The spelling of "notebook computers" is phonemically transcribed as /ˈnoʊt.bʊk kəmˈpjuː.tɚz/. The first syllable, "note," is pronounced as "noht" with a long "o" and a silent "e." The second syllable, "book," is pronounced as "bʊk" with a short "u." The third syllable, "com," is pronounced as "kəm" with a silent "p" and the fourth syllable, "puters," is pronounced as "pjuː.tɚz" with a long "u" and a silent "e."
Notebook computers, also known as laptops, are portable personal computers that are designed for everyday use. These lightweight devices offer the functionality and capabilities of a desktop computer in a compact and portable form. The term "notebook" refers to the size and shape similarity to a paper notebook, with a clamshell design consisting of a screen on top and a keyboard on the base.
A notebook computer typically includes a built-in display screen, a keyboard, a touchpad or trackpad for navigating the user interface, and an internal battery for powering the device. It may also have additional features such as a webcam, speakers, USB ports, and an optical drive. These devices are powered by an internal processor, which could be an Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, or other similar processors. Notebook computers usually include a pre-installed operating system such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Designed for versatility and mobility, notebook computers allow users to perform a wide range of tasks, including browsing the internet, creating and editing documents, watching videos, playing games, and running software applications. They are popular among students, professionals, and individuals who require a portable computing solution that can be easily carried and used anywhere. With advancements in technology, notebook computers have become increasingly powerful, offering high-performance capabilities that rival traditional desktop computers, while still being compact and lightweight.
The etymology of the term "notebook computers" can be understood by breaking it down into its two components: "notebook" and "computers".
The term "notebook" originated from the combination of "note" and "book". "Note" comes from the Latin word "nota", meaning a mark or sign. "Book" traces its roots back to the Old English word "boc" and the Proto-Germanic word "bokiz", meaning beech tree or beechwood, as beechwood tablets were often used for writing in ancient times. Over time, "notebook" evolved to refer to a portable written record or a small book for taking notes.
The term "computers" derives from the verb "compute", which comes from the Latin word "computare", meaning to calculate or reckon.