- Beginning in the late 1960s, Xerox was the first company to experiment with portable computer technology. Though it began work on a prototype called the “Dynabook” this was never made into a functional computer.
- Notebooks offer users the convenience of using their computers from almost anywhere. Manufacturers achieve this by designing special CPUs, RAM memory, hard drives and other components that are not only smaller but that consume less power.
- According to PC Guide, the need to keep component size and power consumption low results in higher prices and a longer wait for notebook users interested in the latest technologies. The ability to upgrade is also limited, as most laptops include fewer expansion slots and often do not allow users to install new processors.
- One recent technology is the netbook, a smaller version of the traditional notebook still capable of handling basic computing tasks. According to InternetNews.com, netbook sales soared in 2009 by 72 percent over the previous year.
- According to OldComputers.net, IBM’s 5100 is considered to be the world’s first portable computer. Released in 1975, it weighed 55 pounds, had a 1.9 MHz processor and cost $19,975 dollars.
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