Laptop facts for kids
A laptop is a portable personal computer (PC) that you can easily carry around. Laptops usually have a clamshell design. This means they fold shut like a book. The screen is on the top part, and the keyboard and a pointing device (like a touchpad) are on the bottom part.
Most of the computer's parts are hidden under the keyboard. Many newer laptops also have a webcam built into the top of the screen. Some even have a touchscreen display, just like a tablet. Unlike tablet computers that use mobile operating systems, laptops typically run on desktop operating systems. These are the same kinds of systems used on bigger desktop computers.
People use laptops for many things. You can use them for schoolwork, playing games, creating videos or art, browsing the internet, watching multimedia (movies and music), or just for general home computer tasks. Laptops can run on power from a wall outlet or a rechargeable battery. They fold up for easy storage and travel, making them perfect for using on the go.
Laptops include all the main parts of a desktop computer in one compact unit. This includes a screen (usually 11 to 17 inches wide), speakers, a keyboard, and a touchpad. The specific features and power of a laptop can be very different. It depends on the type, model, and price. Some special laptops include 2-in-1 laptops, which can turn into tablets. There are also rugged laptops built to survive tough conditions.
Contents
- The Story of Laptops
- What's in a Name?
- Different Kinds of Laptops
- How Laptops Work: The Hardware
- Laptops vs. Desktop Computers
- Using Laptops Safely and Comfortably
- Who Makes and Sells Laptops?
- Recycling Old Laptops
- Laptops in Extreme Places
- See also
The Story of Laptops
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The idea for a personal, portable computer came from Alan Kay in 1968. He called his idea the "Dynabook" in 1972. The first portable computer you could buy was the IBM 5100. It came out in 1975.
As computers became more common, smaller portable ones appeared quickly. The first "laptop-sized notebook computer" was the Epson HX-20. It was invented in 1980 and shown to the public in 1981. It had an LCD screen, a battery, and a small printer. It weighed about 1.6 kg and was the size of an A4 notebook.
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Other companies like Tandy/RadioShack and Hewlett-Packard (HP) also made portable computers. The first laptops that folded open and closed appeared in the early 1980s. The GRiD Compass 1101, released in 1982, was even used by NASA and the military.
Over time, new ways to control laptops were invented. These included the touch pad (in 1983) and the pointing stick (in 1992). Computer parts were also designed to use less power. This helped laptop batteries last longer.
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By 1988, laptop screens had better resolution. Color screens became common in 1991. Hard drives, which store information, also became standard in laptops around 1990. By 1994, laptops were a big part of the computer market.
Around 1997, Optical disc drives (for CDs and DVDs) became common in laptops. However, by 2011, these drives started to disappear. Today, you rarely find them built into new laptops. Laptop webcams also improved, going from basic quality to high-definition (1080p) in the early 2010s.
What's in a Name?
The word laptop comes from the idea that you can place the computer on your lap. The term desktop (for desktop computers) came first. Today, in many places, people use laptop and notebook to mean the same thing.
The word notebook first described smaller, lighter portable computers. They were about the size of a paper notebook. But now, both words refer to the same type of portable computer.
Different Kinds of Laptops
Laptops have changed a lot since they first appeared. Now there are many different types. Today, laptops are mostly described by their screen size, like "13-inch" or "16-inch." Some are also named for their special uses, such as "gaming laptops."
Gaming Laptops
A gaming laptop is made mainly for playing video games. These laptops are very powerful. They often have features like a fast screen (refresh rate), a special graphics card (GPU) for amazing visuals, and cool RGB lighting. Examples include the Lenovo Legion series and Alienware laptops.
Hybrid Laptops (2-in-1s)
Hybrid laptops, also called convertibles or 2-in-1s, combine features of tablets and laptops. They have a touchscreen that lets you use them like a tablet. You can use your fingers or a digital pen.
Some 2-in-1s can hide their keyboard by flipping or rotating it behind the screen. Others have a keyboard that you can detach completely. These devices are often very thin and light. They also have long battery lives. They can run full desktop operating systems like Windows 10. This means you can use them for serious work, not just watching videos.
Ultraportable Laptops
An ultraportable laptop is much smaller and lighter than other laptops. As laptops generally became smaller, the term "ultraportable" became more common. Early MacBook Air models are good examples of ultraportable laptops.
Netbooks
Netbooks were small, inexpensive laptops sold between 2007 and the early 2010s. They were designed for basic tasks like browsing the internet and writing documents. They usually had low power. Today, smaller Chromebooks (which run ChromeOS) fill a similar role.
Rugged Laptops
A rugged laptop is built to work in tough places. This includes areas with strong vibrations, very hot or cold temperatures, or lots of dust and water. They are usually bigger, heavier, and more expensive than regular laptops. You won't often see them in everyday use.
How Laptops Work: The Hardware
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The basic parts inside a laptop work just like those in a desktop computer. However, they are made smaller and use less power to fit into a portable design. Because of their size, laptops usually can't be upgraded as easily as desktop computers. Many parts are built right into the main board.
Screen Display
Laptops have a screen that stands upright when you open the laptop. Most laptop screens use LCD technology. However, OLED screens are becoming more popular. Screens usually range from 13 to 16 inches.
Newer laptops often have "HiDPI" (high pixel density) displays. These screens show sharper images and text. Many laptops now offer 4K (very high resolution) screens. Most laptop screens have a standard refresh rate of 60 times per second (60 Hz). Gaming laptops often have much faster refresh rates for smoother gameplay.
Brain of the Laptop (CPU)
The CPU is like the brain of the laptop. Laptop CPUs are designed to save power and produce less heat than desktop CPUs. Today, mainstream laptops can have many cores, from 6 to 16. High-end laptops can have even more.
Most modern laptop CPUs are soldered onto the main board. This means they cannot be easily replaced or upgraded. The main companies making laptop CPUs today are Intel, AMD, Apple, and Qualcomm.
Graphics Power (GPU)
Most laptops have a GPU (graphics card) built right into the CPU. This saves power and space. These integrated graphics are good for everyday tasks.
For gaming or professional 3D work, higher-end laptops have a dedicated graphics card. These dedicated cards are much more powerful. Many laptops can switch between the integrated and dedicated graphics. This helps save battery life when you don't need high performance.
Memory (RAM)
RAM is like the laptop's short-term memory. It helps the computer run many programs at once. Some laptops have removable RAM modules, while others have RAM soldered directly to the main board.
Most laptops have 16 GB of RAM. Some cheaper models might have 8 GB, and powerful ones can have 64 GB or more.
Sound System
Laptops usually have built-in speakers and microphones. The speakers are often small to save space. This means their sound quality might not be as good as external speakers.
How You Control It (Input Devices)
You use the keyboard to type text and commands. A touchpad (or trackpad) or a pointing stick helps you move the cursor on the screen. Some touchpads have separate buttons, while others use the touch surface for clicks. Many touchpads also understand multi-finger gestures.
You can connect an external keyboard and mouse using a USB port or Bluetooth. Most laptops have webcams and microphones. These let you make video calls and chat with friends or for online classes.
Storage Drives
Modern Storage (SSDs)
Today, almost all new laptops use NVME solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage. SSDs are much faster and use less power than older hard drives. They also have no moving parts, so they are more durable. Most SSDs are small cards that fit into M.2 slots. Some Apple laptops have SSDs built directly into the main board.
Older Storage Methods
The first laptops often used floppy disks. By the late 1980s, hard disk drives (HDDs) became standard. HDDs were common until around 2009. Today, HDDs are rarely found in new laptops.
Optical disc drives (for CDs and DVDs) were common from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. Now, they are almost never found in new laptops. You can still buy external drives that connect via USB if you need one.
Connecting to Other Devices (Ports)
Laptops have several USB ports. Many newer laptops use USB-C ports. These can be used for charging, connecting devices, and even displaying video. Most laptops also have an HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor. A combined audio jack for headphones and microphones is also common.
Older laptops often had Ethernet ports for wired internet. These are rare in mainstream laptops now, as Wi-Fi is so common. However, you can use a USB adapter for Ethernet. Higher-end laptops might have Thunderbolt ports, which are very fast and work like USB-C.
You can connect external hard drives or NAS devices to a laptop for more storage. Many laptops also have an SD or microSD card slot. This is handy for transferring photos from cameras.
Battery and Power
Since the late 1990s, laptops have used lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries. These batteries can last from a few hours to almost a full day, depending on how you use the laptop. Over time, a battery's ability to hold a charge will slowly decrease.
Laptops charge using an external power supply that plugs into a wall outlet. This power supply charges the battery and powers the laptop at the same time. Many modern laptops can charge using a USB-C cable. However, powerful gaming laptops often need a dedicated charging port for more power.
Keeping Cool
Laptops create heat when they are working. Because they are so compact, it's hard to remove this heat. Most laptops use fans and heat pipes to move hot air out. This keeps the laptop from getting too hot. The hot air is usually blown out the back or sides.
It's important to keep the air vents clear. If dust builds up, the cooling system can't work well. This can make the laptop slow down or even shut off. You can also use a laptop cooler (a pad with fans) to help keep your laptop cool.
Accessories for Laptops
A common accessory is a laptop sleeve or case. This protects your laptop from scratches and bumps. Sleeves are thin and flexible, often made of neoprene. Stronger cases can be made of metal for more protection.
A laptop cooler is another useful accessory. It's a device with fans that sits under your laptop. It helps to lower the laptop's temperature.
External Equipment
Docking Stations
A docking station is an accessory that has many ports. It can turn your laptop into a full desktop computer setup. You connect your laptop to the docking station, and then you can use a bigger monitor, external keyboard, and mouse. This is great for people who use their laptop at home and also take it to school or work.
Charging Trolleys
Laptop charging trolleys are mobile carts that can charge many laptops or tablets at once. Schools often use them to store and charge devices. This way, all students can have a fully charged computer. These trolleys also help keep laptops safe from theft, as they are usually made of steel and can be locked.
Solar Panels
Some laptops can even be powered by solar panels. The One Laptop Per Child project created the OLPC XO-1 laptop, which could run on solar power. Samsung also designed a solar-powered notebook.
Laptops vs. Desktop Computers
Advantages of Laptops
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Portability | You can take your laptop almost anywhere. Use it at home, school, on trips, or in a coffee shop. |
| Productivity | Laptops let you work or study in more places. You can do homework between classes or check emails on a train. |
| Always Up-to-Date | Having one laptop means all your files are in one place. They are always the most recent versions. |
| Connectivity | Laptops almost always have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This makes it easy to connect to the internet and other devices. |
| Size | Laptops are smaller than desktops. They save space in small rooms and can be put away when not in use. |
| Low Power Use | Laptops use much less electricity than desktops. This can save energy at home or for big businesses. |
| Quiet Operation | Laptops are usually much quieter. Many use solid-state drives and fewer fans, making them almost silent. |
| Battery Power | A charged laptop keeps working during a power outage. Desktops turn off without power. |
| All-in-One Design | Laptops have all their parts built into one unit. Desktops need separate screens, keyboards, and mice. |
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Disadvantages of Laptops
Laptops also have some downsides compared to desktop PCs:
Performance
Laptops often aren't as powerful as desktop computers that cost the same amount. The most powerful desktop CPUs and graphics cards are still faster than what you find in laptops. This is because laptops have less space for cooling and smaller batteries.
Upgrading Parts
It's harder to upgrade parts in a laptop than in a desktop. You can usually upgrade the hard drive and memory. But the main board, CPU, and graphics card are usually built-in. This means you can't easily swap them out for newer ones.
Durability
Laptops can be less durable than desktops. Because you carry them around, they are more likely to get damaged. Spilling liquid on a laptop keyboard can cause serious damage. It's a good idea to clean your laptop regularly to remove dust and crumbs. Use a soft cloth, compressed air, and a gentle cleaning solution.
Heating and Cooling
Laptops have small cooling systems. These can get blocked by dust over time. If dust builds up, the laptop might overheat, make more noise, or slow down. Cleaning the inside of a laptop can be tricky. It often requires taking it apart.
Battery Life
Laptop batteries lose their ability to hold a charge over time. You might need to replace the battery after 2-3 years. Some laptops have batteries that are easy to remove. Others have batteries built inside, which makes replacement harder.
Keeping Your Information Safe
Laptops are valuable and easy to carry, so they can be targets for theft. It's important to protect your laptop and the information on it. Use strong passwords for your laptop and accounts. Some laptops have security features like fingerprint scanners. Software can also help you find a lost or stolen laptop.
Using Laptops Safely and Comfortably
For Your Wrists
Using a laptop for a long time can sometimes hurt your wrists. This is because laptop keyboards and touchpads are small and flat. If you work for many hours, it's better to use a separate, ergonomic keyboard and mouse. You can connect them easily to your laptop.
For Your Neck and Back
A laptop's screen is often low, making you lean forward to see it. This can cause neck or back pain. To help, you can connect a larger, external screen to your laptop. Or, use a laptop stand to raise the screen to a comfortable height.
Staying Cool and Comfortable
Using a laptop directly on your lap can make your lap feel too warm. This can also cause skin discoloration called "toasted skin syndrome." To avoid this, always place your laptop on a table or desk. You can also use a book, a pillow, or a special cooling pad between your lap and the laptop. Cooling pads have fans that help keep the laptop from getting too hot.
Who Makes and Sells Laptops?
Template:Major laptop brands
Many companies make and sell laptops. Some major brands include those listed in the box. These big brands usually offer good customer service and support. Laptops from major brands can be more expensive. This is because of their brand name and reliable support.
Some brands focus on specific types of laptops. For example, Alienware is known for gaming laptops. The OLPC project made laptops for children. Many brands don't actually design their own laptops. Instead, a few large companies design them, and then different brands choose which models to sell.
How Many Laptops Are Sold?
Laptops have become very popular for both school and personal use. In 2008, for the first time, more laptops were sold worldwide than desktop computers. In 2023, about 166 million laptops were sold. Today, most personal computers sold are laptops or detachable tablets. People love laptops because they are so convenient.
Laptop Prices
Before 2008, laptops were quite expensive. But around 2008, prices dropped a lot, especially with the introduction of low-cost netbooks. Since the 2010s, laptops have become even more affordable. This is thanks to cheaper processors and simpler operating systems like ChromeOS. As of 2023, you can buy a new laptop for as little as $299.
Recycling Old Laptops
Laptops are made from many different materials. Some of these materials, like lead and mercury, can be harmful if not handled correctly. Because of this, it's very important to recycle old laptops properly. In Europe, there are laws that say all laptops must be recycled. In the U.S., it's against the law to throw away laptops in landfills.
When laptops are recycled, they are first taken apart. The different materials like plastic, metal, and glass are separated. Special parts like circuit boards and batteries are handled carefully.
If a laptop belonged to a school or business, it's also important to make sure all the information on its hard drive is completely erased. This process is called data destruction. It ensures that no one can ever get to the old information. This helps keep personal and important data safe.
Laptops in Extreme Places
Laptops have even been used in space! The rugged Grid Compass computer was used in the early Space Shuttle missions. Later, a Macintosh portable was used in space in 1990. Today, ThinkPad laptops are the only ones certified for long-term use on the International Space Station.
Laptops used in space are usually similar to ones you can buy. However, they get special changes. For example, their cooling systems are updated to work without gravity. They also need to handle the lower air pressure in space. Laptops used in other tough environments, like construction sites, are custom-designed to be extra strong.
See also
In Spanish: Computadora portátil para niños
- List of computer size categories
- List of laptop brands and manufacturers
- Smartbook
- Subscriber Identity Module
- Mobile broadband
- Mobile Internet device (MID)
- Personal digital assistant
- VIA OpenBook
- Tethering
- XJACK
- Open-source computer hardware
- Novena
- Mobile modem
- Stereoscopy glasses
- Cloudbook
- Laptop–tablet convergence
