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laptop

By Ben Lutkevich

What is a laptop?

A laptop, sometimes called a notebook computer by manufacturers, is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer (PC) smaller than a briefcase. A laptop can be easily transported and used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices and at meetings.

A laptop can be turned into a desktop computer with a docking station, which is a hardware frame that supplies connections for peripheral input/output devices such as a monitor, keyboard and printer.

Types of laptops

Differences in these core components are what distinguish laptop computers. Some core characteristics of laptops are the following:

Users buy different types of laptops for different purposes. A gaming laptop might require higher resolution and processing power, whereas a good laptop for business might be lightweight for traveling and have more memory. A laptop for use in field service might need to be more durable.

Laptop features and characteristics

Laptops come with the following components:

The difference between laptops and desktops

Desktops and laptops are two different types of PCs. They are used for the same basic functions but have significant differences in design.

Laptops are designed to be portable computers. They are smaller and lighter than desktops. The name connotes the user's ability to put the computer in their lap while they use it.

Laptops have rechargeable batteries that can be used for a set period away from a power source. The display screen hinges up from the body of computer to open. Laptops are generally lower in energy consumption than desktop computers.

Desktops are designed to be stationary and often reside on a desk. Desktops must be plugged in to a power source to be used. Unlike laptops, the display screen is usually separate from the computer, although this is not always the case.

Because desktops are generally bulky, stationary items, they may come with features that laptops don't. An example is a compact disc drive: Many laptops no longer include a disk drive, whereas desktops do.

History of laptops

Some landmark events in the development of laptops include the following:

Today, laptops are ubiquitous in the work environment. Some companies use a bring-your-own-device framework, which can pose difficulties for mobile device management and mobile device security in the workplace.

27 Feb 2023

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