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Our Expertise:
A notebook computer (commonly referred to as a laptop computer) is essentially the same as a
regular Personal Computer, except it is packaged together in a convenient format. There is no need for big heavy
cases and huge bulky monitors anymore, notebook computers give the exact functionality of a Desktop PC in a unit
that fits nicely into your briefcase. Naturally, there are several things which differ between notebooks and desktops,
but at the end of the day they use the same (or similar) technologies for functionality.
Like the desktop, notebook computers require the following components:
- Motherboard
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Memory
- Hard Disk
- VDU (Visual Display Unit)
- Operating System
- ...and so on
Although these features are also found in the desktop, some of them are modified for use on laptops. This is
an obvious difference, after all, notebooks must have a built-in flat-panel VDU, whereas desktops will almost always
have a separate CRT/LCD monitor (there are desktops where all components are built in to one unit, including the monitor!).
A major difference is in the CPU. Notebooks use different types of processor to that of the desktop. While they are
the same in concept, they have additional features such as ones to reduce power consumption and to reduce heat. Laptops often
run at a lower voltage and usually have extra power management options to help save battery life.
Notebook manufacturers (such as JL.com) usually use different types of RAM (Random Access Memory) modules to desktop
computers. This difference is purely in the size and shape of the modules, which are cut down to fit neatly into
the notebook. The same difference applies to hard disk drives, but usually the amount of hard disk space is also less
for notebooks than it would be for a desktop of a similar specification.
CD/DVD Drives are usually included with notebook computers, but in a variety of ways. The most common is for the
drive to insert directly into a bay in the notebook itself. Once inserted, pins at the back of the drive allow the
notebook to recognise the device and to access it through the operating system. However, in an attempt to make the
notebook physically smaller, many manufacturers now supply CD/DVD drives as separate external devices, which connect
to the notebook via a connection such as USB or FireWire. Most modern notebooks include CD rewriting facilities and in
the case of high-end notebooks, even DVD rewriting facilities.
Up until recently, the standard ports on a laptop usually were the same as found on a desktop: Parallel, Serial, PS/2,
USB, etc. However, some manufacturers now have withdrawn support for Parrallel, Serial and PS/2 devices because of
the increasing popularity of USB and IEEE 1394 devices which have much better speed and performance, and are hot-swappable.
In addition to these ports, notebooks have an additional port called a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association) card slot. PCMCIA cards are usually used as modems or network interface cards.
One of the biggest differences between notebooks and desktops is the power supply. Notebooks include a rechargeable battery (which
could be Lithium, Nickel-Cadmium or Nickel-Metal Hydride) which allows the laptop to be used even when a power point is not
available. These batteries are charged using an external power supply which connects to the laptop. Battery life depends on a
number of factors, for example, Lithium Ion batteries are known for lasting longer and their life does not decrease if charged
when not fully empty like in the case of other battery types). The life of the battery also depends on how the notebook is
used. For example, frequent access to disk drives, running software which requires large processing power, etc. all eat the
battery's life a lot quicker than typing a word-processor document.
The screen is without doubt the most convenient aspect of a notebook computer. It folds down neatly to cover the keyboard and to
decrease the physical size, it is very thin and usually presents a far clearer display than desktop monitors. Laptop
VDUs can be Passive or Active Matrix, the latter offering far superior graphics performance, i.e. a much clearer
picture and text is much easier to read. In addition to this, they can be either reflective or backlit. Backlit
screens have the advantage in that they are good for low-level room lighting conditions.
Another unique feature of the notebook is the lack of a separate keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is just a smaller,
convenient version of the normal PC keyboard, and usually contains less keys (e.g. it has no number pad) than the
desktop keyboard. However, most laptops include one of the following technologies to replace the mouse.
- Trackball - This is basically a ball, which when rotated will move the cursor around the screen
- Trackpoint - This is a small, button-like point in the centre of the keyboard which acts like a mouse
- Touchpad - This is a sensitive pad which moves the cursor in the direction you move your finger
While each of these technologies rely on similar concepts, they are all quite different in operation. For example,
the touchpad is extremely sensitive and some people find it very difficult to use at first. The trackpoint allows
greater control over the cursor but is very small so is restrictive on larger resolutions. The trackball is very
convenient and allows greater control than both the trackpoint and touchpad. However it can stick out quite a bit
making the laptop bulkier. All of these devices have buttons below the keyboard which emulate the actions of the
buttons on a regular mouse. None of these devices are meant as a replacement for a standard mouse, we recommend to all
customers that buying a separate mouse is well worth the extra few euro. However, they provide a convenient means
of using the system when on the move.
Remember before purchasing a notebook computer that they are not meant as replacements for desktop computers. If you
do all your work in one place, a desktop PC provides a less expensive and more powerful and comfortable means of working.
But they are extremely useful for everything that a desktop PC is useful for and it is all contained in one lightweight,
slim unit.
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