6 Let’s Learn About Laptops!

General Information About Laptops

Laptops are portable computers that you can use almost anywhere. They are smaller versions of a desktop computer, but with the advantage of being able to carry them around easily. Laptops have a screen, a keyboard, a touchpad or a mouse, and ports for connecting other devices like USB drives and headphones.

When choosing a laptop for everyday or business usage, there are several factors to consider:

• Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for laptops within that price range.
• Purpose: Consider what you’ll primarily be using the laptop for, whether it’s web browsing, word processing, gaming, or graphic design.
• Portability: Decide if you need a lightweight and slim laptop for easy portability or if you prioritize a larger screen size and more powerful performance.
• Features: Look for specific features that are important to you, such as touchscreen capability, a high-resolution display, or a long battery life.

The operating system (OS) is the software that manages all of the computer’s resources and allows you to interact with it. The most common operating systems for laptops are:

• Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is the most widely used operating system for laptops and offers compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware.
• macOS: Developed by Apple, macOS is the operating system used exclusively on Apple laptops. It’s known for its intuitive interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
• Chrome OS: Developed by Google, Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system designed primarily for web browsing and online productivity. It’s commonly found on Chromebooks, which are affordable laptops popular in education settings.

RAM is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data that the computer is currently using. More RAM allows the computer to run more programs simultaneously without slowing down. When choosing a laptop, it’s important to consider the amount of RAM it has:

• 4GB: Suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and email.
• 8GB: Ideal for multitasking and running multiple applications at once.
• 16GB or more: Recommended for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and graphic design.

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the “brain” of the computer that performs calculations and executes tasks. Different laptops come with different types of processors, typically from either Intel or AMD:

• Intel Core: Intel Core processors are known for their strong performance and power efficiency, making them popular choices for a wide range of laptops.
• AMD Ryzen: AMD Ryzen processors offer competitive performance and are often found in laptops aimed at budget-conscious consumers or gaming enthusiasts.

Key Market Insights

The Global Laptop Market size is expected to be worth around USD 247.7 Billion by 2032 from USD 170.0 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The market is marked by a high degree of competition among established players like Apple (Macs), Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus and Microsoft (Windows PCs), as well as emerging brands that focus on niche demands. The laptop market, therefore, represents a dynamic sector where innovation and technological advancement are crucial for maintaining competitive advantages.

The growth of the laptop market is primarily driven by the increasing reliance on digital platforms for work, education, and entertainment. The shift towards hybrid work models and remote education has significantly boosted the demand for laptops. (From market.us/report/laptop-market)

What Makes a Good Laptop?

Watch the video below to consider different aspects of computers. Take notes so that you can answer questions about the contents on the next page’s quiz.

1. What are the most common operating systems?
2. Why do the screen size and laptop weight matter?
3. What role can computers play in note-taking?
4. What kind of CPUs are common these days?
5. What kind of battery life should you look for?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OgK6hM89ZAM%3Fsi%3D7sJ3GNyvRQR_jTfC

Minimum Computer Requirements for school

Students enrolled in online courses with the University of Houston should be aware of the following technology requirements to ensure a successful online learning experience. To enroll and participate in online classes, students must use a desktop computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with internet access. Check the requirements below to ensure that your computer is appropriately equipped. (From https://uh.edu/online/tech/requirements/)

Operating System Minimum requirements:

• Windows 10 Intel-based i5 Dual Core 64-bit (x64) processor; 16 GB of RAM, minimum; at least 500GB hard drive
• Mac OS X 10.15 or later; Intel Core i5 Quad-Core processor or better; faster processor speeds are recommended. 16 GB of RAM minimum.
• Chromebooks are fit for browsing the internet. Please secure a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop computer noted above.
• Microphone and Webcam (for online virtual proctored exams and/or synchronous class meetings). Visit the Testing Services- Proctoring page ( https://www.uh.edu/casa/testing-services/#proctoring) for proctored exam information.
• Course requirements vary, and you may need additional software or hardware.
• Download the most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Next: Canvas Quiz about the page’s contents.