For the mobile computer user on the go, the ultimate in portability is a notebook PC. Slim, lightweight, and very mobile, notebook PCs cut the ties that computer users have traditionally had to a desktop computer system. Looking in to these marvels of modern computers, though, reveals an interesting history, numerous benefits, and even a few conceptions regarding their use.
Definition
Many computer enthusiasts use the terms "laptop" and "notebook" interchangeably for the same piece of hardware. Under its strictest definition, though, a notebook PC is not always the same as a laptop computer, especially when discussing older model machines. Notebook PCs are portable, lightweight computers with dimensions similar to those of a standard college notebook. In the early days of mobile computing, laptop computers were often bulky and sometimes weighed in at 20 pounds or more; by comparison, notebook computers were usually approximately the same size as a notebook or text book, could be easily slid into a backpack or briefcase, and generally weighed 10 pounds or less for increased mobility.
Modern Laptops and Notebooks
Today's laptop computers, in contrast to the bulky early models that usually did require a lap (or two) for support, almost always fit into the definition of a notebook PC. Some notable exceptions do exist, though, such as the Dell XPS 2010. With a 20-inch detachable monitor and full sized keyboard with numeric keypad, the computer more than doubles the dimensions of a standard notebook. Weighing in at more than 18 pounds, the machine less portable than traditional notebook computers, but it is considerably more portable than desktop computers.
By contrast, a newer breed of laptop computer is considerably smaller than a standard notebook, earning them the distinction of "sub-notebook" or "mini-notebook" computers. These machines, some with monitors as small as eight inches in diagonal measurement, are significantly different than traditional notebook PCs.
Function
In general, notebook PCs function much like their larger desktop computer cousins. Notebook PCs rely on a processor and motherboard for overall operation of the machine, a video card for processing graphics, a sound card for audio input and output, and external peripherals for functions such as printing and networking. Notebook PCs differ, however, in how these components are arranged; instead of relying on a large motherboard with daughter boards assigned to individual tasks, as is common in desktop computers, notebook PC manufacturers often integrate video and sound functions into the motherboard to save space.
Likewise, a notebook PC may use specially adapted media drives, wireless adapters, and other add-ons that are specifically designed for installation in portable machines. Finally, notebook PCs usually rely on multi-touch enabled trackpads rather than hand-held mouse pointers for input, as a trackpad can be easily integrated into the computer body while a mouse can not (for ease of use, however, many manufacturers use Bluetooth and USB technology to make adding an external mouse quick and easy).
Benefits
The primary benefit of a notebook PC is its portability. Frequently used by business and leisure travels, a notebook PC allows a user to take files, media, and games on the road with the same level of access enjoyed at home. Business users can also easily tote their computers to meetings for uninterrupted access to email and other work-related items, and presentations can easily be developed and delivered using the same machine. Notebook PCs are almost always lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for at home, in the office and on the road.
Considerations
Although modern notebook PCs offer ample computing power and many users rely on notebooks as their primary computers, the specialized hardware required for use in notebooks means that the machines generally lag behind their desktop cousins in terms of processing power. Notebook PCs are also somewhat more expensive to expand and modify, and some devices require proprietary hardware for expansion. Finally, the all-in-one nature of notebook PCs makes them difficult to repair, especially if the integrated display screen becomes cracked or broken. This repair obstacle, coupled with the portable design of the machines, makes the risk of catastrophic failure due to accidental damage significantly higher in notebook PCs than in other types of computers.
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