Technology Blog

A notebook computer, also called a laptop, is a smaller mobile computer. The term laptop was coined back in the 80`s, because they were so small that they could sit on your lap.

All notebook computers open like a book to reveal a 12“ to 20“ screen and a keyboard at the base with a touchpad. This touchpad is also known as a track pad which acts as a mouse. A notebook computer`s hardware is physically smaller in size and usually less powerful than a desktop. Most notebooks can do everything a desktop can these days, right from playing CD`s, games, music, run office applications to surfing the web.

With most notebooks having several built-in USB ports, any peripheral can be connected to a laptop including printers, mp3 players, and external hard drives. Notebooks give the user the flexibility to work wherever they want, whether at home, at the beach or in an airplane. Wireless connectivity to the internet is one of the best features of notebook computers.

Even before desktops went wireless, people used their wireless connections with their laptop to surf the web anywhere they wanted. Notebooks opened up an altogether new world with their mobile technology. Businessmen could fly across the country and keep their files with them and access them from their personal notebooks whenever required. The notebook also found its use in the campuses around the world for students to take down notes, look up for resources and research topics online.

Notebook computers range in price from around $500 to $3000 depending on the power of the CPU, the amount of memory one needs, the audio and video features selected as well as the peripherals chosen. Another important determinant for the price of a notebook is its weight. Because the primary use of a notebook is its mobile computing, a light weight unit is important to many people. Notebooks range from 3 to 7 lbs in weight and one has to pay more for a lighter computer.

When you own a laptop, you are almost certainly going to need a notebook computer accessory. There are all sorts of notebook peripherals that help make portable computing easier and more convenient. If you are looking for a cheap notebook computer, there are a few issues you need to be aware of so that you do not skimp on quality.

Computers have become so commonplace in our lives that we sometimes forget that they are intricate pieces of technology that demand care. And notebook computers are no exception. You may also wish to own a used notebook computer or a refurbished notebook computer that has been cleaned, fixed, upgraded and is ready for reuse.

Refurbished notebooks are popular because they are a less expensive way of owning a notebook. The first commercially available laptop notebook computer was in 1981. It was heavy and slow. But it was also the first step in computer technology. Then in 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95 which enabled laptop computers to contain a universal processor, the Intel Pentium. Since that time there have been some noteworthy innovations that propelled the notebook to reach millions of homes and offices worldwide.

The best budget notebook is what every consumer wants when looking for a nice portable computer. Notebook computers are perhaps the best type of computers that a person can buy and is the ultimate in portability. Notebooks are a favorite in computing. Because just as the cell phone has almost replaced the home phone, the notebook computer can do everything a desktop can.

So many people like to have a notebook exclusively, only because it gives them the flexibility to use it in bed at night, at their desk at work, or in a meeting halfway across the globe!

Notebook, notebook computer, laptop, and laptop computer are different terms for a small computer, which is mobile, and weighing about 1 to 6 kg or 2.2 to 18 pounds, depending upon the model. In 1979-1980, Bill Moggridge of GRiD Systems Corp. designed one of the first laptops and named it as the GRiD Compass 1101. It featured the clamshell design where the flat display folded shut on the keyboard. In May 1983, Gavilan Computer Corp. introduced and first marketed as a laptop, known as Gavilan SC. About this same time, Sharp Corp.Ltd., announced their laptop Sharp PC-5000.

In 1989, Compaq introduced Compaq LTE, which was a laptop of a smaller size, about the size of an A4 paper notebook, and it popularly came to be known as a notebook computer or notebook. Thereafter the terms laptop and notebook began to be used interchangeably. Nevertheless, the terms, notebook and laptop are incorrect terms, as due to the heat, many laptops cannot be placed on top of the lap, and most notebooks are not the size of an A4 paper notebook. However, what manufacturers usually call as a notebook, end-users prefer to call it as a laptop; hence both the terms are used.

According to the functions and the models of notebooks, they are generally classified as: Ultraportables (screen is diagonally less than 12 inches, weight is 1.7 kg or less); thin-and lights (screen is diagonally from 12 to 14 inches, weight is from 1.8 to 2.8 kg); medium-sized laptops (screen is diagonally from 14 to 15.4 inches, weight is from 3 to 3.5 kg); and desktop replacement computers (screen is diagonally from 17 to 20 inches, weight is 4 to 6 kg).

The concept of laptop was to make a device that could use the same software of a desktop computer, but much smaller in size to enable mobility and support mobile computing (ability to use the computer while in transit). Thus, further innovations have introduced transportables (which can be moved from one place to another without supporting mobile computing); tablets (which feature touchscreens and support mobile computing); ultra mobile PCs (which are very small and compact tablet PCs); internet tablets (which support internet and mobile computing); personal digital assistants (PDAs), which are pocket-sized and support mobile computing; handheld computers, which represent expensive tablets or PDAs; and smartphone, which is a PDA or a handheld computer with cellphone integration. Over the development phases, these classifications got blurry at times, and many machines fused functionalities of other categories.

Notebooks can be used for various purposes. Commercial purposes like attending phone calls, receiving and sending emails and faxes, typing out letters and printing them, making presentations with pie and bar charts, and taking data from one place to another can be achieved by any standard notebook. However, high fliers prefer thin-and-light notebooks and for regular office work, ultraportable notebooks are preferred. Both are wireless notebooks so they can be remotely accessed. Scientific purposes are best suited with a notebook that features fast computing speed, good 2D and 3D graphics display, and a large memory, like desktop replacement notebook, and a thin-and-light notebook. Artistic purposes require animation, 2D and 3D drawings, interior & exterior designing, arranging music compositions, post-production audio-video work, etc., which can be fulfilled by desktop replacements, gaming notebooks, and mainstream notebooks.

Educational institutions normally do not prefer notebooks due to its high chance of being stolen. Additionally, they prefer that their assets do not move around within the premises in the hands of students who may be careless. However, to keep up with the times, and to be considered as techno-savvy, they do invest in notebooks. The types of notebooks best suited for educational purposes are mainstream notebooks, and desktop replacements. Students need a notebook to do projects, prepare study notes, and to play some games in their spare time. They need to take the notebook wherever they go, hence, size and weight are major considerations. The type of notebook that fulfills student needs is a thin-and-light notebook with locking facility so that they can lock it with their backpack. Most students report late submission of projects due to their notebooks being stolen.

So no matter what the purpose one might have for using a notebook, it seems that mobility will always seem to be the main reason for such a product purchase. Nowadays with so many models being offered with affordable prices, it seems that notebooks will always be a product in demand. After all it is one of the best selling computer hardware for quite some time. And that says it all.

Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity features started appearing on notebooks around late 1998. Today Wi-Fi notebooks are a popular choice among the tech-savvy generation. The standard of the Wi-Fi notebooks have been certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. The IEEE 802.11b is the latest wireless networking specification standard for them. As per this standard, Internet at speeds of up to 11 megabits per second or Ethernet networks such as corporate LAN can be accessed with Wi-Fi notebooks.

Wi-Fi is a popular and high-end feature on notebooks. However many of us are still confused about how to get the best out of our devices. Security of them is a major concern these days. This article talks all about Wi-Fi notebooks, what to do and what not to do with your them. Following are a few safety tips for Wi-Fi notebooks.

Be careful of your sensitive online transactions when using open Wi-Fi networks:

Do not let your Wi-Fi notebook connect just anywhere. Well it`s a good idea to access internet while sipping your favorite coffee at a Wi-Fi enabled environment, but important online transactions might be tampered. Hence its best to disable the automatic connect feature of your Windows network. You can simply uncheck the box labeled “Connect when this network is in range” when you feel like getting connected.

Turn off the Wi-Fi ad hoc connections option:

A simplest way to prevent *********** attacks to Wi-Fi notebooks is to turn off the Wi-Fi client adapter when it`s not used. Remember, Microsoft Windows default Configuration allows anonymous ad hoc connections. But when disabled, it won`t allow anonymous connections anymore. The turning off of the Wi-Fi client adapter also serves another purpose; it conserves battery life of notebooks.

Disable Window`s file and printer sharing feature:

Many users especially those who work in corporate sectors often use window`s file and printer sharing feature to share printers or files while on a work or home network. But while outside, this could be dangerous as anyone who is on that particular Wi-Fi network can access the important files. But it can be easily prevented. For additional security, you just need to disable the file and printer sharing feature of your notebooks.

Firewall software is a must for Wi-Fi notebooks:

Don`t rely on the basic inbuilt firewall of your operating system. Opt for a good freeware firewall applications which provide additional protection for your notebooks.

Secure any personal, banking, or credit card details:

Don`t let the Web browser to remember personal information. You might think it`s an easier option since no one but you are using your Wi-Fi notebook. But sensitive info regarding bank transactions or credit card details can be easily retrieved if the notebook is lost or stolen. Hence, it is a good idea to use password protected software especially those that requires you to remember only one access password which doesn`t allow unauthorized access.

Keep your Wi-Fi notebook`s operating system up to date:

Just by installing the required firewall, password-protected software or any other software won`t give optimum result of protecting your Wi-Fi notebooks. You need to update your antivirus, Web browser, firewall, and other software including the Wi-Fi client applications of your notebooks on regular interval to get the best benefits.

Verify that the SSID actually represents the provider`s Wi-Fi network:

Often the user gets associated with lots of fake networks who usually falsely represent the Wi-Fi network`s related facility. Hackers use these fake networks to get access to all important info of your device. Verifying the SSID will help prevent associating with unauthorized network especially when you access the Wi-Fi network outside.

So what is the difference between a desktop, a laptop and a notebook computer?  What are the good and bad qualities of each?  Which one should I buy?

These are all questions you may be asking yourself.  I have created this post in order to answer your pertinent questions about desktop, laptop and notebook computers.

What is the difference between a desktop computer, a  laptop computer and a notebook computer?

The main differences between desktop computers notebook computers and laptop computers are the size, shape and specifications.

Desktop computers are much bigger and heavier than laptops and notebooks.  They usually store more information and have more features than the other computer types.  This being said, they are usually left at home and are not for quick transport.  Also, desktop computers usually have all of their parts in different pieces.  the main “brain” of the computer is linked to the screen, power source (it has no battery) and keyboard/mouse through wires.  While desktops are bigger and not portable, many find them to be faster and easier to work with.

Laptop computers are designed for on the go travel.  While they can be used as home computers, laptops are fitted with batteries and can be transported easily from one place to another.  Laptops and notebooks are usually confused as the same thing.  While they both are designed for travel, the laptop usually has graphics cards, CD writer drives, and larger (usually heavier) screens.  A big question to consider when buying a computer is whether you should have a laptop or a notebook.

Notebook computers are often confused as laptop computers.  Notebooks are light, extremely portable, and have along battery life.  While popular with students and business men, notebooks have great qualities that anyone can enjoy.  Notebooks are usually not fitted with graphics cards and usually have a smaller, more compact keyboard.  They are ideal for homework, assignments, papers and forms.  The main purpose of a notebook is functionality.  It is not so much an entertainment medium as it is a project manager.

What are the good and bad qualities of each?

Desktop computers – good qualities:

* designed for heavy use and large capacity

* ideal for home office/family computer

* easier to use for most people

Desktop computers – bad qualities:

* not portable

* can take up a lot of space

Laptop computers – good qualities:

* portable and easy to set up

* compact yet capable of media play (videos, games)

* can substitute as a home computer



Laptop computers – bad qualities:

* can still be heavy if needed for constant portability

* battery life is not always very long (depending on what it’s doing)

* can get bogged down



Notebook computers – good qualities:

* very light and easy to move around

* ideal for documentation and small presentations

* great for classroom or workplace environments

* long battery life

Notebook computers – bad qualities:

* not for graphic needs (video, games)

* not great for multitasking

Which one should I buy?

This choice depends on what you will be using the computer for.  If you plan to keep it at home all the time and need a easy-to-use and efficient device, a desktop is the best choice.  If you need to take it to meetings but also need to be able to create intricate graphical presentations on it, a laptop is the perfect decision.  If your a student and need to take notes and homework assignments down, a powerful little notebook is right up your alley.

It’s all about your needs in a computer, finding out what you need your computer to do will help you decide on which type of computer is right for you!

Computers have now become best friends of man. This magical technologically advanced device provides us with those facilities which otherwise would have been possible only in our dreams.

Computers come in two forms: desktop and laptop/notebook. The second type is a more stylish, handy, and slick form of the first type. It is also known as notebook computer or simply notebook. It is considered as a small mobile computer. Its weight is somewhat around 1-6 kilograms (2-18 pounds), which varies with size materials and other factors. They are also available in different beautiful colors.

Apart from being stylish and slick it is also portable as it is much smaller in size than a desktop. Unlike desktops a notebook more often than not operates on a single main battery and with the help of an external AC/DC adapter, which assists in charging up the battery along with sourcing power to the laptop computer itself.

Both a desktop and a laptop perform the same tasks as personal computers. They possess all the components of a desktop in a miniature format (the components are-modem, CD-ROM drive, speakers, etc) and are optimized for mobile use. They have efficient power consumption facilities. Initially laptops were priced higher than desktops but now they are almost equally priced.

Most of the Notebook computers have liquid crystal display and make use of different memory modules intended for their RAM (Random Access Memory). Contrasting desktops laptops exploit a built-in keypad, touch-pad or a pointing stick although external keyboard and a mouse can also be put together.

Before this polished and stylized portable computers were introduced, the world`s first commercially on hand portable computer known as Osborne 1, came out in the year 1981, which made use of CP/M operating system. Unlike today`s laptop it was a bit heavy with a small monitor. Nonetheless, debatably the first true notebook was known to be GriD Compass premeditated by Bill Moggridge in the year 1979-1980, which was launched in the year 1982. It had plasma display and bubble memory. In the year 1983 Compaq introduced their first Compaq portable and eventually with the improvement in technology others came forward with their produce, which provided us with our familiar notebooks in their present form.

Nevertheless laptops have certain disadvantages also:

Laptops are more complex than desktops and other electronics as some parts may cause some difficulties in their replacement or repair function.

Compatibility is another issue here. In many cases it has been seen that most of the internal parts produced by notebook producers are not interchangeable with other manufacturers and it is so because the manufacturers want the customer to buy the same manufacturers component for their laptops.

Upgradeability of laptops is very much limited both in terms of technical and economic reasons.

Also, it has also been found through studies that laptops can be harmful and injurious to health. It is said that it can raise the temperature of the scrotum, possibly putting ***** count at jeopardy.

However Notebooks have advantages also: notebooks are versatile and convenient; they have more clear and high-tech digital monitor display; they are stylish and trendy; notebook computers are easy to keep, as they don`t take much space because unlike the desktops many of its components are built-in.

Following are some of the most notable brands and manufacturer of a notebook: Acer- Aspire, Apple-MacBook, Compaq- Presario, Lenovo- IBM, ThinkPad, Panasonic- Tougkbook, Sony-VAIO, Toshiba-Dynabook, Hewlett-Packeard- HP Pavillion, LG, Hyundai, HCL, BenQ, Falcon Northwest and many others.

Following are some of the categories or subtypes of notebook computers: UMPCS (Ultra-Mobile PC`S), Ultraportables, Thin-and-lights, Mainstream, Desktop replacement Computers Transportable, Tablets (shaped like slates).

With so many varieties of notebooks available in the market the user is surely spoilt or choice!