History of the Laptop Computer
Laptop computers play such an important role in today’s society that it is extremely common to see them in schools, at coffee shops, in libraries, and even at the park on a sunny day. They have become such a vital part of the lives of people everywhere that it would be uncommon to go a day without seeing one. Laptops are increasingly popular because of their convenience and portability. Furthermore, the electronic devices easily contain all of a person’s personal files, pictures, music, videos, and work. They play a vital role in students’ school work as well as in individuals’ work lives.
A precursor to the personal laptop computer, the Dynabook was designed and invented by Alan Kay in 1968. Kay referred to it as a “personal portable information manipulator.” Later, in 1975, IBM developed the first commercially available portable computer. The Osborne I, invented in 1981 and priced at $1,795, is considered to be the first official laptop computer. It weighed a hefty 23.5 pounds, had a 5-inch display screen, and had no battery. Later that year, the Epson HX-20, the first laptop-sized portable computer, made its appearance. The Epson introduced the world to the rechargeable laptop battery, increasing the convenience of laptops.
Flip down screens, a feature that protects the laptop computer screen, was not a characteristic of laptops until the 1980s. The Dulmont Magnum, released in 1982, was the first to flaunt this new ability. The Dulmont Magnum was not available for commercial use until 1984, however.
After 1983, laptop technology continued to become more and more advanced to allow touchpad, the pointing stick, and handwriting recognition capabilities. Battery life, as well, has been improved over the years. Laptops now use minimum power and last up to several hours to allow its users the convenience of utilizing them anywhere for extended periods of time. This capacity is in direct contrast to desktop computers that do not have batteries and must remain plugged into an electrical outlet at all times in order to be functional.
Laptop technology has also diminished the size of these computers to add to their portability. Full-sized laptops are about 11 inches in length to accommodate a full keyboard. The energy efficient NetBook is a smaller, lighter version of a typical laptop. Most laptops that measure less than 11.6 inches are considered NetBooks. Tablet PCs have touch screens. This means that their display screens can be rotated and flipped down to be used as a slate with a pen stylus for writing. This feature allows for a more diverse range of functionality. Another class of laptop computers are designed so that they can be operated in harsh environments. These laptops are able to withstand shock, extreme temperatures, and wet or dusty climates.
Currently, the most lightweight laptop computer is manufactured by Fujitsu. The Fujitsu LifeBook Q2010 weighs in at only 2.2 pounds and has a display screen measuring 12.1 inches. The most advanced laptop computers have DVD burners, DVD and BluRay players, Wi-Fi capabilities, and low power consumption.
