You see them everywhere; laptop computers used by consumers, regardless of their location - on the bus, train, at work and at home. But how did they actually come about? Who had the first idea to take a large personal computer and turn it into a small, compact, transportable device?
The first recorded idea of a laptop computer was penned by William Mobridge in 1979. He designed a computer that was one fifth of the weight of a desk computer, and which was first used by NASA on the space shuttle program. It did not, however, appear anything like the laptops we have today. This was largely due to the fact that smaller versions of the components that are necessary to run a computer had not yet been invented. As such, this first effort for a laptop was not surprisingly bulky, slow and had to be connected to a mains power supply. Nevertheless, you could still use it on your lap.
As the 1980's progressed, many other designers came up with ideas for portable computers. Manny Fernandez is believed to be the first to promote the term 'laptop' for his 1983 Gavan computer. Furthermore, Adam Osborne was the creator of what is thought to be the first laptop to resemble what we now have today, although it only had a five inch screen and weighed twenty-four pounds.
The term 'notebook computer' began being used in association with laptops toward the end of the 1980's as the designs headed more for a folding book-like appearance. These laptops were still incredibly expensive, however, with many only being able to be afforded by top executives from large companies.
As demand increased for the new portable computers, so did their design and function. Technological advancements and innovations in computer parts led to the ability to further reduce a laptop's size, therefore making them easier to transport for the daily commute. The newer laptops had improved their battery power, whilst more applications were available that allowed a user to simulate their office access, and environment almost anywhere.
Of course the evolution of the internet has played a large role in the development of the laptop. Wireless internet receivers are now a necessary component of any laptop, especially if you wish to take advantage of the integration of wireless internet into public areas such as cafes and trains - an option that has become very popular in recent times amongst individuals. Programs utilising this wireless technology to create a secure
The first recorded idea of a laptop computer was penned by William Mobridge in 1979. He designed a computer that was one fifth of the weight of a desk computer, and which was first used by NASA on the space shuttle program. It did not, however, appear anything like the laptops we have today. This was largely due to the fact that smaller versions of the components that are necessary to run a computer had not yet been invented. As such, this first effort for a laptop was not surprisingly bulky, slow and had to be connected to a mains power supply. Nevertheless, you could still use it on your lap.
As the 1980's progressed, many other designers came up with ideas for portable computers. Manny Fernandez is believed to be the first to promote the term 'laptop' for his 1983 Gavan computer. Furthermore, Adam Osborne was the creator of what is thought to be the first laptop to resemble what we now have today, although it only had a five inch screen and weighed twenty-four pounds.
The term 'notebook computer' began being used in association with laptops toward the end of the 1980's as the designs headed more for a folding book-like appearance. These laptops were still incredibly expensive, however, with many only being able to be afforded by top executives from large companies.
As demand increased for the new portable computers, so did their design and function. Technological advancements and innovations in computer parts led to the ability to further reduce a laptop's size, therefore making them easier to transport for the daily commute. The newer laptops had improved their battery power, whilst more applications were available that allowed a user to simulate their office access, and environment almost anywhere.
Of course the evolution of the internet has played a large role in the development of the laptop. Wireless internet receivers are now a necessary component of any laptop, especially if you wish to take advantage of the integration of wireless internet into public areas such as cafes and trains - an option that has become very popular in recent times amongst individuals. Programs utilising this wireless technology to create a secure
