Laptop computer, portable personal computer that features a screen, touch pad, and alphanumeric keyboard.
Laptops usually have a clamshell design, in which the screen is located on the interior of the upper lid and the keyboard is located on the interior of the lower lid. Laptop screens are protected when users close their lids. Batteries power the machines during mobile use and are recharged via alternating current (AC) power chargers. Like desktop computers, modern laptops possess such input/output (I/O) components as keyboards, point devices (e.g., touch pads), and speakers. Data storage amount, memory capacity, and processor speed depend on the model and user configuration.
Laptops have many advantages over desktop computers. Laptops’ portability and battery make productivity possible nearly anywhere, especially as almost all laptops possess Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the ability to connect to cellular networks. Laptops are also far more power efficient than desktop computers. However, laptops still cannot reach the performance levels of desktops, making the latter more desirable for resource-intensive activities—for example, playing the most advanced computer games. Additionally, desktop computers allow users to swap out the processor, RAM, and hard drive when they need replacing. The way that laptops are designed means that, unlike desktop computers, they are rarely upgradeable