Laptops

A laptop, also called a notebook,[1][2] is a personal computer for mobile use.[3][4][5] A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, and/or a pointing stick) and speakers into a single unit. A laptop is powered by mains electricity via an AC adapter, and can be used away from an outlet using a rechargeable battery.

Portable computers, originally monochrome CRT-based and developed into the modern laptops, and were originally considered to be a small niche market, mostly for specialized field applications such as the military, accountants and sales representatives. As portable computers became smaller, lighter, cheaper, more powerful and as screens became larger and of better quality, laptops became very widely used for all sorts of purposes.

Contents
1 History
2 Classification
2.1 Desktop replacement
2.2 Subnotebook
2.3 Netbook
2.4 Rugged laptop
2.5 Tablet laptop
3 Components
3.1 Docking stations
3.2 Standards
4 Advantages
5 Disadvantages
5.1 Performance
5.2 Upgradeability
5.3 Ergonomics and health
5.3.1 Wrists
5.3.2 Neck, spinal
5.3.3 Possible effect on fertility
5.3.4 Thighs
5.4 Durability
5.5 Security and privacy
6 Major brands and manufacturers
7 Sales
8 Extreme environments
9 Accessories
10 See also
11 References


[edit] HistoryMain article: History of laptops

Alan Kay with "Dynabook" prototype
The Epson HX-20As the personal computer became feasible in the early 1970s, the idea of a portable personal computer followed. A "personal, portable information manipulator" was imagined by Alan Kay at Xerox PARC in 1968,[6] and described in his 1972 paper as the "Dynabook".[7]

The IBM SCAMP project (Special Computer APL Machine Portable), was demonstrated in 1973. This prototype was based on the PALM processor (Put All Logic In Microcode).

The IBM 5100, the first commercially available portable...