information about laptops
A Brief History - Alan Kay originated the idea of a portable computer in the 1970s. Kay envisioned a notebook-sized, portable computer called the Dynabook that everyone could own, and that could handle all of the user's informational needs. Kay also envisioned the Dynabook with wireless network capabilities.Arguably,the first laptop computer was designed in 1979 by William Moggridge of Grid Systems Corp. It had 340 kilobytes of bubble memory,a die-cast magnesium case and a folding electroluminescent graphics display screen. In 1983, Gavilan Computer produced a laptop computer with the following features: 64 kilobytes (expandable to 128 kilobytes) of random access memory (RAM) operating system (also ran MS-DOS) 8088 microprocessor touchpad mouse portable printer weighed 9 lb alone or 14 lb with printer The Gavilan computer had a floppy drive that was not compatible with other computers, and it primarily used its own operating system. The company failed. In 1984, Later, in 1986, IBM introduced its IBM PC Convertible.Unlike the Apple IIc, the PC Convertible was a true laptop computer. Like the Gavilan computer, the PC Convertible used an 8088 microprocessor, but it had 256 kilobytes of memory, two 3.5-inch (8.9-cm) floppy drives, an LCD, parallel and serial printer ports and a space for an internal modem. It came with its own applications software (basic word processing, appointment calendar, telephone/address book, calculator), weighed 12 lbs and sold for $3,500. The PC Convertible was a success, and ushered in the laptop era. A bit later, Toshiba was successful with an IBM laptop clone. Since these early models, many manufacturers have introduced and improved laptop computers over the years. Today's laptops are much more sophisticated, lighter and closer to Kay's original vision.
HOW LAPTOPS ARE LIKE DESKTOPS - For the most part, laptops have the same major parts as desktops: microprocessor operating system solid-state memory disk drives input/output ports sound cards and speakers Microprocessors Like standard desktops, laptops are powered by microprocessors. The microprocessor is the brain of the laptop and coordinates all of the computer's functions according to programmed instructions (that is, the operating system software). The DX-4 processor is no longer used, but it is typical of modern laptop microprocessors in that it is customized for laptop use. A typical laptop processor has features that reduce power consumption and heat. For example, laptop processors often run at a lower voltage and often have multiple sleep or slow-down modes that significantly increase battery life. Typical laptop microprocessors include Motorola's PowerPC family (used in Apple Macintosh computers), Intel's Pentium and Celeron families (used in PCs) and AMD's K5 and K6 families (used in PCs). Operating Systems- the operating system is the set of pre-programmed instructions that tell the microprocessor what to do. Operating systems on laptops include Windows 98/2000/NT (Microsoft) and Mac OS, depending upon the type of computer (PC vs. Mac), and Linux (Linux is not an option for most consumers, but some third-party developers are writing applications for this operating system on laptops). Memory- Laptops have memory , both RAM and ROM, just like desktops. The laptop's ROM chip contains the BIOS just as it does in a desktop computer.RAM stores the application software and data files while the computer is on. RAM differs on a laptop in that it uses a different form factor -- that is, the size and shape of the modules that carry the RAM. Manufacturers have to build laptops to be portable (smaller) and to withstand more jostling (durable) than a desktop would ever get, so the memory modules have to be different. While some laptops use a standard Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SODIMM), others use the manufacturer's proprietary memory modules. Most laptops should have at least 64 MB of RAM to have sufficient memory to run operating systems and applications software. Also, some laptops allow you to upgrade the memory of your computer and come equipped with convenient access panels to plug in additional memory chips. Disk Drives- Like desktops, laptops have various disk drive storage devices. All laptops have an internal hard disk drive, usually 6 to 20 gigabytes (GB). The hard disk drive stores operating systems, application programs and data files. Although the hard disk drive works the same in a laptop as it does in a desktop, laptops generally have less disk space than desktops and you will have fewer choices for hard disk drives in laptops. The smaller hard disk space is one of the chief limitations of laptops. In addition to hard drives, most laptops have some type of removable disk storage system, such as floppy disks, Zip disks, compact discs (CD) and DVDs.Some laptops have no internal drives. All drives are external and connected to the computer by cables. This feature allows the laptop to be very small and thin. Input/Output Ports- Computers need to talk to other devices (such as printers and networks). Computers send and receive information through various input/output ports, which can include serial ports, parallel ports and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. Sound Cards and Speakers- Like desktops, most laptops are equipped with sound cards and speakers so they can play music from CDs. However, the quality of the speakers built into most laptops does not match that of speakers for desktops, because space is a major limitation in a laptop case. The Toshiba laptop that we dissected has a sound card and jacks so you could hook up a microphone or headphones; it also has a small speaker for sound.
HOW LAPTOPS DIFFER FROM DESKTOPS - Displays- All laptops have some type of LCD display screen. Laptop LCD displays can be: 12 to 15 inches black-and-white (16 grayscale) or color (65,536 colors) passive or active matrix - active matrix displays have sharper images and are easier to read reflective or backlit - backlit screens are good for low-level room lighting conditions Modern laptop computers have 800 x 600 pixel resolution, which makes for a clear screen; anything less than this resolution should be avoided. Input Device For a desktop computer, you typically use a keyboard and mouse to enter data. However, because using a mouse takes up room, other devices are built into laptops to take its place. Laptops come with one of three input devices: trackball - rotating the ball allows you to move the cursor on the LCD screen trackpoint - pushing your finger over the point allows you to move the cursor touchpad - moving your finger across the pad allows you to move the cursor Docking Connections- Some people find that it is difficult or uncomfortable to use a laptop at their desk. The screen may be too small to see adequately. The keyboard may be slightly smaller than a standard keyboard. The touch pad may not be as comfortable to use as a mouse. Perhaps they want to have access to more than one type of disk drive. To make the laptop more convenient for desktop use, the docking station was invented. The docking station has several peripheral devices (full-size computer monitor,full-size keyboard,mouse, disk drives, printer) connected to it. You just plug your laptop into the station to use it as a desktop computer; in other words, you make one connection to your laptop instead of many. Most laptops have a docking connection.