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:
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Laptops (Teach Yourself VISUALLY (Tech))Visual learners will find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show how to tackle more than 150 tasks related to using a laptop. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for such operations as comparing different laptop models, using the keyboard and touchpad, connecting to a wireless network, adding PC cards and input devices, securing an Internet connection, setting up a low-battery alarm , and more. Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, while full-color screen shots demonstrate each task.
CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do!Trick out your laptop
Take your laptop to the limit with the fun and practical projects packed inside this easy-to-use guide. Produced in conjunction with CNET.com, the place you go for the latest in tech and consumer electronics, this book shows you how to do all sorts of resourceful things with your laptop, like use it as a car stereo, broadcast a podcast, navigate a road trip, and more.
Inside, you'll find 24 self-contained projects, step-by-step instructions, a list of tools needed at the beginning of each project, and hundreds of clear photos and screenshots. With CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects, you'll discover that you can get more out of your laptop than ever before.
- Build a wireless network
- Transfer vinyl or cassette tapes to CD
- Make free phone calls at home and on the road
- Watch TV on your laptop and record your favorite shows
- Set up a centralized home security system
- Squeeze more life out of your battery
- Upgrade your memory, hard drive, and processor
- And much more
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.
