Portable devices, such as laptops, dominate the modern world – this should be no surprise. The statistics show that the laptop market is growing faster than the desktop computer and other technology markets, resulting in an abundance of new models being released daily and demand increasing steadily over time.
Around 277 million laptops and 160 million tablets will be distributed in 2021. This number is expected to dip slightly in 2025 to 272 million shipped laptop units.
Laptop Computer
A laptop computer, also known as a portable computer, is an incredibly convenient device that can be easily taken with you anywhere due to its lightweight and compact design. Laptops typically have all the same functions as desktop computers, including a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad, and speakers – but it runs on battery power. But you still need laptop chargers if the battery runs out! Most laptops in the market use two popular operating systems, Windows and MacOS. But other laptops use Chrome OS.
The GRiD Compass, the first device to demonstrate a laptop’s present-day clamsheLaptoll design of flat screen and keyboard, was crafted in 1979 by British designer Bill Moggridge. Manufactured in 1982 with an eye-catching black magnesium case, this machine had quite the hefty $10 000 price tag attached.
The first laptop’s batteries couldn’t sustain the electroluminescent display and Intel 8086 processor. Despite weighing only five pounds without an external disk drive, it had multiple applications in space missions and military operations. Unfortunately, for business purposes, this marvel of technology’s high cost made it unable to follow IBM PC standards, quickly becoming a standard for corporate computing; however, most portable computers derived from its pioneering design.
Everything You Need To Know About Laptop Types
Although laptop and notebook computer is often used interchangeably, they can be divided into subcategories. Ultraportables, for instance, can double as laptops or tablets due to their 2-in-1 design. Laptop users do not have to choose one since they can have the best of both worlds! Here are the different types of laptops.
Ultraportables
Ultraportable laptops, designed with mobility in mind, are incredibly slim and lightweight. As a result of their limited size, they may need larger connection ports or fewer ports than other models. The lightest ones weigh around one kilogram! Getting an ultraportable with an OLED screen can significantly reduce eye strain while still maintaining portability. You should look for a guide to OLED laptops if you plan to get one since many are in the market.
Pros and Cons of Ultraportables
Ultraportable laptops weigh just two pounds (0.91 kg) and can even fit into large pockets! It’s the perfect device to take wherever you go due to its easy carrying capabilities and price point accessibility – though some may be challenged by using this ultraportable notebook or worry about running out of battery away from home.
Ultrabooks
“ultrabook” has become a household name for any light and compact laptop intended to be easily carried around. Intel initially trademarked this as the specification for their go-to type of laptops: power-efficient processors, solid state drives (SSDs), and clamshell bodies designed with portability in mind.
Nowadays, practically any lightweight laptop with an Intel processor and SSD could be referred to as an ultrabook – though this needs to be more technically accurate since some are labeled ultraportables. You can look for a guide online if you want to know about SSD laptops.
Pros and Cons of Ultrabooks
One of the main advantages of an ultrabook is its incredibly long battery life, which can last up to 20 hours on a single charge! Additionally, they are lightweight and slim, so you can easily slip one into your bag without adding additional bulk or weight. The matte finish, high contrast ratio, and lack of glare make their screens easily visible outdoors. Some laptop brands even include touchscreens to make navigating through files on a computer effortless without needing an external keyboard or mouse!
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are powered by the ChromeOS (derived from Linux) operating system, unlike a Windows laptop. Chrome OS laptops run web apps that store data in the Cloud instead of on the laptop itself. Generally, Chromebooks offer little onboard storage. To access applications, one must download them directly from Google’s Chrome Web Store; recent model Chromebooks can now run Android apps too!
Pros and Cons of Chromebooks
Chromebooks are the ideal choice for schools and corporations, as they come in more affordable models with a simpler setup that allows for efficient centralized management and protection. This cheap laptop is rapidly becoming the go-to laptop due to its convenient setup process, reliable parental controls, and integrated virus protection.
MacBooks
Apple’s laptop computer lineup offers two distinct families of computers; the ultra-sleek 13-inch MacBook Air and the power-packed MacBook Pro. These Apple laptops are available in three sizes – 13″, 14″, and 16″. Apple’s macOS operating system powers all these models.
Apple has revolutionized computing with the latest versions of its MacBooks, now running on Apple Silicon – a line of in-house chipsets. The system-on-a-chip (SOC) design merges hardware and software into one tight package, significantly boosting performance speed and offering better battery life.
Pros and Cons of MacBooks
The recent versions of the MacBook are compatible with the Apple Watch. You can use Apple Watch to unlock this laptop model. Similarly, you can stream what’s on your Mac to an Apple TV using the Control Center in the menu bar of your Mac.
2-in-1 Laptops or Convertibles
Two-in-One or hybrid laptops are the perfect combinations of a laptop and tablet. These machines can rapidly transform between touchpad tablets or traditional keyboard modes with diverse motion mechanisms like detaching, sliding, twisting, and fold-back methods. Most models now use fold-back methodologies to switch modes, while some still have the option for detachable screens. With these innovative devices, you get all a laptop has to offer, plus much more!
Pros and Cons of 2-in-1 Laptops
Hybrid laptops are the perfect mix of laptops and tablets, combining portability and productivity. Depending on its features, one hybrid laptop might look drastically different than another – ranging in size from a standard tablet to something larger like an ultrabook – while still offering all the same benefits of being bendable and lightweight. With so many varieties available, one will fit your needs perfectly!
Tablet as Laptops
Even as convertible laptops can be used as a tablet and laptops, adding a keyboard to a tablet makes them usable as a laptop. Microsoft’s Surface Pro series and smaller Surface Go are excellent examples of Windows-based tablets that benefit from having a keyboard while allowing you to quickly switch into touchscreen tablet mode when necessary without adding any extra bulk or weight with the detachable keyboard.
Similarly, the Apple iPad and iPad Pro can be transformed into laptops with attachable keyboards. Utilizing Apple’s exclusive operating system, these tablets are ideal for apps that allow laptop usage. Samsung also produces various tablets compatible with either Windows or Android OS – depending on the model – and operates similarly to a laptop once a detachable keyboard is affixed.
Pros and Cons of Tablets as Laptops
Tablets are designed for various uses, from creating documents to playing games. While it can be used as a laptop with the help of a detachable keyboard, one should also bear in mind that tablets usually have limited storage space and cannot handle demanding tasks like video editing or complex gaming applications. Additionally, they offer fewer ports than regular laptops and may not have enough battery life to support long work sessions.
Uses of Laptops
Laptops offer numerous advantages and are designed to be versatile. Business professionals use laptops to plan projects, create presentations and documents, and research while on the go. Students rely on them to complete assignments, access the internet for educational resources, and even take online classes.
At home, people can utilize their laptops to stream movies and TV shows, play video games, and stay connected with friends and family. With the different types available in the market today, there is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle perfectly!
Business Laptops
Business laptops are designed specifically for professionals and require an even more robust set of specifications than the typical consumer laptop. These devices feature powerful processors, large storage capacities, efficient cooling systems, and additional ports. Business laptops offer enhanced security features such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition to keep confidential information safe.
School
Even though many students have desktop PCs at home, they still use a laptop when they go to school. Not only are these devices used for completing school assignments, but they also provide access to educational resources. Many laptops using the Windows OS usually have Microsoft Word and Excel pre-installed, making it easier for students to create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are designed to play video games and feature the most powerful hardware. With the latest titles, these computers can handle anything from low-end casual gaming to high-end, intense gaming experiences. The key specifications of gaming laptops include the following:
- A dedicated graphics card.
- Superior cooling systems.
- A large screen display.
- Enhanced sound capabilities.
Touchscreen Laptops
Touchscreen laptops offer a more intuitive and interactive experience than traditional laptops by allowing you to use your fingers or a stylus pen to interact with the screen instead of relying on an external mouse. There is a variety of touchscreen laptop designs in the market, so you can choose between those with touchscreens that can be used as regular laptops or those that convert into tablets. Some people even get a 4K laptops for gaming as well.
Laptops are a tremendous asset for modern-day computing and remain the most popular choice of personal computers today. With so many different types available, one will fit your needs perfectly! Whether you need a laptop for business, school, gaming, or casual use – make sure you know the pros and cons of each type before making your purchase! After all, a laptop is an investment, and you want to ensure it lasts. Research as much as possible and ask questions if you have any doubts, and you will be sure to find the best laptop.