What is a Laptop Computer?

A laptop computer is a small mobile personal computer, usually weighing from 1 to 3 kilograms. Laptops contain miniaturized components that perform the same functions as they do in desktop computers. To be used in laptops, these components are optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption.

Laptop tasks

As such, laptops are capable of many of the same tasks that desktop computers perform, although they are typically less powerful for the same price.

Laptops and Power

Most laptops are run on batteries, but they may also be run on adapters which charge the battery using mains electricity. Laptops usually have liquid crystal displays and use SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM) modules (rather than the larger DIMMs used in desktop computers)for their RAM. In addition to a built-in keyboard, they may utilize a touch pad (also known as a trackpad) or a pointing stick for input, though an external mouse or keyboard can usually be attached.

There are various types of laptops in the market. The popular types include:

• Sub-notebooks or subnotebooks: Notebooks smaller than an A4 sheet of paper and weighing around 1 kg.
• Desknotes (desktop/notebook): Notebooks weighing around 5 kg.
• Desktop Replacements: Powerful laptops (often heavy) designed to compete with the computing power offered by a typical desktop.
• Palmtops: Computers larger than PDAs but smaller than notebooks.