The modern world is practically based on and composed of a lot of technological inventions. Technology remains basic and we seem to be lost without it. A clear example of the technical addiction is the use of the PC. So far laptops and notebooks are the latest achievements in the field of computers, and they are undeniably conquering more users every day. When discussing about laptops, which are also referred to as small notebook computers, we actually imply small PCs for flexible use.

The typical components of desktop computers are all to be found in laptops. Thus, laptops include the display, the keyboard, a pointing device – touchpad or pointing stick, and the battery. The difference lies in the fact that all these components are to be found into one single unit that is also portable. The rechargeable batteries of laptops get their power from an AC/DC adapter and their capacity enables them to be functional for several hours.

The thin shape of the devices definitely led to their being called notebook computers. Laptops are usually 0.7 – 1.5 inches thick and their overall size specifics range from 10×8 inches (13 inch display) to 15×11 inches (17 inch display) or up. Furthermore, they are not heavy, weighing no more than twelve pounds. The design of most laptops as the flip form factor, is meant to protect the screen of the computer when it is closed.

Personal computers became feasible at the beginning of the 1970s and not long after those years the idea of portable PCs – laptops, appeared. The person who imagined this was Alan Kay of Xerox PARC. In 1972 took shape as a project under the name of Dynabook. The first laptops were available on the market only in 1981. The Epson HX-20 and Osborne 1 models were the first portable computers commercially available. Since then laptops have developed and become more and more proficient.

Unfortunately, besides the obvious advantages of laptops, there are also some disadvantages. First we need to see the good parts to be able to investigate the flaws. The main and most important good bit about laptops is evidently their portability. In addition, laptops allow work continuation in case of accidental power outages. Furthermore, the cheapest laptop computer will is more economical and will use less electricity and generate a lower amount of heat as compared to desktops. The disadvantages of laptops come from the standardization and compatibility issues. In spite of some international standards for the manufacturing the elements for the peripherals and add-in PC cards in desktop computers, the processor and hard driver manufacturing part does not fall subject to any international regulation yet.