A laptop, also known as laptop computer, a portable personal computer with an external display and keyboard. Usually, the laptop computer has a touch-pad and a pointing stick for input, although some newer models have a standard keyboard and mouse. The older models of laptops usually have keyboards with single buttons and dials for input. Laptops are used for various purposes, including watching videos on DVDs, playing games, and writing or reading emails and documents.
Laptops can be divided into two major categories: desktop computers and netbooks. A laptop computer is much smaller than a desktop computer. Netbooks are similar to desktops in that they also have a keyboard, but they are more like mini-desks. Both have the ability to be used with portable devices such as cell phones, mp3 players, and digital cameras.
While most laptops have a keyboard, there are several types of laptop keyboards designed for different brands and models of laptop computers. An external keyboard port is provided by many manufacturers, allowing you to use a mouse instead of a keyboard when you are away from your desktop computer. When you are using an external keyboard, a laptop touch-pad is provided which makes it easier to navigate and use the laptop. The touch-pad is usually on a separate part of the laptop, rather than built into the laptop as is the case with touch-screens found on desktops.
One of the keys on a laptop keyboard that can be challenging for some people to master is the Caps lock key, which turns the keyboard into a full-size desktop computer. To enter or leave inputs on the laptop, you must depress the Caps lock key and then the corresponding shift key. Some people find that if they learn how to use the touch-pad on their laptop that they do not need to use the Caps lock key to enter or leave inputs. This is because the touch-pad is designed to offer the user additional input options.
Laptops that come with touch-pad and a keyboard have a tendency to be less expensive than those without the touch-pad and keyboard. You can also purchase the additional software necessary to use the touch-pad as an alternative to the dedicated keypads. If you buy a laptop with a touch-pad and keyboard, then the manufacturer may provide a touch-pad kit or you can get one separately. You will find that laptop touch-pads are generally smaller and are not nearly as cumbersome as a traditional computer keyboard would be.
Most laptop touch-pads are about one inch in size and have about four buttons. There are typically about five levels of touch-pad sensitivity, although some models may offer more. In order to use the laptop touch-pads effectively, you must practice pressing the buttons. Because the buttons on a laptop touch-pad are small, it is important to practice pressing the keys to get the feel of using it. If you are purchasing a new laptop, you might want to consider buying one with a touch-pad instead of buying a separate laptop keypad.