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Notebook or laptop computer is a portable computer that can be easily carried around, and is capable of performing all possible functions of a computer. Notebook, that usually weighs around 2.2 to about 18 pounds, comes in various sizes and varied possible features.

Unlike most other electronic goods, learning how to use a notebook is no big deal. People, who are used to working on computers, find notebooks almost as convenient to use as they have been using it already. However, the touchpad or the trackpads (that are used in place of the mouse), or the pointing sticks might pose slight difficulty for the beginners, though they can conveniently attach a mouse externally. Nevertheless, the fact that notebooks bear such great resemblance to computers surely serves as a great advantage to the users.

These days notebook can also read as well as write CDs and DVDs. They are also capable of copying and transferring data using Bluetooth devices. Most of the times, these are built in the notebooks, though one may need to attach them externally if the features have not been already provided beforehand. Pen drives, etc, can also be used on notebooks for exchanging data. Notebooks also allow the benefits of using internet connection after proper configuration has been done. Microphones and web cameras can also be used with the notebooks these days.

These days there are various kinds of notebooks that are available in the market. These can be broadly classified as Ultra-Mobile PCs (or the UMPCs), the desktop replacement computers and the ultraportables. While the Ultra-Mobile PCs are laptops that can be easily carried around owing to their extra small size, the powerful desktop replacement computers are mostly to be used in a fixed place. They are more bulky and weigh more as compared to the expensive ultraportables that are specifically meant for those business travelers who need small as well as light weight notebooks that can be easily carried around, while traveling around.

Notebooks are especially useful to those who have to work on computers for long hours, or are heavily depended on computers for their work. Though notebooks may not be as powerful as computers tend to be for the same price range, they are capable of performing all the functions that any computer would perform. There are a number of varieties one can choose from and the special features, included in each notebook, vary from one model to another. Much it depends on the price range and the manufacturer.

The main source of power for a notebook is its main battery, and the external adapter, that is used for charging the battery, from time to time. This allows the user to work on his or her laptop for hours together, without having to connect it with any wires, till the battery exhausts. The time taken for charging the battery varies from one notebook to another, though usually it does not take more than a few hours to charge them.

With each passing day, and new developments in technology, notebooks are becoming more and more popular among the people all over the world. Though these were initially meant for the business class, who had grown dependent on their computers, these days notebooks are being used by almost anybody and everybody.

The falling prices, reducing sizes and growing features are surely making notebooks one of the most sought after electronic devices of the new millennium. Hence in today`s world having a notebook has become a necessity, no one can stay without one. After all who can deny the luxury/necessity of owing a notebook in today`s world?!

This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias works for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

The laptop notebook computer is a mobile computer that is small enough to be carted and kept on the lap while working. It does not weigh more than 1 to 6 kg. It is much smaller than its elder sibling - the desktop computer. A laptop does the same functions as the desktop one and therefore the parts are the same but of mini size. Instead of a mouse a touchpad does the tracking but if required a mouse can be attached. Internet tablets are used for the vital interspace link.

The laptops have both good and bad points. Due to technical and economic hurdles the unit cannot be upgraded easily. Regarding health matters the laptop is blamed for low sperm count as it is kept continuously on the scrotum that causes the heat to rise to undesirable levels in this region of the body. To avoid it the mobile unit can be kept on the desk and does not necessarily have to be kept on the lap all the time.

Another obvious problem is that laptops can easily be stolen. Laptops are relatively slow and have less sound and graphics capability. Laptops are much more costly than desktops but of late the gap is closing. However Laptops consume less power. The performance is more or less the same as the desktop models and new generation models are becoming more efficient and user friendly.

How can such a small package hold such varied capabilities?

Laptops and desktops run on the same principles but the difference is how the components are fitted and fixed. In a desktop there are motherboard, video card, hard drive etc. The monitor, keyboard and other incidental items are connected without wires or with cables but there is sufficient space for extra cards, cables while allowing for flow of air. In a laptop the screen and keyboard rests on the side of the box. The design of the laptop is small and flat wherein all the pieces fit in snugly. Thus the space is compact allowing for conservation of power and less production of heat.

The CPU is the brain of the computer and a fan and heat sink system with plates and channels are required to cool it. But a laptop runs on a lower voltage resulting in less speed. Instead of pins and socket as in a desktop, in a laptop balls are used. However it means that the processor cannot be removed separately. The batteries of laptops that run fast suffer from being frequently run down. The Apple G4 processor tries to neutralize this defect.

Laptops use mini sized fans, heat spreaders and heat sinks. Some use liquid coolants to keep down the temperature. The CPU`s of the laptops are placed near the edge of the box allowing for hot air to be released without flowing over other components. A laptop also has a hard disk drive wherein is stored the operating system, data and application files.

The mechanism of memory differs from one laptop model to another. Usually smaller memory modules are used to economize on space. Both run on electricity but a laptop can also function on batteries.

Every invention begins with a dream. In 1970 Alan Kay of Xerox had such a vision of a portable computer approximately the size of a notebook. He never went much ahead with the idea but set the balls rolling. In 1979 the first working portable computer was made by William Moggridge of Grid Systems. Others like Apple soon jumped in to complete the success story.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php , http://www.polomercantil.com.br/laptop.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

A laptop, also called a notebook, is a small mobile computer. Depending on the size, material used for manufacturing it and other factors, its weight ranges from 1 to 8 kilograms (i.e. 2 to 18 pounds).

The source of power is usually a single main battery, or an external AC/DC adapter is used. Apart from supplying power to the laptop, it also charges the battery. To avoid havoc in case of power failure, a 3 Volt cell is provided to run the clock and other vital system processes.

Though laptops are equally capable and powerful as desktop computers, they are much more expensive than similar capability and configuration desktop computer. Size is the unique property of a laptop. The components used in both, laptops and desktops are the same in terms of the functions they perform, but the components in laptops are miniaturized and made to support efficient power consumption.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is usually the technology used for the display screen. They have a built-in keyboard and a touchpad as input devices. Provision is also made for connection of external mouse, and even keyboard.

Apart from the advantages like compactness and mobility, a set of disadvantages has also been associated with laptops.

A huge amount of discrepancy is observed when it comes to standardization issues of laptops. There exist worldwide standards for form factors of the peripherals and add-in PC cards used in a desktop computer. But no such standards are as yet enforced for form factors of laptop internals. Electric voltage, motherboard layouts, internal adapters used in connecting the hard disk, optical drive, LCD cable, keyboard and floppy drive to the main board, all still face issues with standardization. These hits hard on the poor user who is uneducated in this relevant field. Apart from them, a bit of difficulty may also be faced by the repair technicians. Familiarization of different parts and hardware that perform the same function is important.

As an outcome of the improper, or all most no standardization, the laptops suffer compatibility problems too. Most of the times, it is not possible to use one manufacturer`s components in the laptop produced by another manufacturer. The reasons behind this can be assurance of product stability, prolong product lifetime, and to avoid dubious warranty issues. Some manufacturers provide the laptops with a set of ports to let the user connect the hardware that he wants to use.

Upgradation of a laptop is another issue. Due to both technical and economic reasons, it is limited. Due to the proprietary designs of the laptops by each manufacture, it is difficult to upgrade them and most of the times even repairing is a costly affair. The standard peripherals, like audio, video, USB, 1394, Wi Fi, Bluetooth, are integrated in the motherboard. Upgrading these thus requires either of external ports, card slots or wireless peripherals. As far as the memory units and batteries are concerned, they can generally be upgraded according to the user`s needs.

Performance is another issue. RAM is shared between program memory and graphic adapters in laptops. Because of which performance of the laptop is affected. The major concern of the designer is compactness and energy efficiency against high performance. Generally, for the home requirement, laptops prove out to be good options for fast achievement of required performance. With new technology like dual core processors and perpendicular recording, laptops` performance is already showing a progressive graph when compared to the desktops.

Laptops can also pose health hazards. Temperature generated by laptop can affect sterility in men. Also, laptop keyboard can lead to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Thus it is advised to place the laptop on a table or desk when working.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php , http://www.polomercantil.com.br/laptop.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

For the past ten years there has been a tremendous growth in the usage of notebook or laptop computers. The impact is that the notebooks are slowly replacing the traditional desktop computers from home as well as from office. There are so many varieties, technologies and brands of notebooks available in the market that it has become very difficult for a regular user to identify the best fit for his or her needs. This article will help you in getting a few tips on how to select the right notebook and make the most out of your investment.

A notebook offers several advantages. The most important being the trouble-free mobility. This is enhanced by the easily available wireless internet connections all over the world. It is very convenient to carry all your work with you anywhere you go. Advancement in technology has brought down the weight and size of the notebooks significantly, making it even more comfortable for a regular user.

What are the things that you should consider before purchasing your notebook? Start with doing an analysis of your needs. Ask questions like: For what purpose will I use this notebook? The answers could include — for internet browsing, chatting, high-end graphic designing, gaming, business or official work, programming, application development, etc. The type of notebook you choose will depend on what you need it for.

When you do your research, make notes on the prices, technical features, configuration, guarantees, and performance that each notebook has to offer. You would need to decide whether you want a notebook from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or from a brand. It is believed that brand notebooks offer better post-sales service, and guarantee, while OEM notebooks are cheaper and offer the same hardware quality as the brand ones.

If you need a notebook that is small and light and should be carried around easily while you are traveling, go for the ultra-portable range models. These notebooks have screens smaller than 12 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds. Some models of such notebooks include Sony Vaio PCG-U3, Fujitsu Lifebook P1510, Toshiba Libretto U100, Panasonic R4, Dell Latitude X1 and many more.

If you are a business professional looking for a thin and light notebook that offers durability, security and all important features necessary for your office, then you can select from a wide range of business notebooks. These include Apple MacBook, Dell XPS M1210, Sony VAIO FJ, and Dell Latitude and etc.

If you are addicted to gaming you would need a notebook that has the capability to present high-end graphics performance. These would include notebooks with the latest processors, increased RAM and hard disk storage space, faster CPUs, top-of-the line graphic display capability, great wireless connectivity and a host of other compatibility features. Some of the best gaming notebooks include Alienware Aurora, Dell XPS M170, and Rock Xtreme CTX PRO and etc.

If you are looking for just an economic replacement for your desktop and you do not want to spend on a high-end notebook, then you can select from a variety of models offered by Acer, Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. These notebooks are fashioned to be used at a fixed location and weigh up to 13 pounds, so they are not very convenient if you have to travel a lot. They generally have bigger screen sizes and lower battery life.

Apart from the notebooks mentioned above you can also pick tablet PCs, transportables, high-end personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, or smart phones. These are mobile devices that you can carry with you wherever you go, if mobility is all you are looking for.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

If internet made the world a global village, then we might as well say that notebooks made it a global colony. With desktops, things were a click away from us; notebook shorted the distance. Now we can carry the global colony on our shoulder. High-end technology at your lap, perhaps, we need nothing to conquer the world of convergence.

The great advantage of notebooks is that it gives us a sense of portability and mobility. Looking critically, portability is the only feature, a notebook has over desktops then why do we choose to go for a notebook? Notebooks can let you carry your work conveniently and you do not have to worry about all the wires, hardware and space required to keep a desktop. Also it’s a matter of choice between work and home. You may want to work from home, when your baby or wife is ill. A notebook comes in handy then.

A notebook has a different role to play for different people, but it gives an incredible sense of freedom. Gone are the days when people walked around with pen and paper. All you need to do today to make notes it to buy a notebook. You may want to quickly write a email to a radio station, which is making noise in the name of music. You may want to sit in your neighborhood coffee shop and write a book or letter. But if you want to carry your notebook everywhere you go, you have to consider the weight of the machine too. A notebook weighs between 5 to 10 pounds; an ultralight model is even lighter. Whereas, a desktop computer, with its standalone CPU, monitor, and keyboard, weighs in at about 70 pounds. A notebook takes much lesser space too and is very convenient.

Some of the most famous notebooks are Sony Vaio, Apple MacBook, Dell Latitude, Toshiba, HP. Also there are many affordable versions of notebooks marketed by companies like Fujitsu, Panasonic, IBM, Asus and etc.

Let’s look at a scenario where at a school, students are quietly seated at their desks and working on a class assignment with no teachers to guide them. It’s real, and is happening in many schools around us. Now, we don’t have to mourn looking at our tiny ones carrying pounds of baggage in their backs. Notebook has it all, from their books to assignment copies.

When we look at the productive side of the picture, we would promptly realize that a notebook is always a wise choice for an employer too. It makes his or her employees to achieve more productivity at work. It saves critical office space. At any crucial moment, a notebook can help you to do the work, even when you are not physically present in the office. When the traffic is high, and your boss is waiting for presentation in a conference room, a notebook comes to the rescue. A desktop PC does not give all this freedom for a good worker.

A research says that employees with notebooks work more than those companies with desktop PCs. A notebook enables you to work from anywhere, while traveling, from a beauty parlor, or while waiting for someone at a shopping mall. And the only disadvantage a notebook has is its safety, unless you doubly assure it from theft. It’s easy to pick and elope for anyone at a busy commercial place. So, ensure the safety of your costly gadget that makes you feel the world is at your feet and enjoy the power of technology.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias has a bachelor degree in Business Administration. Currently working as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

The idea of purchasing a personal computer may be appealing to a lot of people, however they may feel undecided as weather to go for a traditional desktop computer or for a light weight portable notebook. Several aspects should be taken into consideration as for the purposes of such acquisition. If the main purpose of buying a computer is for occasional use, regardless if it is for work or entertainment activities, one may consider buying a traditional desktop computer taking in consideration that its price is usually lower than the portable version.

The maintenance and eventual upgrade of a desktop computer is also much easier to perform and less costly. If the buyer is looking to spend the least amount of money, definitely the desktop computer models offer more choices of finding better deals weather it is used or new. One may look around the local computer stores for special deals or may consider browsing the many possibilities offered online stores.

Perhaps the greatest feature a desktop computer has is the fact that quite often it can be upgraded and personalized to suit the user needs without having to be sent back to the manufacturer. In most cases a local authorized computer store can perform the technical changes or upgrades to satisfaction. The desktop computers are meant for work and leisure as well and regardless of its configuration or how fast it can perform, it seems that it became an everyday tool of modern times.

On the other hand, if the main reason for the purchasing of a computer is portability, then in this case the notebook will be the right choice. There are several brand names available on the market offering all kinds of configurations, from very basic up to the most sophisticated and powerful late models of notebooks. After a careful research on which model will better suit your needs, then you will still have the option to choose to buy a new, reconditioned or used unit for the sake of saving some money. Keep in mind that a reconditioned laptop purchased from a computer store, usually comes will full warranty, just like as if you had purchased a brand new model but for a much less cost.

Just like any other purchase, it is important to do a careful research to find out what exactly your needs are and what are you going to do with it. The lightweight and portable notebooks are much nicer to carry around even though they are usually more expensive. Also the lightweight models almost always have a smaller screen and a more compact keyboard than traditional models of notebooks. So, in this case if weight is not a critical issue, than you may just consider to purchase a traditional regular-model notebook as long as it meets your requirements. If you choose this later option you will certainly be saving a great amount of money.

If you are the kind of person who feels skeptical about purchasing a reconditioned computer, because it has been previously returned from the manufacturer, relax, some times there is absolutely nothing wrong with the returned unit. It may have just been a matter of model preference or some minor detail that didn`t quite match the previous owner`s preference. Keep in mind that a reconditioned notebook with a full warranty is just as good as a brand new one and maybe even better for the great discount it usually offers.

Also you may find some good deals in refurbished notebooks. Beware that the difference between refurbished and reconditioned notebooks is that the former is usually an older notebook that has been used and then reconditioned, often by a third party, and the later usually means that it had some problem, went back to the manufacturer, got fixed and now it is available at a fair discount price with full manufacturer guarantee.

The right solution for one`s computer related tasks, whether desktop or notebook, will depend mostly on one`s working or leisure needs. Search carefully for the best deals and avoid paying extra for accessories you will hardly use. Also take a look at reconditioned (full warranty) computers. The price will certainly surprise you. And the performance might too!

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

Since it became commercially available back in the early eighties, notebooks called the attention of computer users because of its small size and portability. Not much of a commercial success back then, it only took a short time before the computer industry improved this item, up to a point that is now considered to be one of the best selling computer consumer products.

For one who intends to buy a budget notebook, he may have some difficulties in picking the right one, since there are several notebook manufactures offering so many models. Budget notebooks are in a class by itself with basic features but capable of delivering full solutions for computer related tasks.

For an easy guide to budget notebooks, check the following major manufactures:

SONY

Sony VAIO notebooks are fashioned products targeted to consumers who demand flexibility and power without compromise. It is expected to find features such as 15.4“ WXGA, duo core processor and 100 gb hard disk. Although not the cheapest of budget notebooks, it compensates the higher price by offering more technological features.

Most common features one can expect from Sony budget notebooks: 1 - Intel Core Duo Processor T2250 1.72 Ghz; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 1 gb DDR2 ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - Intel graphics media accelerator 950; 6 - 100 gb SATA hard disk 5400 rpm; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - wireless lan 802.11 a/b/g; 9 - Modem and Lan port 10/100; 10 - USB connectivity; 11 - It weighs around 6.5 pounds; 12 - Lithium ion battery up to 5.5 hours; 13 - One year limited warranty. Price starts from U$ 929.00 and up according with optional accessories.

DELL

With features such as 15.4“ WXGA, duo core processor and ATI Radeon Xpress graphics, Dell budget notebooks offer a flexible combination of power, mobile productivity and entertainment at a good price.

Most common features one can expect out of these notebooks are: 1 - AMD Turion 62 X2 1.8 ghz/1mb cache processor; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 512 mb ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - ATI Radeon Xpress 256 mb video graphics chipset; 6 - Up to 80 gb hard disk; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - It weighs around 6 pounds; 9 - 9-cell lithium ion battery; 10 - One year limited warranty. Price starts from U$ 549.00 and up according with optional accessories.

TOSHIBA

All Toshiba budget notebooks feature an 15.4“ diagonal WXGA display, DVD optical drive which reads and writes up to 11 formats, high speed wireless lan (802.11 b/g) for easy connection in networks.

Most common features one can expect out of these notebooks are: 1 - Intel Celeron processor with 1+ Ghz; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 512 mb ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - Radeon Xpress 200M video graphics chipset; 6 - 60 gb hard disk; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - wireless lan but no Bluetooth connectivity; 9 - Modem and Lan port 10/100 mbps; 10 - USB and firewire connectivity; 11 - It weighs around 5 pounds; 12 - 4-cell lithium ion battery; 13 - Tv-out s-video; 14 - One year parts and labor warranty. Price starts from U$ 599.00 and up according with optional accessories.

HP

HP Budget notebooks with features such as 15.4“ display screen, AMD Sempron 3500+ and a sophisticated black resin finish, offer an attractive mix of style, mobility and performance.

Expected features one can find in this HP notebook category: 1 - AMD Sempron 3500+; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 15.4“ WXGA Widescreen; 3 - 512 mb ddr2; 4 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 4 - Wireless connectivity 802.11b/g wlan; 5 - It weighs around 7 pounds; 6 - Nvidia video graphics chipset with 256 mb; 7 - 6-cell lithium ion battery; 8 - USB, lan and modem port; 9 - Integrated stereo speakers; 10 - 60 gb SATA hard disk; 11 - Tv-out s-video; 12 - One year warranty in parts and labor. Price starts from U$ 569.00 and up according with optional accessories.

A while ago portable electronics devices were a luxury at an expensive price. Nowadays it became an affordable must have kind of product for lots of people. Notebooks are in this category for sure! And basic notebooks are the best option for those who are in a tight budget. So, if portability is a must for your personal or professional computer related tasks, waste no more time. Get yourself a budget notebook!

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br