Notebook Computer

Written by Jason P. Hartz

A notebook computer or a notebook is also known as a laptop. Basically this is a small although mobile computer that weighs from 3 to 12 pounds but older notebook computers can weigh even more. Notebook computers make use of a single main battery or an external AC/DC adapter that can charge in case the battery is low at the same time provides power to the computer during a power outage. The notebook computer’s main battery is not the same with its smaller battery which all computers have to backup the BIOS configuration or run the computer clock. The notebook computer’s components as well as the functions do not vary much from their desktop counterparts albeit these are smaller and have been optimized mainly for mobile use hence an efficient power consumption is necessary. Although notebook computers are less powerful than desktop computers, these make use of liquid crystal displays. In addition, most notebooks have distinct memory modules that work as their random access memory. The notebook memory which is the SO-DIMM is much smaller than the desktops’ DIMMs. The notebook keyboard is built in while with the desktop it’s a separate device. In the course of developing the notebook computer there were compatibility issues in the beginning. This is very similar to the early history of the personal computer and the reason for this is because of various manufacturers which have different ways of connectivity and mounting their devices as a result there was much incompatibility. Although today, there are standards that form the basis for the peripherals’ and add-in PC cards design, these are not accepted worldwide standards. In fact, the notebook’s motherboard layouts, LCD, cable, floppy drive, supply of electric voltage, optical drive and internal adapters may have different designs. The users who are not technically inclined are most affected specifically whenever they attempt to connect their mobile device with incompatible power adapters or peripherals. Currently there are a few parts such as the memory or hard drives that have been considered as commodities and can be interchanged. Unfortunately, other parts like the keyboards, motherboards, and batteries are specifically designed for a specific type of notebook and can only be interchanged within a certain model line or brand. The creation and development of notebooks started from the desire of having a fully featured and functional computer that is mobile or can be brought and used anywhere. Its predecessor was known as luggable. At the start these portable computers, albeit can be transported easily were not battery powered and heavy. The cathode ray tube was a big reason why these luggables were quite large and heavy. The change from cathode ray tube to liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma display transitioned the luggable to become smaller in size and be the first ever real notebook, even if without internal batteries yet. The improvements on the notebook battery would follow shortly as well as the introduction of smaller peripherals including the 3.5-inch floppy disk which resulted in more compact and highly sophisticated notebooks.