What do you call a type of computer that is designed to be placed on your lap?
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- As you know, computers come in many different forms from desktop computers to laptops, to tablets and mobile phones. These are sometimes referred to as personal computers to distinguish them from other types of computers, like calculators, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, which are all technically computers too. Let's take a moment here to look at the different characteristics of the most common types of personal computers and the types of uses that are best suited for, a desktop computer is a computer that's designed to stay in one place, like your office work area or some other semi-permanent location in your home or office. Desktop computers are typically comprised of separate pieces for the base unit, the monitor, the keyboard, mouse and speakers. These separate pieces, as well as the fact that desktop computers have to be plugged into an electrical outlet, make them impractical for moving them from location to location. Laptop computers, on the other hand are computers that are designed to be portable and all the necessary parts to use the computer from the monitor, to the speakers, to the keyboard and track pad mouse are all contained in one device. Laptops are also battery powered, so you don't have to keep them plugged into an outlet to use them. Making them ideal for using in different areas of your home or on the road. Now, tablet computers are another type of portable computer, usually even smaller and lighter than laptops. Instead of having a physical keyboard and track pad, tablets are touch sensitive, meaning you tap and interact directly with the items on the screen with your fingers, or sometimes with a special pen called a stylus. And when you need to input text, a screen-based keyboard will appear. Like desktop and laptop computers, you can install software applications on tablets for work, but they're lightweight and size also makes them ideal for entertainment like for reading electronic books or watching movies. And lastly, smartphones are another type of common personal computing device. That's small enough to be held in one hand. Like the other devices we've looked at, you can install software on smartphones to accomplish all sorts of tasks. Although their size generally doesn't make them ideal for complicated work. Now, smartphones connect to mobile networks to let you make phone calls, but this connection also gives you access to the internet, making it possible to communicate with others, access your email, share files, and perform a variety of other online tasks that other personal computers typically require a wifi internet connection to accomplish. So depending on your needs, you may find yourself using one or a combination of these types of personal computing devices to get things done. Show
Watch courses on your mobile device without an internet connection. Download courses using your iOS or Android LinkedIn Learning app. Laptop computers, sometimes called notebook computers, got their name because they are so small and lightweight that they can be used while balanced on the owner’s lap. Many people use their notebook computers most while they are comfortably seated on the couch. That’s fine for short periods, but a laptop computer will give better service and have a longer life if it is used with more care. Laptop computers should be placed in an area with good air circulation. Overheating is a real problem for such small computers, and it can cause serious short term and long term damage. Be sure none of the air vents are blocked. Vents are usually located on the sides and back of the unit, but some models have air vents on the bottom as well. These units function best if they are placed on a raised, slatted surface so that air can reach the vents. Clean the vents monthly with a small vacuum for optimal performance. Dust impedes the flow of air and leads to overheating. Never store a laptop when it is in suspended or sleeping mode; make sure it is turned off completely. Be especially careful about this if you use a foam screen protector, because they retain heat. Don’t place the laptop in direct sunlight. A table directly over a furnace duct is also a poor choice. A hot environment can easily cause a notebook computer to overheat. Make sure to store notebook computers at room temperature. If your laptop is accidentally exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, give it plenty of time to return to room temperature before starting it. A laptop should sit on a stable surface. Even small bumps and short drops can damage a computer. Dropping items onto a closed laptop can also cause damage. If you tend to drop your mail on a table when coming into the room, place your laptop somewhere else. Don’t place any computer near an appliance that generates an electrical field. Avoid magnetic fields as well. Exposure can cause data loss. Position the laptop so that the power cord is not kinked or twisted in any way. Don’t let anything sit on top of the power cord. Keep it out of the room’s traffic pattern, because tripping over a power cord can easily jerk a laptop off the table. Be sure the AC adapter in the power cord gets good air circulation, because it can overheat. When storing the cord, it’s best to gather it into accordion-like folds and hold it in place with a Velcro wrap. Position the laptop so that the screen will not get bumped or poked with objects. These screens are made of plastic over liquid crystals, and they are quite fragile. Don’t touch the screen with fingers, pencils, or pens. Only use a laptop in a clean, dry environment. Any moisture can damage the computer. Keep drinks away from the laptop, and don’t use water to clean it, either. Laptops are sturdy computers, but they will perform even better with careful placement and handling. Related Articles: Computer Glossary | Monitoring Laptop Temperature | Preparing Meeting Minutes | VoIP Software What is that PC called which can be kept on the lap while working on it?The term laptop appears to have been coined in the early 1980s to describe a mobile computer which could be used on one's lap and to distinguish these devices from earlier and much heavier portable computers (informally called "luggables").
What is the name of a computer that is designed to be placed on a desk?A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements.
What type of computer is usually designed to be placed on a desk and consists of parts like computer case monitor keyboard and mouse?Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Which type of personal computer is portable and can easily sit on your lap while working?Laptop computer
A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers.
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