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The first thing you need to know when
looking at notebooks computers, laptops and
pc's, is what is the difference.
Most people think that laptops and notebooks
computers are the same thing, however over
the years the two terms have come to mean
different things. |
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Originally laptops and notebooks computers were
basically the names given to any form of portable
computing platform, however as notebooks/laptops have
become more powerful, two distinct variations on the
theme have emerged.
The term
laptop computer now seems more likely to refer to a
larger format portable computer with at least a 15"
screen or larger, who's primary role is usually as a
desktop replacement. This style of computer has been
able to come about because of the dramatic increase in
processing power in recent years.
Notebooks computers now generally refers to a slightly
smaller and more portable version of a laptop, with
screens smaller than 15", and a form size more suited to
easy portability.
Don't
think that notebooks computers are lacking in power
though. Technological improvements in battery
construction and cpu design have meant that your average
notebooks computers are versatile devices, more than
capable of performing the average users range of daily
tasks.
Where
the notebooks computers do have to make a small
compromise is in the reduced amount of hardware that can
be fitted into the smaller chassis. This often means
that items such as optical drives or expansion ports may
not be able to be built into the chassis, requiring the
notebooks computers to use external version of these
devices if required. |
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After the personal computer became a
feasible reality in the 1970's, it wasn't
long before the idea for notebooks computers
came along.
The original concept for notebooks computers
was discussed as early as 1968, with the
first examples being demonstrated around
1972. |
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The IBM 5100 was the first commercially available
example of notebooks computers, and appeared in
September of 1975.
After
the launch of this initial model, the number of
portable computers increased rapidly. Early example
weight as much as 24 pounds and had no battery, a 5"
screen and a 5 & 1/4 inch Floppy Disk Drive. It
wasn't long though before size was reduced, with
Epson producing notebooks computers as small as 3.5
pounds with a lcd screen and rechargeable battery.
In
1982 the first flip form notebooks came to market
with examples such as the $8150 GRiD Compass 1100
being used by NASA as well as the military.
1983
saw the introduction of some of the technoligies
that most notebooks computers we use today still
have. these included touchpads, hand writing
recognition, and the introduction of cpu's
specifically designed for the unique operating
conditions of notebooks computers. These features
included low power usage, as well as advanced power
management software.
By
1988 notebooks computers displays had reached VGA
resolution, and by 1993 256 color displays where the
norm. After that high capacity hard drives and
optical storage drive rapidly developed, bringing us
to the modern notebooks computers we use today.
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