Laptop Computer Trends
It doesn't matter if you're looking at people working on their business, their college education, or just getting to the next level of a game, laptop computers are everywhere. Thanks to their portability, people are taking their work with them almost everywhere. Many of the big computer companies recognize the opportunity here and are developing the technologies and tools that will let us use them more efficiently.
Recently we have seen a trend toward a more effective touchscreen input. This latest trend has stemmed from all the other smaller gadgets that have taken advantage of touchscreen technologies, and customers are starting to expect it everywhere. A laptop with a touchscreen display isn't exactly a new idea, but we haven't had anything like the new products that are coming out.
The biggest reason why many of the large companies are making a touchscreen laptop is because the new Windows 7 operating system that is on the horizon will have built in support for touchscreen technology. Until now, companies have had to go out of their way to make sure the hardware and software lined up properly, but now the basic operating system will be compatible with the technology.
Both HP and Dell have already released two-finger touchscreen laptops, and both continue to develop more advanced technologies in this arena. Lenova has just announced a new kind of screen, however, which will allow users to employ a multi-touch technology.
What is means is that many of the touchscreen computers that are on the market will allow a user to interface with various applications. They can zoom in or out on maps, manipulate images, and scroll through documents easily and intuitively. With the new four-finger, multi-touch interface, however, users will have a lot more precise control over the applications.
This will be particularly useful for designers and engineers who typically work with more images and objects than casual computer users. They will require a much higher level of precision over their interactions, and a multi-touch system can provide it.
Laptop computers have been a big part of modern lifestyles for some time now, and the companies have developed many intuitive ways to use the applications on it. Nevertheless, many users still feel the need to plug in extra peripherals to make it easier to interact with it (a full keyboard, mouse, etc.). When a laptop uses touchscreen technology, though, this might eliminate that need.
More and more we are going to see these new developments in tablet and laptop computers, but we will likely see it in other places as well. Our phones and other small gadgets have paved the way for casual touchscreen usage, and the laptop industry is poised to take it to the next step.
Related Reading:
Vintage Laptop Computers: First Decade: 1980-89The "Man"and his MachinesI hope this book will refresh the memories of the few who were lucky enough to use "laptops" in the early years. Also to spark an interest in a machine which changed the way we live and do business today. I believe this book will be an invaluable aid in furnishing the information required to start a very challenging pursuit of vintage "Laptop" Computers. This could be a fascinating venture which would connect you to our life-changing technological history.
The Laptop Repair Workbook: An Introduction to Troubleshooting and Repairing Laptop ComputersThe Laptop Repair Workbook includes twelve full page troubleshooting flowcharts for laptop hardware troubleshooting and explanatory text for every decision point. The book begins with an introduction to basic laptop terminology, troubleshooting procedures, and cost decisions. Supplementary illustrated tests and procedures are available on the publisher's website, www.fonerbooks.com. An ebook version is also available direct from the publisher.
Laptops All-in-One For DummiesThe all-in-one guide to buying, using, securing, and transporting a laptop—it's ten books in one! If you want to take a computer with you on a trip, to a coffee shop, or into the kitchen when you're cooking, laptops are just the ticket. They're portable, powerful, and popular—but they're not desktops, so you’ll want to know what you’re doing from the get-go. This terrific, ten-minibooks-in-one book covers all the bases: how to choose the best laptop for you, what you need to know when you’re on the road, how to get more productive and more.
- Shows you how to keep your laptop running smoothly and safely at home, at work, in the classroom, and on the road
- Includes ten books in one: Choosing the Best Laptop, Setting Up Your Laptop, Running Basic Windows Operations, Using Common Applications, Playing with Multimedia, Managing Your Power Supply, Upgrading Your Laptop, Networking and Linking to the Internet, Protecting Your Laptop, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Offers advice and tips on using your laptop safely and efficiently, including what accessories you need
- Reflects the very latest technologies, including Windows 7 and the new Microsoft Office 2010
This easy-to-follow For Dummies guide tells you everything you need to know about laptops!
