What Defines a Laptop

The laptop notebook computer is one of the greatest technological advances to come along. And you will probably find it difficult to eschew the computer if you live if the modern world, unless you are Amish. The desktop computer was a wonderful invention, but the laptop notebook computer is gaining a powerful momentum that is hard to ignore.

While people have come to use the terms laptop and notebook interchangeably to describe the portable computing devices that business owners and stay-at-home moms alike carry around, there are a few differences between the two.

A laptop computer is a portable computer that is small enough to fit comfortably in the user's lap. They are a bit larger than their counterparts - the notebook computer. Laptop computers are normally larger to include such features as built in or removable CD ROM drives.
Most standard laptops will feature a 14 inch to 17 inch screen, a full featured keyboard, 2+ hour battery life, integrated audio system, mid to high level graphics cards, integrated modem and WiFi capabilities, and a built in or removable optical drive. Laptops offer the ability to be upgraded to some extent also.

A notebook computer is designed to be ultra-portable and ultra-lightweight. Therefore, it includes the minimal amount of features necessary to provide the greatest degree of mobility. Standard notebook computers feature 4+ hours battery life, minimal graphics system, no internal optical drive, 12 to 14 inch screen, integrated modem and network capabilities, and the smallest possible keyboard. It is also normally thinner than a traditional laptop computer.
With technology improving at such a rapid pace, though, it is now possible to include much more computing power into a smaller space. This may be one of the reasons that the line has become blurred between the laptop and notebook computers. Now, both of these mobile computing devices have simply become known as the laptop notebook.

And since the differences are so slight, there really is no harm in putting the two into the same category. Most people do not care enough to recognize the difference in the terminology anyway. They just know that they want their laptop notebook along for the ride.

About the Author
Brenda is an avid user of her laptop. She has received her last laptop notebook for free. She maintains resources on how to get a free laptop via her free laptops website.

Laptops breakthrough in 1983

When the first personal computer arrived, people were in awe. Suddenly they had a computer as powerful as a huge mainframe that could sit on their desk, or in their home. It was an amazing feeling. Little did those people know, however, that something even more remarkable was soon to happen - they'd be able to pick that computer up and carry it with them.

The first laptops were not so much portable as they were 'luggable' - you could get them from one place to another, but only just, and you probably wouldn't want one on your lap, which was why they weren't know as laptops yet. These computers were quite common in the late '70s and early '80s.

The real breakthrough for laptops came in 1983. This was the year when the first PC-compatible laptop, the Compaq Portable, was released and also the year when the term 'laptop' was first coined by the makers of the Gavilan SC, the first such computer to run on batteries alone. The first real commercial breakthrough, the TRS-80 Model 100 (Tandy 100), came that same year, thanks to its low price.

Since then, laptops have had a considerable presence in the PC market. IBM started cranking out laptops from 1986, and Toshiba followed in 1987. By 1989, Apple was making the first portable Macs.

In 1991, Apple's Powerbook introduced the laptop layout that is universal today - the keyboard at the top, mouse trackball at the bottom, with room to rest your wrists. The design was quickly copied by IBM for its ThinkPad range, and then by other laptop manufacturers after that.

Since then, improvements have been mostly incremental, but two things stand out. The introduction of Windows 95 in 1995 made laptop power management much simpler, allowing them to standby and hibernate in a standardised manner. The addition of lithium batteries has also been a turning point, allowing laptops to hold a much longer charge than they used to be able to.

About the Author
John Gibb is the owner of Laptop resources For more information on Laptops check out http://www.laptop-computer-sources4u.info

5 Reasons for Buying Laptops

As technology advances what happens to the laptop computers that are left in the dust. Thrown to the way side less than a year later because the owner needed the latest updated computer machine. Instead of filling the land fills with used notebook computers a technology exists that can bring them back to like new condition and that will operate just as strong as a new laptop. It is called "Refurbished." That is right. Refurbished laptops are nothing new, but the advanced technology allows them to be even better than ever before.

Here are only a few great reasons for buying laptops:

1)Cost: The cost of refurbished laptops is significantly less than buying new notebook computers. Some people save as much as 60% off the retail price for a portable computer that might be less than a year old. Why spend all that extra money on the "latest thing". Computer technology moves so fast that by the time a new laptop is paid for there is already a new and improved model. Trying to keep up is impossible and not really necessary.

2)Portability: Take them anywhere. Most refurbished laptops weigh between 5-8lbs. Easily carry them in a backpack, case, or a simple laptop bag. It's like having your desktop computer with you at all times. Sit in class, anywhere in your home or office and still be able to connect to the world. Notebook computers are the most portable computers you can buy.

3)Internet Connection: You can connect to your family, friends, co-workers, business clients and more with ease from almost anywhere in the world. Getting online is now better than ever. You can connect via Wi Fi, DSL, Cable or dial up. The internet is getting faster and easier to connect to and you'll be able to do it from virtually anywhere! Take refurbished laptops to many restaurants, hotels, or schools and get online wirelessly.

4)No Wires: Another great reason laptop computers are a wise investment is the fact that you can operate an entire network without wires. This is probably the best part about owning refurbished laptops. If you have a desktop computer at home, or at the office you know it's impossible to take it with you. Wires, the bulky weight, the need for a plug-in outlet just makes desktops too hard to move from place to place. Well, now you don't have to worry about that. Laptop computers are built and specifically designed for maximum portability. Lightweight and no wires make these the best choice for almost everyone.

5)Space: Take up less space. Thus the term "lap top." Small enough to fit in your lap, a small table or desk, or anywhere. Perfect for dorms, home office, or a professional that is on the move. Laptops offer the most portability and still are able to keep up with a large bulky desktop computer.

Notebook computers are an all around excellent investment for anyone. Refurbished laptops are for those who are savvy with their money, but still want quality. Refurbished laptops are not just new. They are reconditioned and brought back to their original working state. All non-working parts are replaced and they are tested for quality assurance. Millions are bought everyday because people are catching on that newer is not always better. You can save yourself a great deal of money and still get a great quality computer with refurbished laptops.

About the Author
Online Crazy Deals is a great place for more information on laptops, computer equipment and many more mobile electronics that make your life easier.