Laptop computers differ from their desktop counterparts in a number of important ways. Aside from their sheer size and portability, there are several other important features that might contribute to your decision to buy a laptop or notebook.
One of these features is the power supply. Unlike desktop computers, which need to be plugged into an AC Power outlet at all times, laptops are generally equipped with a rechargeable lithium, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride battery, contributing to the obvious benefit of increased portability.
The displays on laptop computers also differs greatly from that of desktops in that they use LCD technology, rather than a picture-tube, to display images on the screen. Although notebook computer displays are generally smaller, and often have a lower screen resolution, they can provide better overall color quality, and are considerably easier on the eyes.
The integration of input devices is another difference commonly associated with laptops. The keyboard is, by definition, built right into the body of the machine, as is some sort of pointing device. This adds to the portability factor, but is in fact a mixed blessing, since a damaged keyboard or touchpad is a much more serious problem on a notebook.
All in all, laptops are designed with different priorities in mind than their desktop cousins. The cost of basic functionality is much higher than that of a desktop computer, yet owning a notebook is now a virtual necessity for a large percentage of business users and other consumers.
