HOW LAPTOP WORKS

In a way, the skyrocketing popularity of laptop computers is ironic. They 're completely portable, and they use less power and make less noise than desktop models. But, they're often a little slower and have less graphics and sound processing power, although these differences can be too small for most users to notice.

Laptops are also more expensive than desktops. The price gap is closing, though-laptop prices are falling faster than desktop prices, and laptop PC's actually outsold desktop models for the first time in May of 2005.

How can all the equipment found in a desktop tower fit into such a small package? And how can laptops be efficient enough to run on battery power alone?

-Overall, laptop and desktop computers are very similar. They have the same basic hardware, software and operating systems. The primary difference is how their components fit together. A desktop computer includes a motherboard, video card, hard drive n other components in a large case. The monitor, keyboard, n other peripherals connect wireless or with cables. Whether the case sits vertically or horizontally, ti has lots of space for add-in-cards, cables and air circulation.

A laptop, however, is much smaller and lighter than even the most compact PC tower. Its screen is an integrated part of the unit, as is its keyboard. Instead of a spacious case with lots of room for air circulation, a laptop uses a small, flat design in which all the pieces fit together snugly.

-Because of this fundamental design difference an b'cos of a laptop's inherent portability, components have to:

"Fit into a compact space"
"Conserve power"
"Produce less heat than desktop components"

Often, these differences make the components most expensive, which can contribute to higher laptop prices.