laptop, which was tested and successfully operated using solar panels. They are currently developing an OLPC XO-3 laptop with these features. The OLPC XO-3 can run on 2 watts of power because its renewable energy resources generate a total of 4 watts. Samsung has also created the NC215S solar–powered notebook, which will be commercially available in the United States.
Accessories for Laptops
A laptop sleeve, laptop skin, or laptop case is a common laptop accessory that provides scratch protection. Sleeves are most commonly made of neoprene, which is relatively thin and flexible, with sturdier ones made of low-resilience polyurethane. Some laptop sleeves are wrapped in ballistic nylon to provide some water resistance.Bulkier and more robust cases can be made of metal, with polyurethane padding on the inside, and may have locks for added security.
Metal, padded cases also provide impact and drop protection. A laptop cooler is another common accessory. This is a device that actively or passively lowers the internal temperature of the laptop. A common active method involves using electric fans to draw heat away from the laptop, whereas a passive method might involve propping the laptop up on a pad to allow for more airflow. Some stores sell laptop pads that allow a person reclining on a bed to use a laptop.
Modularity in Laptops
Some components of earlier models of laptops, such as the keyboard, battery, hard disk, memory modules, CPU cooling fan, and so on, can be easily replaced without completely opening the bottom part.
Inside are some of the components of recent laptop models. Replacing most of its components, such as the keyboard, battery, hard disk, memory modules, CPU cooling fan, and so on, necessitates the removal of its top or bottom part, the removal of the motherboard, and the return of the components.
Some types use solder and glue to mount components like RAM, storage, and batteries, making repairs even more difficult.
Advantages
The first feature mentioned in any comparison of laptops versus desktop PCs is portability. Because of its physical portability, a laptop can be used not only at home and the office, but also while commuting and flying, in coffee shops, lecture halls and libraries, at clients' locations or in a meeting room, and so on. Within the home, portability allows laptop users to move their devices from the living room to the dining room to the family room. Portability has several distinct advantages:
Productivity: Using a laptop in places where a desktop PC is not permitted can help employees and students increase their productivity on work or school tasks, such as an office worker reading work e-mails during an hour-long train commute or a student doing homework at the university coffee shop during a break between lectures.
Immediacy:When you carry a laptop, you have instant access to information, including personal and work files. This allows for better collaboration among coworkers or students because a laptop can be flipped open to view a report, document, spreadsheet, or presentation at any time and from any location.
Current information:If a person owns more than one desktop PC, synchronization issues arise: changes made on one computer are not automatically propagated to the others. There are solutions to this problem, such as physical file transfers (via USB flash memory stick or CD-ROMs) or synchronization software via the Internet, such as cloud computing. Transporting a single laptop to both locations, on the other hand, eliminates the problem entirely because the files exist in a single location and are always up to date.
Connectivity:In the 2010s, the proliferation of Wi-Fi wireless networks and cellular broadband data services (HSDPA, EVDO, and others) in many urban areas, combined with modern laptops' near-ubiquitous Wi-Fi support, meant that a laptop could now have easy Internet and local network connectivity while remaining mobile. Wi-Fi networks and laptop programs are especially common on college campuses.
Other benefits of laptop computers include:
Size:Laptop computers are smaller than desktop computers. This is useful when space is limited, such as in small apartments and student dorms. A laptop can be closed and stored in a desk drawer when not in use.
Power consumption is minimal:Laptops consume far less power than desktop computers. A typical laptop consumes 20–120 W, whereas desktop computers consume 100–800 W. This could be especially beneficial for large businesses that run hundreds of personal computers, multiplying the potential savings, and homes where a computer is on all the time (such as a home media server, print server, etc.).
Quiet: Laptops are typically much quieter than desktops, owing to both the components (quieter, slower 2.5-inch hard drives) and the lower heat production, which allows for the use of fewer and slower cooling fans.
Battery:In the event of a power outage, a charged laptop can continue to be used and is unaffected by brief power interruptions or blackouts. To handle short interruptions, blackouts, and spikes, a desktop PC requires an uninterruptible power supply (UPS); achieving on-battery time of more than 20–30 minutes for a desktop PC requires a large and expensive UPS.
All-in-One:Most 2010-era laptops are designed to be portable, with all components integrated into the chassis (though some small laptops may not have an internal CD/CDR/DVD drive, necessitating the use of an external drive). For desktop computers (excluding all-in-ones), this is typically divided into the desktop "tower" (the unit containing the CPU, hard drive, power supply, and other components), keyboard, mouse, display screen, and optional peripherals such as speakers.
Disadvantages
Laptops have the following disadvantages when compared to desktop PCs:
Performance
While the performance of mainstream desktops and laptops is comparable, and the cost of laptops has fallen less rapidly than that of desktops, laptops remain more expensive than desktop PCs at the same performance level.The upper performance limits of laptops remain significantly lower than those of high-end desktops (particularly "workstation class" machines with two processor sockets), and "leading-edge" features typically appear first in desktops and are then adapted to laptops as the underlying technology matures.
Even relatively low-end laptops (such as Netbooks) can be fast enough for some users for Internet browsing and typical office applications, where the computer spends the majority of its time waiting for the next user input. Most high-end laptops are powerful enough to play high-resolution movies, play some 3D games, and edit and encode video. Laptop processors, on the other hand, may be at a disadvantage when dealing with a high-end database, math, engineering, financial software, virtualization, and so on. This is due to the fact that laptops use mobile versions of processors to conserve power, and these lag behind desktop chips in terms of performance. Some manufacturers work around this performance issue by incorporating desktop CPUs into laptops.
Upgradeability
In comparison to thoroughly standardized desktops, laptops have very limited upgradeability. In general, hard drives and memory can be easily upgraded. Optical drives and internal expansion cards can be upgraded if they adhere to industry standards, but all other internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, and graphics, are not always upgradeable. To address some of the inefficiencies caused by a lack of standards, Intel, Asus, Compal, Quanta, and other laptop manufacturers developed the Common Building Block standard for laptop parts. Both technical and economic factors contribute to limited upgradeability. There are no industry-wide standards for laptop form factors; instead, each major laptop manufacturer pursues its own proprietary design and construction, making laptops difficult to upgrade.
Furthermore, beginning with 2013 models, most laptop components (CPU, SSD, RAM, keyboard, etc.) have become increasingly integrated (soldered) with the motherboard to reduce size and upgradeability prospects. Sound cards, network adapters, hard and optical drives, and numerous other peripherals are available, but these upgrades usually reduce the portability of the laptop because they add cables and boxes to the setup and must frequently be disconnected and reconnected when the laptop is in use.
Furthermore, beginning with 2013 models, most laptop components (CPU, SSD, RAM, keyboard, etc.) have become increasingly integrated (soldered) with the motherboard to reduce size and upgradeability prospects. Sound cards, network adapters, hard and optical drives, and numerous other peripherals are available, but these upgrades usually reduce the portability of the laptop because they add cables and boxes to the setup and must frequently be disconnected and reconnected when the laptop is in use.
Ergonomics and health consequences
Wrists
Because of their small, flat keyboard and trackpad pointing devices, laptops can cause repetitive strain injury if used for an extended period of time. [63] It is recommended to use separate, external ergonomic keyboards and pointing devices to prevent injury when working for long periods of time; they can be easily connected to a laptop via USB, Bluetooth, or via a docking station. Workplace ergonomic keyboards are required by some health standards.
Neck and spine
The integrated screen on a laptop frequently requires users to lean over for a better view, which can result in neck or spinal injuries. To alleviate this and provide additional screen space for more productive work, almost any laptop can be connected to a larger and higher-quality external screen. A computer stand is yet another option.
The integrated screen on a laptop frequently forces users to lean over for a better view, which can result in neck or spinal injuries. A larger and higher-quality external screen can be connected to almost any laptop to alleviate this and provide additional screen space for more productive work. Another option is to use a computer stand.
Potential impact on fertility
A study conducted by researchers at the State University of New York discovered that heat generated by laptops can raise the temperature of male users' laps when they balance the computer on their lap, potentially jeopardizing sperm count. The study, which included about two dozen men aged 21 to 35, discovered that the sitting position required to balance a laptop can raise scrotum temperature by up to 2.1 °C (4 °F). However, more research is needed to determine whether this has a direct impact on male sterility.
A subsequent 2010 study of 29 men published in Fertility and Sterility discovered that men who kept their laptops on their laps experienced scrotal hyperthermia (overheating), with scrotal temperatures rising by up to 2.0 °C (4 °F). The increased heat, which cannot be offset by a laptop cushion, may increase male infertility.
A common practical solution is to place the laptop on a table or desk, or to place a book or pillow between the body and the laptop. Another option is to purchase a laptop cooling unit. These are typically USB powered and consist of a hard thin plastic case housing one, two, or three cooling fans – with the entire assembly designed to sit beneath the laptop in question – resulting in the laptop remaining cool to the touch and significantly reducing laptop heat buildup.
Thighs
Heat from using a laptop on one's lap can also cause skin discoloration on the thighs, a condition known as "toasted skin syndrome."
Durability
Laptops have a lower durability than desktops/PCs. However, the laptop's durability is dependent on the user; if proper maintenance is performed, the laptop will last longer.
Wearing of Equipment
Laptops are more susceptible to wear and physical damage than desktop computers due to their portability. Screen hinges, latches, power jacks, and power cords deteriorate over time and may need to be replaced. A liquid spill onto the keyboard, a relatively minor mishap with a desktop system (given that a basic keyboard costs around US$20), can damage the internals of a laptop and destroy the computer, resulting in a costly repair or entire replacement of laptops.
According to one study, a laptop is three times more likely than a desktop to break during the first year of use. It is recommended that a laptop be cleaned every three months for dirt, debris, dust, and food particles. Most cleaning kits include a lint-free or microfiber cloth for cleaning the LCD screen and keyboard, compressed air for cleaning the cooling fan, and cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, should never be used to clean a laptop because they can cause damage.
Cooling and heating
Laptops rely on extremely small cooling systems that include a fan and a heat sink that can fail due to blockage caused by airborne dust and debris. Most laptops lack a removable dust collection filter over the air intake for these cooling systems, resulting in a system that slowly conducts more heat and noise over time. Even at idle load levels, the laptop can overheat in some cases. This dust is usually trapped inside the fan and heat sink junction, where it cannot be removed by a simple cleaning and vacuuming. Compressed air can usually dislodge dust and debris but may not completely remove it.
Laptops rely on extremely small cooling systems that include a fan and a heat sink that can fail due to blockage caused by airborne dust and debris. Most laptops lack a removable dust collection filter over the air intake for these cooling systems, resulting in a system that slowly conducts more heat and noise over time. Even at idle load levels, the laptop can overheat in some cases. This dust is usually trapped inside the fan and heat sink junction, where it cannot be removed by a simple cleaning and vacuuming. Compressed air can usually dislodge dust and debris but may not completely remove it.
Life of the battery
Battery life is limited because capacity degrades over time, necessitating replacement after as little as a year. A new battery can typically power a laptop for three to five hours, depending on usage, configuration, and power management settings. However, as it ages, the battery's energy storage gradually degrades until it lasts only a few minutes. The battery is frequently easily replaceable, and a higher capacity model for longer charging and discharging times is available. Some laptops (particularly ultrabooks) lack the standard removable battery and must be brought to the manufacturer's service center or a third-party laptop service center to have the battery replaced. Replacement batteries can be costly as well.
Privacy and security
Laptops are frequently stolen because they are valuable, widely used, portable, and easy to conceal in a backpack or other type of travel bag. Over 1,600 laptops go missing from US airports every day. The cost of stolen business or personal data and the problems that result (identity theft, credit card fraud, breach of privacy) can be many times the value of the stolen laptop. As a result, both the physical protection of laptops and the security of the data stored on them are critical.
Most laptops have a Kensington security slot that can be used to attach a security cable and lock to a desk or other immovable object. Furthermore, modern operating systems and third-party software provide disk encryption functionality, which renders data on the laptop's hard drive unreadable in the absence of a key or a passcode. As of 2015, some laptops included additional security features such as eye recognition software and fingerprint scanning components.
Software such as LoJack for Laptops, Laptop Cop, and GadgetTrack have been designed to assist people in locating and recovering stolen laptops. Setting a password on one's laptop's firmware (protection against going to firmware setup or booting), internal HDD/SSD (protection against accessing it and later loading an operating system on it), and every user account of the operating system are additional security measures that a user should take.
Fewer than 5% of lost or stolen laptops are recovered by the companies that own them[80], but this figure may decrease due to the proliferation of companies and software solutions specializing in laptop recovery. The widespread availability of webcams on laptops in the 2010s raised privacy concerns. In Robbins v. Lower Merion School District (Eastern District of Pennsylvania 2010), school-issued laptops loaded with special software allowed staff from two high schools to take secret webcam shots of their students at home, via their students' laptops.
There are numerous laptop brands and manufacturers to choose from. The adjacent box lists several major brands that sell notebooks in various categories. The major brands typically provide good service and support, including well-executed documentation and driver downloads that are available for many years after a specific laptop model is no longer manufactured. Laptops from major brands are more expensive than laptops from smaller brands and ODMs because they capitalize on service, support, and brand image. Some brands specialize in a specific type of laptop, such as gaming laptops (Alienware), high-performance laptops (HP Envy), netbooks (EeePC), and children's laptops (OLPC).
Many major brands, including Apple, do not design or manufacture their laptops. Instead, a small number of Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) create new laptop models, and the brands select which models to include in their lineup. In 2006, seven major ODMs produced seven out of every ten laptops sold worldwide, with the largest (Quanta Computer) accounting for 30% of the global market. [84] As a result, identical models are available from both a major label and a low-profile ODM in-house brand.
Share of the market
In 1986, battery-powered portable computers accounted for only 2% of the global market. Laptop computers, on the other hand, have grown in popularity for both business and personal use. In 2007, approximately 109 million notebook PCs were shipped worldwide, a 33 percent increase over 2006. In 2008, it was estimated that 145.9 million notebooks were sold, with the figure rising to 177.7 million in 2009. In the third quarter of 2008, worldwide notebook PC shipments surpassed desktops for the first time, with 38.6 million units versus 38.5 million units.
In May 2005, notebooks outsold desktops in the United States for the first time in a full month; notebooks sold for an average of $1,131, while desktops sold for an average of $696. When it comes to operating systems, the average selling price (ASP) for Microsoft Windows laptops fell in 2008/2009, possibly due to low-cost netbooks, fetching an average of US$689 at U.S. retail stores in August 2008. In 2009, ASP had dropped to $602 by January and $560 by February. While the ASP of Windows machines fell $129 in these seven months, the ASP of Apple macOS laptops fell only $12, from $1,524 to $1,512.
Disposal of Laptops
Many of the materials used in a laptop computer, such as beryllium (used in beryllium-copper alloy contacts in some connectors and sockets), lead (used in lead-tin solder), chromium, and mercury (used in CCFL LCD backlights), are toxic or carcinogenic to humans. Although these toxins are relatively harmless when the laptop is in use, concerns that discarded laptops pose a serious health risk and toxic environmental damage were so strong that the European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) mandated that all laptop computers be recycled. Similarly, the United States
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made landfill dumping and incinerating discarded laptop computers illegal.
Most laptop computers begin the recycling process through a process known as demanufacturing, which involves the physical separation of the laptop's components. These components are then separated into materials for recycling (such as plastic, metal, and glass) or more complex items that require more advanced material separation (such as circuit boards, hard drives, and batteries).
Data destruction may be required as part of the corporate laptop recycling process. The data destruction process ensures that no information or data stored on a laptop hard drive can ever be recovered.
Excessive use
The ruggedized Grid Compass computer has been used since the beginning of the Space Shuttle program. The first commercial laptop used in space was a Macintosh portable in 1990 aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-41 and again in 1991 aboard STS-43. Apple and other laptop computers are still flown aboard crewed spaceflights, though the ThinkPad is the only long-duration flight certified computer for the International Space Station.
Over 100 ThinkPads were aboard the ISS as of 2011. Laptops used aboard the International Space Station and other spaceflights are generally the same as those available to the general public, but necessary modifications are made to allow them to be used safely and effectively in a weightless environment, such as updating cooling systems to function without relying on hot air rising and accommodating for lower cabin air pressure. Laptops used in harsh environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures, and wet or dusty conditions, differ from those used in space in that they are custom designed for the task and do not use off-the-shelf hardware.
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