Desknote
From Free net encyclopedia
Desknotes are crosses between desktop computers and notebook computers, The main manufacturer of desknotes in 2005, did a survey some years ago, and found that most people that have or use laptops generally keep them plugged in while in use. This led to the idea that if you didn't need the battery, you could fit more options in to the laptop. So the common desknote is simply a laptop with no battery, or an external battery hookup. Other forms of desknotes include laptops that use desktop CPU's or other parts. And desknotes that are more like small computers but use a LCD display. Subsequently such computers generally maintain a size similar to a large laptop computer. But are designed to have the performance of a mid-range desktop machine while still being portable. In 2004-2005 desknotes are totally portable like a laptop except the fact they still need the power. These desknotes look exactly as a laptop; another big feature is "off the shelf" components therefore upgrading such computers is very affordable when you compare to a laptop.
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Origins
The forerunners of this class of computer were the luggable portable computers that were sold in the early-to-mid 1980s like the Osborne I, the Compaq Portable and the Commodore Executive 64 (SX-64) computers. These computers had the CPU, the display, the floppy disk drive and the power supply in one box, with a keyboard which worked as a lid for the computer. The computing power for these units was similar to a desktop computer of that era and even the Commodore Executive 64 could do what the standard Commodore 64 desktop unit could do. They were set up and packed up in a similar manner to a sewing machine, and could easily be booted wherever a tablespace and a 110 (or 220) volt power outlet were available. Also, they were designed to be easily transported from place to place. However, they had no protection from loss of power due to the complete lack of a portable, rechargeable power source.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive factors include the easier portability and often the choice of running the latest desktop CPUs, without the lag time between new desktop chips and power-reduced notebook versions. Prices may be lower than notebook computers in the market at the same time.
Negatives include the limited expansion options, comparable to a desktop replacement notebook, and usually the requirement to use costly and size-restricted laptop hard drives instead of desktop price, performance and capacity 3.5" (90 mm) hard drives. They usually lack the ability to accept standard PCI expansion cards, something which can be a problem for people who want to use their desktop computer as a digital personal video recorder. Video options are usually limited to notebook computer designs of limited performance, though comparable to motherboard-integrated desktop computer offerings. Upgrades are usually very limited compared to desktop computers, not including complete motherboard and CPU replacement to switch to the latest generation and preserve the investment in the chassis and display. Some desknotes do not include battery power as standard, and some do not include PC-Card support. They have the same limitations on serviceability as laptops, through the inability to use low cost, completely generic parts.
Common features
Routine built in features on high end notebook computers are usually available on desknotes: modem, LAN, TV-out, USB, WiFi and bluetooth ports.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of desknote computers include: