The Mobile Computer - Laptops Explained

Laptop computers also known as notebook computers are generally smaller in size and are powered by battery or AC-powered personal computers. Because of their size they can be transported easily and conveniently. A user can use laptop computers in any place they like - on planes, meetings, temporary offices, libraries etc.

Laptop computers typically weigh less than 5 pounds and are 3 inches or less in thickness. These computers are costly than their counterparts, desktop computers, because of their complex design and structure. These laptop or notebook computers often come with displays and use thin technology. They can easily be turned into a desktop computer along with a docking station. Their withered film transistors or lively matrix screen is brighter and display better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan screen.

Notebook computers can be easily connected to a number of different peripherals by way of a single plug; all this could be done through their less capable port replicator. Different approaches are being used in laptop computers for assimilating a mouse into a keyboard, including their touch pad, trackball and the pointing stick. There is also a place or serial port within the laptop in which a regular mouse can be attached. Through its PC Card a modem or network interface card laptops can easily connect effortlessly to the internet, most standard notebooks contain a DVD Rom or CD Rom built-in.

One of the advantages of using laptop computers over desktop computers is that they are not only portable but also use less power and make less noise than desktop computers, they also produce less heat. But in some cases they are a bit slower and contain less graphics and sound processing power. However, because of their usefulness these things are hardly noticed. As an alternative to a spacious case which contains lots of room for air circulation, laptops utilize a small and flat design in which all the pieces fit jointly - cozily.

As far as battery life of a notebook is concerned, with the coming up of Intel's Centrino technology now battery life of Windows-powered laptops lasts up to five hours on a single charge. The latest laptop computers are also coming up with 'media-bays' which helps to replace your optical drive with a second battery in an effort to extend battery life.

The best-known Notebook computer makers include IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell, Sony, Acer, HP and Toshiba.

The mainstream of Laptop Computers are bundled with a 56K modem and a 10/100 Ethernet port for cable/DSL connectivity as benchmark. All Centrino-based laptops attribute 802.11b/g modules for wireless networking, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is not a criterion on all machines, look carefully at models that support these technologies if you plan to use them.