Lecture#03 (Laptop Computers and Mobile Devices)

The question of whether computers can think is just like the question of whether submarines can swim.  ~Edsger W. Dijkstra


Lecture#03


Laptop Computers and Mobile Devices


Laptop Computers and Netbooks

What is a Laptop Computer?

A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can beeasily carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice some functionality in order to be even more portable.

Watch the video to learn about the basic parts of a laptop computer.

How is a Laptop Different From a Desktop?

Since laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences from desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), andspeakers. That means it is fully functional even when there are no peripherals attached to it. A laptop is quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way.

You also have the option of connecting a regular mouse, a larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basicallyturns your laptop into a desktop computer, with one main difference: You can easily disconnect the peripherals and take the laptop with you wherever you go.

Here are the main differences that you can expect with a laptop:

                                                     A touchpad on a laptop

An AC adapter plugged into a laptop

• Touchpad: A touchpad (also called a trackpad) is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the pointer by making a "drawing" motion with your finger. Many touchpads now include multi-touch gestures, which allow you to perform specific tasks by making gestures with more than one finger. For example, apinch gesture is often used to zoom in or out.
• Battery: Every laptop has a battery which allows you to use the laptop when it's not plugged in. Whenever you plug the laptop in, the battery recharges. Another benefit of having a battery is that it can provide backup power to the laptop if the power goes out.
• AC Adapter: A laptop usually has a specialized power cable called an AC adapter, which is designed to be used with that particular kind of laptop. Some of these cables use magneticMagSafe connectors that will safely pull out if someone trips over the power cable. This helps to prevent damage to the cable and the laptop.
• Ports: Most laptops have the same types of ports that desktop computers have (such as USB), although they usually have fewer ports to save space. However, some ports may be different, and you may need an adapter in order to use them. For example, the monitor port is often a Mini DisplayPort, which is a smaller version of the normal DisplayPort.

Since some ports have a similar appearance, you may need to consult your manual to determine what types of ports your laptop has.

What is a Netbook?

A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable. Netbooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less powerful than other types of computers, but they provide enough power for email and internet access, which is where the name "netbook" comes from.

In order to save space, netbooks generally have smaller screens and keyboards. Many netbooks also lack certain hardware such as optical drives. However, there are many different models available, and in some cases there isn't much difference between a large netbook and a "regular" laptop.

                                                      Using a netbook

                                    

Since netbooks are less powerful, they sometimes use a more simplified operating system. Most new netbooks use Windows 7 Starter, but some use simplified versions of Linux.

Getting to Know Mobile Devices

What is a Mobile Device?

A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. These include tablet computers, e-readers, andsmartphones.

Tablet Computers

                                                          Using a virtual keyboard on an iPad

Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a very different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboardand use your finger as a mouse pointer.

Tablet computers are mostly designed forconsuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many people, a "regular" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use programs like Microsoft Word or Photoshop. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means that it may be ideal as asecond computer. Below are some of the main features that you can expect with a tablet computer:

• Mobile OS: Different types of tablets use different operating systems. Examples include Android and iOS. You'll usually be able to download free updates to your OS as they become available.

• Solid-State Drives: Tablet computers usually use solid-state drives, which allow the computer to boot upand open programs more quickly. They are also more durable than hard disk drives.

• Wi-Fi and 3G: Since they are optimized for internet use, tablet computers have built-in Wi-Fi. For a monthly fee, you can also purchase a 3G data plan, allowing you to access the internet from almost anywhere.

• Bluetooth: In order to save space, tablet computers have very few ports. If you want to use an externalkeyboard or other peripherals, they will often use a wireless Bluetooth connection.

E-Book Readers

                                                     A Kindle e-reader with an e-paper display

A Nook Color with an LCD display

E-book readers (also called e-readers) are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Examples include the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook.

E-book readers have either an e-paper display or an LCD display:

• E-Paper: Short for electronic paper, this type of display can usually only display black and white. It is designed to look a lot like an actual page in a book. Unlike an LCD display, it is not backlit, so the text stays readable even outdoors in full sun. Many people consider e-paper to be more pleasant to read, as it causes less eye strain. However, it generally can't be used for videos or other applications because the refresh rate is too low.

• LCD: This is the same type of screen found on tablet computers andlaptops. It's more versatile than e-paper, but it's often more difficult to view in bright sunlight, as the image becomes washed out. Since an LCD screen can display colors, this type of e-reader is better for viewing magazines or books with photos. Many LCD e-readers (such as the Nook Color) are basically tablet computers, as they can do many different tasks in addition to displaying e-books.

You don't need an e-reader in order to read an e-book. E-books can usually be read on tablet computers, smartphones, laptops, anddesktops.

Smartphones

                             A phone with a physical keyboard

A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a variety of applications in addition to phone service. They are basically small tablet computers, and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, playing games and more.

Smartphones use touchscreens and operating systems similar to those used by tablet computers. Many of them use a virtual keyboard, but others (such as the BlackBerry Curve) have aphysical keyboard, which allows the entire screen to be used for display purposes.

Internet access is an important feature of smartphones. Generally, you will need to purchase a 3G data plan in addition to normal cell service. Smartphones can also connect to Wi-Fi when it is available, which is usually faster than 3G.

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a mobile device that is used for managing phone numbers, addresses, calendars, and other information. Before smartphones existed, a PDA was usually a separate device. Today, smartphones combine the functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone.

THE END!

Meet you people next week. . . .