Laptops and Notebooks – Computers with Convenience – Is There A Difference?
Are notebook computers different from laptop computers? Some people claim that there is a difference. That the difference has something to do the computer’s processing power, portability, or the capacity of the hard drives. To truly understand the difference, we have to look into the history of laptop and notebooks – computers made primarily for their portability.
It was in 1980s when the world was introduced to the first modern laptop. It was the Dulmont Magnum released in 1984. Initially, they believed that laptop computers would only cater to a small market like the military, or the Internal Revenue Service. But as laptop computers became more portable and just as powerful as desktop computers, more and more people started buying laptop computers.
The laptop computers back then were nothing like the notebook computers that we have now. They were heavy, bulky, they didn’t have a lot of memory or processing power. But as the years went by and the technology became available, they were able to create smaller and smaller laptops.
Even as the years passed, there was one problem that laptop manufacturer weren’t able to foresee and correct. Manufacturers called these small portable computers “laptops” because they visualized a future wherein these computers are so portable that you can use them on your lap without a table. But we all know what happens when you put a laptop on your lap for too long. The computer gets so hot you can actually get burned.
This is because laptop computers use high voltage processors and magnetic hard drives that produce a lot f heat. These are basically the same components as that of a regular desktop, that’s why you need to have ventilation and a heat sink when you get a desktop.
The Era of Notebooks – Computers of More Modern Design
Enter the year 2000 and the latest models of laptop computers arrive in the market. They’re new and they’re lightweight. And they were called notebook computers. It was also around this time that cheaper notebooks were also released to the market targeting students. These laptops have lower capacity hard drives and limited processing power.
So are these cheaper, lightweight laptops the notebook computers? No. Actually, laptops and notebook computers are the same thing.
A lot of laptop manufacturers were getting sued from personal injuries resulting from the use of laptops. So manufacturers decided to call the newer laptop models “notebook computers”, to discourage people from using computers on their laps. They believed that the term notebook computer would encourage you to place a laptop on a table instead of your lap.
So what’s the difference between notebooks – computers with a ‘political’ raison d’etre – and laptop computers? There’s no difference whatsoever. The terms laptops and notebooks are actually interchangeable. But if you want to be politically correct, use the term ‘notebook’ instead.
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Well – I’ve certainly got a burned lap from laptops. OK for half an hour – then it starts getting painful.