A laptop (also known as a notebook or notepad) is a more mobile version of the traditional computer, commonly weighing around 3 - 12 pounds (1.5 - 5.5 kg). They basically run on a battery (which is always provided with the laptop) or through an AC / DC adapter which serves the dual purpose of charging the battery as well as supplying electricity for the laptop to run. This battery is not the same thing as the battery we normally use for torch lights and radios.

Laptops consist of very similar components as the normal PC, and are able to perform very much every function that the normal computers can do (including playing games, surfing the net and chatting), but are made small for use 'on - the - go' and for efficient power consumption. It is, notably, much less powerful than a desktop PC which can be bought for the same price, due to the fact that the production of laptops are much more expensive than that of desktop computers.

Laptops use LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display). They also feature a built-in keyboard, and utilizes a touchpad (trackpad) or a pointing stick in substitution of the mouse, although an external keyboard and mouse can be used for the sake of convenience.

Laptops are a real blessing in that you can use them anywhere you like! Therefore, if visitors have come over to stay at your home, and if you find it difficult doing your work or homework with the constant racket, you can go over to a café, where you can do your work in peace.

Another big advantage is that laptops don't take up a whole lot of space, so you don't need to buy a separate desk dedicated to the PC. Also, the lack of wires makes the laptop area look neat, rather than your desktop PC, which may be a scene of ugly tangles.

Moreover, access to the internet is made much easier with wireless options available such as Wi-Fi (which is available when you walk into a Starbucks café or in public places in particular cities) or mobile broadband through a small USB device, which means you can access internet wherever and whenever you like.

However, there are some health hazards that you may encounter due to the use of laptops. It is said that when you keep the laptop on your thighs when using it, the skin on your thighs tend to get discolored due to the heat generated by the laptop.

Also, due to the small keyboards and trackpad devices, it tends to cause RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Due to the screen being integrated with the laptop, people tend to hunch over to get a better view of the screen, which can cause neck and spinal damage.

Summery: This article describes the various advantages of using laptops and makes a comparison between laptops and PCs, while also pointing out their disadvantages.