Summary

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices 3One of the original laptops was the GRiD Compass 1101. Astronauts used it during spacemissions in the early 1980s. It weighed 11 lb. (5 kg) and cost $8,000–$10,000! Laptopstoday often weigh less than one-half the weight and cost less than one-third the price of theGRiD Compass 1101. The compact design, convenience, and evolving technology of laptopshave made them as popular as desktops.Laptops, personal digital assistants (PDA), and smartphones are becoming more popularas their prices decrease and technology continues to progress. As a computer technician,you need to have knowledge of portable devices of all kinds. This chapter focuses on thedifferences between laptops and desktops and describes the features of PDAs and smartphones.Describe Laptops and Other Portable DevicesEarly laptops were heavy and expensive. Today, laptops are very popular because advancesin technology have resulted in laptops that cost less, weigh less, and have improved capabilities.Many laptops can be configured with an additional video port, a FireWire port, aninfrared port, or an integrated camera.NoteNotebooks, laptops, and tablets are types of portable computers. For clarity and consistency in ITEssentials I, all portable computers will be called laptops.PDAs and smartphones are examples of portable, handheld devices that are becoming morepopular. PDAs offer features such as games, web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging, andmany other features offered by PCs. Smartphones are cell phones with many built-in PDAcapabilities. PDAs and smartphones can run some of the same software as laptops.After completing the following sections, you will meet these objectives:■■Identify some common uses of laptopsIdentify some common uses of PDAs and smartphonesIdentify Common Uses of LaptopsThe most significant feature of a laptop is the compact size. The design of the laptop placesthe keyboard, screen, and internal components into a small, portable case.Another popular feature of the laptop is that it can be used almost anywhere. A rechargeablebattery allows the laptop to function when it is disconnected from an AC power source.The first laptops were used primarily by businesspeople who needed to access and enterdata when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited because ofexpense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops.