types of laptops

Notebook, laptop, laptop, and laptop are different terms for a small computer, which is mobile and weighs between 1 and 6 kg or 2.2 and 18 pounds, depending on the model. In 1979-1980, Bill Moggridge of GRiD Systems Corp. designed one of the first laptops and named it the GRiD Compass 1101. It featured the clamshell design where the flat screen folded shut over the keyboard. In May 1983, Gavilan Computer Corp. first introduced and marketed as a portable computer, known as the Gavilan SC. Around the same time, Sharp Corp. Ltd., announced its Sharp PC-5000 portable computer.

In 1989, Compaq introduced Compaq LTE, which was a smaller sized laptop, about the size of an A4 pad of paper, and became popularly known as a laptop or notebook. From then on, the terms laptop and notebook began to be used interchangeably. However, the terms notebook and laptop are incorrect terms, as due to the heat, many laptops cannot be placed on the lap and most notebooks are not the size of an A4 paper notebook. However, what manufacturers usually call notebook, end users prefer to call laptop; hence both terms are used.

Based on the features and models of the laptops, they are generally classified as: Ultraportable (screen is less than 12 inches diagonally, weight is 1.7 kg or less); thin and light (the screen is diagonal from 12 to 14 inches, the weight is from 1.8 to 2.8 kg); medium-sized laptops (the screen is diagonal from 14 to 15.4 inches, the weight is from 3 to 3.5 kg); and replacement desktop computers (screen is 17-20 inches diagonal, weight is 4-6 kg).

The concept of a laptop was to make a device that could use the same software as a desktop computer, but in a much smaller size to allow mobility and support mobile computing (ability to use the computer while on the go). Therefore, other innovations have introduced transportables (which can be moved from one place to another without supporting mobile computing); tablets (which have touch screens and are compatible with mobile computing); Ultramobile PCs (which are very small and compact tablet PCs); internet tablets (supporting internet and mobile computing); personal digital assistants (PDAs), which are pocket-sized and support mobile computing; handheld computers, which represent expensive tablets or PDAs; and smartphone, which is a PDA or handheld computer with cell phone integration. During the development phases, these classifications became blurred at times and many machines merged functionality from other categories.

Notebooks can be used for various purposes. Business purposes, such as answering phone calls, receiving and sending emails and faxes, writing and printing letters, making presentations with pie and bar graphs, and carrying data from one place to another, can be accomplished with any standard laptop computer. However, those who fly high prefer thin and light notebooks and for regular office work, ultraportable notebooks are preferred. Both are wireless laptops, so they can be accessed remotely. Scientific purposes are best suited to a laptop that features fast computing speed, good 2D and 3D graphics display, and large memory, such as a desktop replacement laptop and thin and light laptop. Artistic purposes require animation, 2D and 3D drawing, interior and exterior design, music composition arrangement, audio and video post-production work, etc., which can be accomplished with desktop replacements, gaming laptops, and mainstream laptops.

Laptops are generally not preferred by educational institutions due to their high probability of theft. In addition, they prefer that their assets not move within the facilities in the hands of students who may be careless. However, to keep up and be considered tech savvy, they invest in laptops. The most suitable types of laptops for educational purposes are conventional laptops and desktop replacements. Students need a notebook to do projects, prepare study notes, and play some games in their free time. They need to take the laptop with them wherever they go, so size and weight are important considerations. The type of notebook that meets the needs of students is a thin and light notebook with a locking mechanism so they can lock it with their backpack. Most students report late submission of projects due to theft of their notebooks.

So no matter what purpose one may have for using a laptop, it seems that mobility will always seem to be the main reason for buying such a product. Today, with so many models being offered at affordable prices, it seems that laptops will always be in-demand. After all, it is one of the best-selling computer equipment for quite some time. And that says it all.

This article is licensed under the GNU FDL license and may be distributed without prior permission from the author. However, the author’s name and all URLs (links) mentioned in the article and bio must be retained.