Laptop Types
When laptop computers first came out, they all pretty much looked the same. There was a large box holding the CPU, with a small LCD screen that was half the size of the box. And when the screen flipped up, it revealed a keyboard underneath. The laptops were so heavy; there are some desktop computers that are being sold now that weigh less than those old laptop computers.

These days, there are many different types of laptops, as they come in several shapes and sizes. The most popular and traditional style consists of a flat square box containing the CPU, and upon which sits a keyboard that is embedded into the top. The LCD screen is the length and width of the CPU, and is attached on one side, opening up like a clamshell. Most people find this arrangement to be the best laptop type, as they can work in some pretty tight spaces with this design and still find themselves being very productive. This design is also currently the cheapest laptop type, as it is the one with the least amount of innovation.

Another laptop type that is slowly gaining in popularity is the tablet PC. These notebooks can be used just like the traditional style of laptop, but with one difference. The LCD screen on a tablet PC can swivel around and rest on top of the CPU, allowing the user to work on the computer while it’s closed. This takes up even less space than a traditional laptop, as it resembles a large book while on someone’s lap. A mouse is not needed either, as the user interacts with the tablet PC via a touchscreen and stylus. By using the stylus to write on the screen, data can be input into the operating system without the use of any other input devices.

A recent development in laptop design is the handheld PC. These devices have actually been around for a while, but they have always been extremely expensive and have had to run on a stripped-down version of Windows called Windows CE. Not many applications could be found for this neglected operating system, so the devices caught on. Now, however, handheld PCs have the power to run advanced operating systems like Windows XP and even Vista, and act just like a laptop only a lot smaller. And the price has come down a lot as well, so it won’t be long before these new devices are more in the mainstream.

All of these laptop types can be purchased at just about any electronics or computer retailer, and also online. In addition discount and wholesale laptops can be found on certain sites, as can accessories such as carrying cases and laptop printers.