What is a laptop? Brief information. What is a laptop and what are its functions? Main properties of a laptop

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IN Everyday life every modern man uses a computer, thanks to which he communicates, has fun, and works. But it’s clear that you should carry a big one, Personal Computer This is no way out of the situation, and it looks funny. Then humanity came up with the laptop. What is a laptop, what features does it have, how does it differ from its personal “relatives”? In our article we will try to answer these frequently asked questions.

Main properties of a laptop

Let's start with the fact that a laptop is a portable or portable personal computer; due to its small (compared to a home computer) size, it includes all the main properties and components that are inherent in a regular computer. So, powerful processor, keyboard, screen (display) - all this fits into a fairly convenient device that fits in a small bag. In addition, laptops are different, meaning according to their purpose:

netbook
laptop
smartbook

In terms of functionality, laptops are no different from home desktop computers. All the main components of a laptop have the same properties, but are much smaller in size. Let's look at the main design parts and advantages of any laptop over a computer:

The laptop body is not as large as the case system unit, thanks to which we can move the laptop to any other place.
Light weight, ergonomic design.
Thanks to the batteries, we can work autonomously on the laptop for 4 to 10 hours without charging it.
Pay attention to what a drive is in a laptop. This is the same optical CD/DVD-ROM as in a regular desktop computer, only without the mechanics that automatically eject the disc tray.
Also, with a laptop, you always have the ability to connect to wireless Internet networks. Almost everything modern laptops have a special built-in wifi adapter. By turning on this device and finding an Internet access point, you can always use the Internet, without any cables, routers and the like.

Remember that laptops must be carried closed so as not to damage the matrix (display) of the device. By the way, pay attention to what is a matrix in a laptop? The matrix is a modern, full-fledged liquid crystal display for a laptop. Thanks to it, we get a more contrasting and bright image. The display can be made in two types of coating: glossy and matte.

Thus, if you add up all the advantages of a laptop over a regular PC, you can highlight one huge advantage of this technology - mobility.

General overview

Ø What is a laptop?

Laptop(from English notebook- notepad PC) is a portable personal computer, the case of which combines typical PC components, including a display, keyboard, and batteries. Laptops run on a battery, but it is also possible to work through adapters that charge the laptop battery.

Compact computers containing everything necessary components(including a monitor) in one small case and, as a rule, folding in the form of a book. Adapted for work on the road, on small free space. To achieve small sizes, they use special technologies: specially designed application-specific chips (ASICs), RAM and hard disks reduced dimensions, compact keyboard that does not contain a numeric field, external power supplies, a minimum of expansion slots.

As a rule, they contain advanced means of connecting to wired and wireless networks, built-in multimedia equipment(speakers, often a microphone and a webcam). Recently, the computing power of laptops is not much inferior to desktop PCs, and sometimes even surpasses them. Very compact models do not contain a CD/DVD drive.

Using special docks, laptops can turn into desktop PCs: by inserting a laptop into such a dock, the user connects an external computer to the laptop’s computing devices. big screen, full-size keyboard, mouse, speakers and connectivity ports.

What types of laptops are there?

Ø First of all, laptops differ in their size.

Laptops are small in size and weight, while battery life laptops varies from 1 to 6-8 hours.

Netbook(from English Netbook) is a small laptop designed for accessing the Internet and working with office applications. Netbooks are different compact size(screen diagonal 7-10 inches or 17.8-25.4 cm), light weight, low power consumption and relatively low cost.

Laptop sizes are classified based on the display diagonal size:

17 inches and more - “Desktop Replacement” 14 - 16 inches - mass-market laptops (there is no special name for this category of laptops) 11 - 13.3 inches - subnotebooks 7 - 10.2 inches - netbooks. Devices with a screen diagonal of less than 7 inches are allocated to a special category of “handheld computers”

Let's take a closer look at these classifications:

Desktop Replacement (display size 17 inches or more)

A Desktop Replacement (DTR) class laptop is designed to replace a desktop PC. Essentially this is a type of multimedia and business laptop that has one key feature- large screen (diagonal 17 inches or more). The dimensions and weight (3-5 kg) of such portable computers are quite significant, which makes them inconvenient to carry. However, relatively big size display provides more comfortable work The device case allows you to install powerful components and provide them with sufficient cooling. A number of manufacturers install in large laptops 2 hard drives, which are usually combined into a RAID array. DTR laptops, as a rule, have high performance, a discrete video card, a large set of connectors, a high-quality screen, and a comfortable keyboard with a separate numeric keypad. The cost of laptops in this class ranges from 18,000 to 120,000 rubles.

Subnotebooks – laptops with display sizes 11 - 13.3 inches

Such laptops are small in size and weight, but small size screen reduces the usability of such a device. The size of subnotebooks does not allow the installation of powerful components, since cooling problems arise, so they often use mobile processors with reduced energy consumption(LV or ULV models). Subnotebooks are rarely equipped with discrete graphics adapters, and some models do not have a disk drive installed optical disks.

Netbooks – sizes 7 - 10.2 inches

Term Netbook(netbook) is becoming as familiar as the words laptop, laptop. In fact, they are all used to refer to laptop computers. A netbook is an inferior laptop. The logic is simple Inter Net+ note Book = Netbook. Netbooks are aimed at browsing web pages, working with by email And office programs. Special energy-efficient processors have been developed for these laptops Intel Atom. The small screen size, small keyboard and low performance of such devices are compensated by the moderate price and relatively big time autonomous work. Dimensions do not allow installing an optical drive in the netbook, but a Wi-Fi adapter is a required component.

Now the netbook market is growing rapidly and new models appear almost every week. In general, there is a noticeable tendency for netbooks to move closer to ordinary laptops in price, size, but unfortunately not in performance. So if you need a portable workhorse, then look towards ultraportable laptops. Yes, they are much more expensive, but they also have much more power. A netbook won't help you here.

And the smallest ones are -

PDA - Pocket personal computer (handheld).

The diagonal of such computers is less than 7 inches.

Pocket personal computer is the collective name for a class of portable electronic computing devices, originally proposed for use as electronic organizers. The English name Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) can be translated into Russian as “personal digital secretary.” A PDA is often called a handheld. handheld) because of small sizes. They are usually controlled using a screen that is small in size and resolution, pressure-sensitive with a finger or a special pen (stylus), and there is no keyboard or mouse. Some models, however, contain a miniature fixed or retractable keyboard.

And so we looked at the classification of laptops by size, their next feature is their internal filling.

Ø Classification of laptops by technical specifications.

According to technical characteristics, laptops are classified into:

Budget laptops Mid-range laptops Business laptops Multimedia laptops Gaming laptops Mobile workstation Luxury laptops Rugged laptops Touchscreen laptops

So let's look at this category.

Budget laptops

The screen diagonal of a budget laptop is usually 14-15", although a number of manufacturers offer models with a diagonal of 17".

Budget laptops are laptops with a low price and limited features. Such laptops are based on cheap processors Intel Celeron M and AMD Mobile Sempron, as well as junior Intel models Core 2 Duo and AMD Turion, VIA C7 processors are sometimes used. Budget processors often do not have the best energy efficiency, which negatively affects the battery life of laptops. A number of ultra-budget models do not have a Wi-Fi adapter.

A special position among budget laptops is occupied by netbooks with a screen diagonal of 7 - 10.2 inches. These devices were originally designed for the lower price segment, but their performance and operating comfort are low, and the cost of many models is comparable to regular budget laptops, which makes them not the best choice for the role of a main computer.

In order to reduce the cost budget laptops often supplied without a pre-installed operating system, or with FreeDOS or GNU/Linux-based OS pre-installed.

Mid-range laptops

The screen diagonal of such a device can be any.

Mid-range laptops are the broadest and rather vague category of laptops. Laptops in this category do not have outstanding performance, the video adapter is built-in or discrete of the lower series, the processor is entry-level or mid-level. The body of such laptop computers is usually made of plastic, the design is simple and does not stand out. The operating system in most cases is Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium, but Windows XP Home Edition is also found.

Manufacturers usually classify mid-range models as office and mainstream series; sometimes such portable computers are positioned as “economy-class multimedia laptops” or even as “economy-class gaming laptops” (in this case, the laptop has a mid-level video card and an inexpensive processor ). Most of the laptops in the DTR category (desktop replacement) can also be classified as mid-class laptops.

Business class laptops.

Business class - these are laptops for business people. In terms of their technical characteristics, business laptops are almost similar to middle-class laptops and differ from them mainly in their strict and laconic design, as well as the use of more expensive materials. Business laptops quite often fall into the category of subnotebooks (intended primarily for those who often travel on business trips), rarely - into the DTR (desktop PC replacement) category (for those who do not need to take the laptop out of the office). Some models are equipped with professional Quadro NVS video cards, designed to display information on multiple external displays (these video adapters are certified for enterprise applications). There are even business netbooks (HP 2133 Mini-Note PC). Business laptops typically come pre-installed with Windows XP Professional Edition or Windows Vista Business.

Multimedia laptops

Multimedia laptops are also a rather vague category of laptops.

The screen diagonal size of multimedia laptops is 15 - 17 inches; multimedia laptops with a smaller diagonal are almost never found, since the small size of the display makes it difficult to perform multimedia functions. Simple multimedia laptops are practically no different from mid-range laptops. Sometimes you can meet small screen on the back of the lid, which allows you to view images and video clips without opening the laptop. Quite often there is the opportunity to watch films and other multimedia files no download operating system. Advanced multimedia laptops are equipped with a TV tuner and remote control remote control The OS is usually Windows XP Media Center Edition or Windows Vista Home Premium.

Positioning a laptop PC as a “multimedia” PC depends on the manufacturer. Typically, multimedia laptops include laptops with mid-range video cards and processors, which allows you to use the laptop for almost any purpose, including most computer games.

Gaming laptops

Gaming laptops are designed for computer games. The main difference between a gaming laptop is a powerful processor and a powerful graphics card. Despite the fact that mobile versions of video cards are inferior to desktop ones, they are able to provide fairly comfortable conditions for playing modern demanding games. Some manufacturers offer laptops with two graphics adapters operating in SLI/Crossfire mode (of course, in Desktop Replacement class models). Gaming laptops often have an aggressive design; such models can be classified as Fashion laptops.

Mobile workstation

Laptops of the mobile workstation class are designed for professional work in programs 3D modeling and CAD. Key difference mobile workstation from other laptops is the use mobile versions professional NVidia video cards Quadro FX or ATI FireGL. Typically, such laptops have a powerful processor, and the display has a high resolution (up to 1920x1200 on models with a screen diagonal size of 15.4 - 17 inches).

Fashion laptops

Fashion laptops stand out among others with their bright and memorable design. For the manufacture of fashion laptop cases, materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon and other unusual materials are often used. There are models decorated with Swarovski crystals. A typical fashion laptop belongs to the class of subnotebooks, but fashion models are found among models of all sizes. Some models of gaming and business laptops are sometimes classified as fashion laptops. The performance of fashion laptops can be very low (compact models), or it can be very high (MacBook Pro, gaming Asus laptops Lamborgini, Acer Ferrari, etc.)

Rugged laptops

Rugged laptops (“SUVs”) are designed to work in extreme conditions. They have increased resistance to vibration, shock, heavy dust and humidity, aggressive chemical environments, and can operate at extreme temperatures. Manufacturers offer models with different protection classes. Such laptops are used in the army, emergency services (EMERCOM, firefighters, etc.), can serve as industrial computers, etc. Often, such devices are developed on special orders from government organizations (mainly the armed forces). Rugged laptops use special components resistant to external influences. Solid-state hard drives (SSDs) are widely used. The widespread use of rugged laptops is hampered by their high price and heavy weight.

Touch screen laptops (tablet laptops)

Touchscreen laptops are a hybrid of a tablet PC and a laptop, which is why they are also called tablet laptops. From tablet PCs they got a touch screen, and from a laptop a case with a full keyboard. The positioning of such portable computers depends on the manufacturer, some classify these devices as laptops, others as tablet computers. As a rule, the display on such laptops is made rotatable, which significantly expands the functionality of the device and allows it to be used both as a laptop and as a full-fledged tablet computer. The screen diagonal of tablet laptops usually does not exceed 15 inches, performance is quite average. These features are associated with the high cost and relatively high power consumption of touch panels.

The advantage of such laptops over other categories of laptop computers is the ability to enter information directly on the screen, and over tablet PCs - a full-fledged keyboard that allows you to type large amounts of text without any problems. The main disadvantages are the high cost and relatively low performance of such devices. Disadvantages also include the lower reliability of the swivel joint (compared to traditional

Nowadays, perhaps everyone already knows what a laptop is. Many people have acquired this device a long time ago and easily understand the nuances related to its operation. However, not everyone knows the features of these machines, so they do not fully use the device. The laptop has its own history. It has become popular on desktop PCs, tablets and smartphones. Let's talk about these gadgets in more detail.

Concept

Speaking about what a laptop is, it is worth noting its main advantage. These machines have fairly compact dimensions compared to a stationary PC, as well as light weight, which allows them to be transported if necessary without difficulty. Depending on the model, laptops may long time work without power supply.

Second name

This device is often called a “laptop”. This term refers to netbooks, smartbooks and laptops. This assumes a device that has a folding form factor. As a result, it can be carried folded so as not to damage the display, touchpad and keyboard. As mentioned earlier, this name is associated with easy transportation. Often, users only need a backpack or a special bag to take their laptop with them to work or school. Although, as we will see later, not all models are so easy to transfer.

Historical reference

It’s best to start a review of laptops with their history. And these devices have quite a lot of them. In general, the idea to create a device that would be suitable for work, study and could replace a notepad appeared back in 1968. Then Alan Kay from the Xerox company dreamed of creating a device with a flat screen and the ability to connect to networks without additional cables.

For them, the model appeared earlier, in 1981. The laptop weighed 11 kilograms, RAM was 64 KB, the processor operated at a frequency of 4 MHz. The device had two built-in drives and three connectors. The display measured 8x6 cm. Such a gadget could be purchased for $1,800. The development of laptops has been rapid. Already by the beginning of the 90s, Intel specially developed mobile processor, which was energy efficient and easy to fit into a compact package.

Design

Continuing the review, we need to consider the laptop device. Despite the fact that this is actually the same PC as a stationary one, its elements are still somewhat different from full-size ones. In addition, parts of the device have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and most importantly, sizes. The device consists of a case and a cooling system, which is represented by a cooler. Next, the laptop device is represented by power, display, processor, memory, data storage system and information input elements. Let's look briefly at each element.

Protection

The main protection of everything that is in this device is the case. It can be completely different both in the materials used and in appearance. Most often for modern devices They use plastic, and high-quality one, with metal inserts. The case also has different textures: corrugated, matte, soft-touch or glossy.

Inside the case, usually, although it all depends on the model, there is motherboard, HDD, drive, keyboard and battery. It also has built-in ports, slots, connectors, speakers and a camera. You can see the antennas in the lid itself wireless modules, microphones and other openings.

Charger

It is worth saying that laptop batteries are often lithium-ion. For some models you can use several of them. Additionally, there is an option to place the battery in the drive hole or attach it to the bottom of the case. There are also models with a non-removable battery.

Image output

The display can be made using different technologies. A liquid crystal screen with LED backlighting is often used. They can use glossy or matte finish. The first option is suitable for lovers of bright and rich pictures, but you will have to put up with glare and reflections. The second option is more comfortable for those who like to work outdoors. It has less contrast, but is still protected from glare.

Display sizes may vary. There are compact 7-inch options. Such models are now the least popular, since smartphones will soon receive such a display. There are also tablets with this diagonal. Gaming laptops usually have a large screen size of 17 inches or more. Laptop models have a 16:9 ratio, and there are 16:10 options for business devices.

Performance

This part is represented by the motherboard, into which processor chips, RAM and a video card are integrated. Such a single mechanism often encounters disappointment among users, since over time the accelerator or processor in a laptop cannot be replaced. Although there are models with discrete parts. A processor for a laptop is usually designed differently than a processor for a PC. It should implement special technologies that could reduce energy consumption and heat generation. When these devices first appeared on the market, they had very weak chips. Now many can compete with processors desktop computer.

Memory

Laptop models received two memory options: RAM and internal. The RAM is made in a reduced size with the SO-DIMM form factor. Although the characteristics are no different from the RAM in a desktop PC, the price of the laptop version is slightly higher. In the case of a processor, there is an option to expand the RAM using an additional slot, but it also happens that the memory is soldered to the motherboard, and therefore it is impossible to increase it.

The second memory device is the hard drive. It also has its own format and is slightly more expensive than the standard model. The volume of the hard drive can be different - up to 1-2 terabytes. Now, instead of the classic railway, they began to use solid state SSD, which were created based on flash memory.

Output device

Even the cheapest laptops have a keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard is completely different. It all depends on the cost of the model, design and production technologies. Budget models have a one-piece design with a cable, but such options are not always good, since with prolonged use they begin to “lose” separate buttons and, as people say, “to go bald.” There are options with a keyboard that is built into the case. Each key has its own hole, and if desired, you can only replace individual buttons, but the whole thing does not change at once. There are also fully rubberized options, which are also easy to wash and change. The touchpad is generally standard for all models.

Classification

Let's start with the display. As stated earlier, it can absolutely different sizes. The smallest is 7 inches. This includes so-called handheld computers. The following is a series of netbooks that stand out for their compact sizes: the screen has a diagonal of 7 to 12 inches.

The following classification, as mentioned earlier, is based on characteristics. There are budget and mid-range laptops, business models, multimedia and gaming devices, fashion, rugged options, as well as those that have touchscreen and working mobile station. A review of laptops may show that a particular model belongs to several categories at once, which proves the conventionality of the classification.

Several categories of laptops can be classified under this heading. Next we will talk about the ultrabook, netbook, ultraportable laptop, subnotebook and fashion model. So, the ultrabook appeared on the market relatively recently. This device is often associated with Apple models. All because exactly Apple company was the founder of this design.

An ultrabook is an ultra-light and thin laptop that is small in size and weight. At the same time, the device in most cases remains a full-fledged laptop: powerful and productive. This variety is contrasted with a netbook. Since it is also compact, it is compared to an ultrabook, although this is not entirely correct.

Finally, external features include image devices. Laptops in this category have an ornate and memorable design. They are often produced in small editions, some models are even exclusive. They are decorated with jewelry, unexpected materials such as wood, fabric or stone.

Specification

You can also fit multiple models into this heading. Firstly, there are cheap laptops that belong to budget segment. They have limited opportunities, designed for office work and Internet searches. This also includes netbooks, which, in addition to their small size, also have a low cost.

There are also middle class devices. This may include home laptop, which can combine multimedia characteristics. This category is the most extensive and rather “blurry”, since there are also good options for ultrabooks, business models, and even beginner gaming devices. In general, this group contains average laptops, both in cost and characteristics.

Many groups of laptops can be classified as expensive devices. There are also options for business, designed in a simple style, with excellent performance and mobility. There are gaming devices that have now captured the market and are becoming the most purchased models. Also in the expensive category there are multimedia devices with extraordinary displays, excellent sound and special software.

Comparison with desktop PC

Also, perhaps, such a story has happened to everyone when the lights in the house were turned off, but the laptop did not stop working, since it does not need power from the network. As a result, in the dark you could kill time playing solitaire or finish your work. Among the advantages is compactness - meaning that you do not need to carry additional gadgets with you, such as a mouse and keyboard. Well, the ability to connect wireless networks. If you need to buy a special adapter for a desktop PC, then laptops have a built-in Wi-Fi module.

Flaws

But there are much more shortcomings. The laptop power supply and the entire charging system suffer. This may be due to a bunch of problems. Sometimes models can’t withstand the stress, sometimes it’s due to poor build quality. In general, the probability of a laptop failure is high. It breaks down much more often than a desktop PC.

The next drawback is related to compatibility. Not all laptop programs are optimized and work correctly. OS support is not always provided by the device manufacturer. As a result, compatibility issues arise more often than with a desktop PC. There are also back side medal, which should have been determined in dignity. Often the manufacturer provides proprietary programs for the laptop in the kit. a certain model. So, the buyer simply inserts the disc, and the installation is all necessary software happens automatically.

Beginning of work

Rarely does a buyer want to spend additional funds to configure the device. It is often much easier to do it yourself. In addition, there are many instructions on the Internet that allow you to perform a number of actions step by step. As a result, setting up a laptop begins with installing the operating system, if it was not “installed” for you in the store.

Typically, setting up a laptop results in partitioning of the hard drive. If you did not install the OS yourself, you will have to distribute it later information space. Typically, the system itself is located on one disk, and the second is designed for personal files. Next, you usually have to install various programs and remove unnecessary software. If the kit includes a software disc, then you just need to update some programs.

Prices

But the most expensive ones are this moment considered gaming laptops. Their prices and characteristics are directly proportional. The more powerful the processor and video card are installed, the more zeros there are on the price tag. So, you can find gaming options from Asus for 150-200 thousand rubles. Fashion models are also considered expensive. This is not due to their high productivity, but to expensive materials.

conclusions

Now everyone knows what a laptop is. Of course, not everyone is familiar with the variety, characteristics, etc. Nevertheless, the device is popular not only for personal use. It can often be found in organizations, offices, firms and various locations. Laptops have different prices and specifications. It all depends on the design, shape, “filling” and much more. So, it’s easy to choose your device the right size, quality, color, shape, etc. As we have already learned, laptops can be classified not only by screen diagonal, but also by specification. There are gaming devices, models for business, work, office and multimedia.

The main advantage of a laptop is its portability. The device is easy to move; just in case, you need to put the power supply for the laptop and the device itself in your bag. Sometimes you have to spend more money to a model with the same characteristics as a desktop PC. Therefore, the choice between these two devices is individual for everyone. If performance is important to you, then it is easier to buy a desktop PC, but if you prefer mobile model, then a laptop is a better option.

Concept

We need to start with the term “laptop” itself. As many people know, in English it is translated as “notepad” or “portable PC”. One way or another, a laptop is a portable personal computer that has all the same elements as stationary devices. Each model receives a screen, keyboard, and mouse, which is replaced by a touchpad. All this is combined into one technical “organism” and constitutes a single system. This is the main advantage of such devices.
Speaking about what a laptop is, it is worth noting its main advantage. These machines have fairly compact dimensions compared to a stationary PC, as well as light weight, which allows them to be transported if necessary without difficulty. Depending on the model, laptops can work for long periods of time without power.

Second name

Historical reference

But it took 14 years for such an idea to come to life. The first laptop became popular in the world thanks to William Moggridge. By today's standards, the device was inferior even to a “smart” flower pot. Inside there was an Intel chip with a frequency of 8 MHz, and there was only 340 KB of RAM. But this option was intended for NASA employees, so it cannot be found on the desks of ordinary users.
For them, the model appeared earlier, in 1981. The laptop weighed 11 kilograms, RAM was 64 KB, the processor operated at a frequency of 4 MHz. The device had two built-in drives and three connectors. The display measured 8x6 cm. Such a gadget could be purchased for $1,800. The development of laptops has been rapid. Already by the beginning of the 90s, Intel specially developed a mobile processor that was energy efficient and could be easily placed in a compact case.

Design

Protection

The main protection of everything that is in this device is the case. It can be completely different both in the materials used and in appearance. Most often, modern devices use plastic, and high-quality one, with metal inserts. The case also has different textures: corrugated, matte, soft-touch or glossy.

Inside the case, usually, although it depends on the model, there is a motherboard, hard drive, drive, keyboard and battery. It also has built-in ports, slots, connectors, speakers and a camera. In the cover itself you can see antennas of wireless modules, microphones and other openings.

Charger

As you know, the advantage of this device is its mobility. Many users choose this option, abandoning a desktop PC, because you can travel with it, work on the road, or play in a chair without being tied to an outlet. Laptop batteries have different capacities, so they can work from 2 to 15 hours without recharging. Everything again depends on the model and specification. Gaming laptops, which we will talk about a little later, often do not have a very powerful battery, so they require connecting an AC adapter.
It is worth saying that laptop batteries are often lithium-ion. For some models you can use several of them. Additionally, there is an option to place the battery in the drive hole or attach it to the bottom of the case. There are also models with a non-removable battery.

Image output

The display can be made using different technologies. A liquid crystal screen with LED backlighting is often used. They can use a glossy or matte finish. The first option is suitable for lovers of bright and rich pictures, but you will have to put up with glare and reflections. The second option is more comfortable for those who like to work outdoors. It has less contrast, but is still protected from glare.

Display sizes may vary. There are compact 7-inch options. Such models are now the least popular, since smartphones will soon receive such a display. There are also tablets with this diagonal. Gaming laptops usually have a large screen size - 17 inches or more. Laptop models have a 16:9 ratio, and there are 16:10 options for business devices.

Performance

Memory

The second memory device is the hard drive. It also has its own format and is slightly more expensive than the standard model. The volume of the hard drive can be different - up to 1-2 terabytes. Now, instead of the classic hard drive, they began to use solid-state SSDs, which were created on the basis of flash memory.

Output device

Even the cheapest laptops have a keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard is completely different. It all depends on the cost of the model, design and production technology. Budget models have a one-piece design with a cable, but such options are not always good, since with prolonged use they begin to “lose” individual buttons and, as people say, “go bald”. There are options with a keyboard that is built into the case. Each key has its own hole, and if desired, you can only replace individual buttons, but the whole thing does not change at once. There are also fully rubberized options, which are also easy to wash and change. The touchpad is generally standard for all models.

Classification

We have already figured out what a laptop is and what elements it consists of. Now it's time to understand what kind of laptops there are. Of course, there is no official classification. Everyone can classify a device into one group or another based on a variety of characteristics. But still, two groups can be distinguished. One is based on screen size, and the second is based on device specifications.
Let's start with the display. As mentioned earlier, it can have completely different sizes. The smallest is 7 inches. This includes so-called handheld computers. The following is a series of netbooks that stand out for their compact sizes: the screen has a diagonal of 7 to 12 inches.

Experts distinguish ultraportable laptops, which have sizes of 9-11 inches, ultrabooks and subnotebooks with 11-13 inches. A work laptop typically has a mainstream size of 14-16 inches, with 17-inch models falling into the “desktop replacement” category.
The following classification, as mentioned earlier, is based on characteristics. There are budget and mid-range laptops, business models, multimedia and gaming devices, fashion, rugged options, as well as those that have a touch screen and a mobile workstation. A review of laptops can show that a particular model belongs to several categories at once, which proves the conventionality of the classification. Several categories of laptops can be classified under this heading. Next we will talk about the ultrabook, netbook, ultraportable laptop, subnotebook and fashion model. So, the ultrabook appeared on the market relatively recently. This device is often associated with Apple models. This is because Apple was the founder of this design.
An ultrabook is an ultra-light and thin laptop that is small in size and weight. At the same time, the device in most cases remains a full-fledged laptop: powerful and productive. This variety is contrasted with a netbook. Since it is also compact, it is compared to an ultrabook, although this is not entirely correct.

The fact is that netbooks themselves are small and light, but still weak in performance and resemble a simple work laptop needed for office applications and surfing the Internet. Both of these classes are combined into the subnotebook category. The first such device appeared back in the 90s of the last century. And only later, in 2006 and 2008, such areas as netbooks and ultrabooks emerged. As a result, new products pushed subnotebooks out of the market as a class.
Finally, external features include image devices. Laptops in this category have an ornate and memorable design. They are often produced in small editions, some models are even exclusive. They are decorated with jewelry, unexpected materials such as wood, fabric or stone.

Specification

You can also fit multiple models into this heading. Firstly, there are cheap laptops that fall into the budget segment. They have limited capabilities and are designed for office work and Internet searches. This also includes netbooks, which, in addition to their small size, also have a low cost.
There is also a middle class of devices. This includes a home laptop that can combine multimedia characteristics. This category is the most extensive and rather “blurry”, since there are also good options for ultrabooks, business models, and even beginner gaming devices. In general, this group contains average laptops, both in cost and characteristics.

Comparison with desktop PC

The main question that sooner or later will arise from the buyer: what is better to choose - a desktop PC or a laptop? The answer is individual for everyone, it all depends on the requirements of the destination. We will look at the main advantages and disadvantages. Why are laptops so attractive? Their prices and characteristics are often very similar to desktop computers, while the devices have small dimensions that easily allow them to be moved from place to place, as well as transported in transport when working or studying.
Also, perhaps, such a story has happened to everyone when the lights in the house were turned off, but the laptop did not stop working, since it does not need power from the network. As a result, in the dark you could kill time playing solitaire or finish your work. Among the advantages is compactness - meaning that you do not need to carry additional gadgets with you, such as a mouse and keyboard. Well, the ability to connect wireless networks. If you need to buy a special adapter for a desktop PC, then laptops have a built-in Wi-Fi module.

Flaws

Some users have to figure out what a controller is in a laptop. This degree of power protection often fails. As a result, changing the battery or buying a new power supply does not always help. The controller can only be fixed at a service center, since it is very difficult to do it yourself.
The next drawback is related to compatibility. Not all laptop programs are optimized and work correctly. OS support is not always provided by the device manufacturer. As a result, compatibility issues arise more often than with a desktop PC. There is also the other side of the coin, which should be identified in its merits. Often, the manufacturer includes proprietary programs for a particular laptop model. So, the buyer simply inserts the disk, and all the necessary software is installed automatically.

Beginning of work

It is rare that a buyer wants to spend additional money on setting up a device. It is often much easier to do it yourself. In addition, there are many instructions on the Internet that allow you to perform a number of actions step by step. As a result, setting up a laptop begins with installing the operating system, if it was not “installed” for you in the store.

After installing the OS, you will need to enter data. First, you need to set a username and password. In principle, it is not necessary to set a code; often it is just a formality. If you didn’t install it first, but then wanted to, then everything can be done in your account later.
Typically, setting up a laptop results in partitioning of the hard drive. If you did not install the OS yourself, you will have to distribute the information space afterwards. Typically, the system itself is located on one disk, and the second is designed for personal files. Next, you usually have to install various programs and remove unnecessary software. If the kit includes a software disc, then you just need to update some programs.

Prices

Laptops have different prices and specifications. These two parameters depend on each other. If we talk about netbooks or budget devices, then the cost starts from 4-5 thousand rubles. Medium models have quite varied characteristics, so their price is the same - from 15 to 40 thousand rubles. The next price segment is occupied by ultrabooks. Although some of them still belong to the “mid-range” category, thin models can cost up to 60-70 thousand rubles.
But gaming laptops are considered the most expensive at the moment. Their prices and characteristics are directly proportional. The more powerful the processor and video card are installed, the more zeros there are on the price tag. So, you can find gaming options from Asus for 150-200 thousand rubles. Fashion models are also considered expensive. This is not due to their high productivity, but to expensive materials.

conclusions

Now everyone knows what a laptop is. Of course, not everyone is familiar with the variety, characteristics, etc. Nevertheless, the device is popular not only for personal use. It can often be found in organizations, offices, firms and various locations. Laptops have different prices and specifications. It all depends on the design, shape, “filling” and much more. So, it’s easy to choose your device of the right size, quality, color, shape, etc. As we have already learned, laptops can be classified not only by screen diagonal, but also by specification. There are gaming devices, models for business, work, office and multimedia.

The main advantage of a laptop is its portability. The device is easy to move; just in case, you need to put the power supply for the laptop and the device itself in your bag. Sometimes you have to spend more money on a model with the same characteristics as a desktop PC. Therefore, the choice between these two devices is individual for everyone. If performance is important to you, then it is easier to buy a desktop PC, but if you prefer a mobile model, then a laptop is a better option.

The idea of creating a portable computer“the size of a notepad, has a flat monitor and can connect to networks wirelessly” was put forward by the head of the Xerox research laboratory, Alan Key, in 1968. Today, you can easily purchase such a machine called a laptop on the Internet by going to the page . There you will find a lot of other different equipment!

In 1979, at the request of NASA, William Moggridge (Grid Systems company) created the world's first laptop, Grid Compass ( RAM on a 340 KB CD-ROM, Intel 8086 processor with clock frequency 8 MHz, fluorescent screen). This laptop used in Space program Shuttle.

The first civilian model Osborne-1 (weight 11 kg, RAM 64 KB, Zilog Z80A processor with a clock frequency of 4 MHz, two 5.25-inch drives, three ports, including for connecting a modem, monochrome display 8.75x6.6 cm , containing 24 lines of 52 characters; 69 keys) was created by inventor Adam Osborne in 1981 and released to the market for $1,795. Due to a marketing mistake, which consisted in the fact that the start of Osborne-1 sales was announced long before the first machines went on sale, the company went bankrupt.

In 1982, Compaq successfully introduced the IBM PC-compatible laptop computer based on the Intel 8080 processor. Since 1983, many computer equipment manufacturers already had their own line of laptops (for example, the Epson HX-20). In 1984, Apple released the first laptop with LCD. In 1986, IBM introduced the first “convertible” laptop model based on an Intel processor (weight 5.4 kg, 3.5-inch drive) priced at $3,500.

In 1990, Intel introduced the first dedicated processor for mobile PCs, the Intel386 SL, and also introduced low-voltage technology that increased battery life.

Laptop device

A laptop is essentially full-fledged computer. But to ensure mobility, portability and energy independence, all components have unique features.

The laptop keyboard is made using special technology and consists of several layers of thin plastic with contact pads, which allows you to reduce the thickness to a few millimeters.

The laptop body is usually made of high-strength plastic. Inside, it is covered with a special thin metal foil to isolate the electronic filling from the effects of external electromagnetic fields. There is usually a metal cord around the perimeter, which gives additional strength to the body.

The so-called touchpad is widely used as a pointing device in laptops - Touchpad responsive to the touch of a finger.

The laptop matrix is a full-fledged liquid crystal monitor. Inside the top cover of the laptop there is everything that is necessary for its full operation - the matrix itself, cables that transmit data, an inverter to ensure the operation of the backlight and some additional devices(for example: webcam, speakers, microphone, wireless antennas Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth).

The laptop drive does not have a mechanics that extends the tray, so it was possible to make it so thin while maintaining all the functions of a full-fledged drive. Most modern drives have the DVD-RW standard, but in expensive multimedia laptops you can often find a Blu-ray standard drive.

Laptop RAM thanks to more high density chip arrangement with a smaller size has characteristics comparable to memory regular computer.

The laptop's cooling system consists of a cooler that takes air from the ventilation holes on the bottom of the laptop (which is why the laptop can only be used on a hard, flat surface, otherwise cooling is impaired) and blows it through a radiator, which is connected to the processor and sometimes the motherboard chipset by a copper heat pipe.

The laptop processor is very similar in appearance and size to the processor of a regular computer, however, inside it is implemented a large number of technologies that reduce energy consumption and heat generation, for example, Centrino technology.

The laptop hard drive, despite its small size (due to the use of magnetic media with a diameter of 2.5 inches), has a capacity comparable to that of hard drive for a desktop computer. The most common interface SATA connections, however, you can still quite often find IDE interface, especially in older laptops. Recently, so-called solid-state hard drives (SSDs) developed based on flash memory have appeared.

What is a laptop? Brief information. What is a laptop and what are its functions? Main properties of a laptop

Main properties of a laptop

Concept

Second name

Historical reference

Design

Protection

Charger

Image output

Performance

Memory

Output device

Classification

Specification

Comparison with desktop PC

Flaws

Beginning of work

Prices

conclusions

Concept

Second name

Historical reference

Design

Protection

Charger

Image output

Performance

Memory

Output device

Classification

Specification

Comparison with desktop PC

Flaws

Beginning of work

Prices

conclusions

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