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notebook computer

By Paul Kirvan

What is a notebook computer?

A notebook computer is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces, such as airplanes, libraries, temporary offices and meetings. A notebook computer is more often called a laptop and typically weighs less than 5 pounds and is 3 inches or less in thickness.

Among the best-known makers of notebook and laptop computers are Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and Microsoft. Some former top notebook makers have left the business, such as IBM and Toshiba, or gone out of business, like Compaq.

Characteristics of a notebook computer

Notebook computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because these portable computers are more difficult to design and manufacture. A notebook can effectively 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 printers and monitors. Port replicators can also be used to connect a notebook to peripherals through a single plug.

Notebooks include the following components:

Notebook displays typically use thin-screen technology. Thin film transistor screens are active matrix liquid crystal displays that are brighter and easier to view at different angles than a super-twisted nematic or dual-scan screen.

Contemporary notebooks usually come with high-definition screens with resolutions of 1920 x 1200 or better. Some laptops have touch screens, so on-screen elements can be manipulated similar to a tablet or smartphone.

Notebooks have traditionally used several approaches for integrating cursor control into the keyboard, including the touchpad, the trackball and the pointing stick. The touchpad is generally the most popular device for cursor control today. A serial port -- typically a USB port -- enables a mouse and other devices, such as memory sticks and larger external displays, to be attached.

Most notebooks include a slot where an SD card can be inserted and mounted; adapters enable microSD cards to be read in the same slot. Older notebooks included a PC card interface for additional hardware such as a modem or network interface card. DVD drives are sometimes built into notebooks, but they're more likely to be external devices attached via a USB port.

Benefits of notebooks

The advantages of using a notebook computer include the following:

Drawbacks of notebooks

Vendors are starting to get creative with laptop and notebook design. Learn about some recent sustainable notebooks.

07 Jul 2023

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