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 mean small PCs for mobile use.

The typical components of desktop computers are all to be found in laptops. Thus, laptops have a display screen, a built in keyboard, a pointing device replacing the mouse and a battery power source. The advantage of laptops is that they make one single unit that comprises all the other items, allowing for easy maneuvers and lots of mobility. 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 very name of notebooks comes from the thin shape and small size of these 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, laptops are built light, 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 were produced for the first time 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 he put his idea on paper under the name of Dynabook. By 1981, the first laptops were introduced on the market. 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 advantage of laptops is evidently the flexible use they are suitable for. Moreover, laptops allow work continuation in case of accidental power outages. The cheapest laptop computer is also more economical and does not produce as much heat as desktop computers do. Compatibility and standardization are the main flaws of laptops today. In spite of some accepted world standards for the making of the elements for the peripherals and add-in PC cards in desktop computers, the internal components are a lot more difficult to standardize according to a unique international code.