The Diversity in the Family of Laptops

A laptop computer is, in essence, a personal computer intended for mobile use. Yet, there are various classifications of laptops out there that, in certain cases, make this definition rather narrow and invalid.

The term "laptop" can be defined to refer to numerous classes of miniature portable computers. Firstly, we have full-size Laptops, a laptop usually hefty enough to provide accommodation for a normal sized keyboard, which is to say the laptop has enough space to incorporate a keyboard with the least QWERTY key layout, roughly 13.5 keys across that are on ¾ (0.750) inch centers, plus some room on both ends for the case. These laptops are more commonly termed as desktop replacement computers. The initial laptops of this kind were the size of a typical U.S. notebook sheet of paper (8.5 × 11 inches), but later on, "A4-size" laptops were initiated, which had the width of a standard ISO 216 A4 sheet of paper (297 mm, or about 11.7 inches).

Secondly, we have laptops under the broad category termed as Netbooks; a minor, lighter, more portable laptop. This special kind of laptop’s mobility, and hence the battery time, is given top priority. The hardware used in these particular machines is “lighter” in order to keep battery consumption to a minimum. The use of lighter hardware usually causes these laptops to be relatively cheaper than a full-size laptop. What is important to note here is that there is no distinct line between Netbooks and small laptops. (notebooks) Primarily, some 11.6" models are termed and marketed as Netbooks.

Next we take a look at one of the initial members of the laptop family commonly referred to as a Tablet PC. This genre of laptops has touch screens that primarily takes the place of keyboards. Yet, there are versions that incorporate "convertible tablets" with a complete keyboard positioned where the screen rotates and is used atop the keyboard. However, most of these types of laptops are usually in "slate" form factor machines which are limited to touch-screen. No keyboard is present, though a few outdated models come with small keyboards along the sides of the screen.

Next, we move onto the application of the rapidly advancing family of laptops. Besides providing all the functions that a desktop computer can possibly offer, they are also capable of something a desktop is not, that is mobility. Laptops also have a distinct advantage that is not commonly known among the people. The presence of HD screens in almost all the latest models allows the laptops to act as replacements for HDTV Televisions. There are devices that allow laptops themselves to act as HDTV’s. If not, there is also an option of connecting the laptop to HD TVusing an HDMI cable.