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A laptop computer (also known as notebook computer) is a small mobile personal computer, usually weighing around from 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 pounds). Laptops are capable of much of what their desktop counterparts can do. They have many of the same components, but they are miniaturized. Laptops usually have LCDs for their screens and smaller SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM) chips for their RAM. Hard drives are 2.5" and mostly smaller than in desktop computers. Graphics chips are integrated and sometimes completely uncapable in gaming. They often have a touchpad or a pointing stick, but an additional computer mouse or keyboard can be attached.

Laptops are typically popular among students, travellers, and telecommuters. They replace a full, traditional computer. The cheapest models cost less than $1000. Most modern laptops use an active matrix display, with screen sizes 14.1" or larger. Many have PCMCIA expansion bays for expansion cards. Internal hard disks are 2.5" compared to desktop computers which have 3.5". Display adapters and sound cars are integrated. Laptop batteries usually last about 2-5 hours. Docking stations are used for expanding connectors and quickly connecting many components to the laptop. The lightest notebooks weigh 1.5 kg and the heftiest 3 kg. Modern laptops can handle games but can be limited by their display adapter type.

Popular laptops

• Acer - TravelMate and Aspire
• Alienware
• Apple Computer - iBook and PowerBook
• ASUS
• Clevo
• Compaq
• Dell Inspiron and Dell Latitude
• ECS
• Fujitsu - Lifebook
• Hewlett Packard - HP Pavilion and HP Omnibook
• IBM - ThinkPad
• NEC
• Sony VAIO
• Toshiba - Dynabook

See also

• Desknote
• PDA
• Tablet PC
• Sub-notebook