Editing Laptop (section)

==Characteristics==
===Advantages over desktop computers===
[[File:Astrid Gruppefremvisning.jpg|thumb|A teacher using a laptop as part of a workshop for school children]]
[[File:Homework (8120708019).jpg|thumb|A man using a laptop on a park bench]]

*'''Portability''' - Laptops are highly portable compared to desktop PCs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Should I buy a laptop or desktop? |publisher=IT Division&nbsp;– the University of Wisconsin |date=19 March 2008 |url=http://kb.wisc.edu/showroom/page.php?id=3044 |access-date=27 November 2008 |archive-date=22 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122120928/http://kb.wisc.edu/showroom/page.php?id=3044 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Physical portability allows a laptop to be used in many places—not only at home and the office but also during commuting and flights, in coffee shops, in lecture halls and libraries, at clients' locations or a meeting room, etc. Within a home, portability enables laptop users to move their devices from room to room. Portability offers several distinct advantages:
* '''Productivity''': Using a laptop in places where a desktop PC cannot be used can help employees and students to increase their productivity on work or school tasks, such as an office worker reading their work e-mails during an hour-long commute by train, or a student doing their homework at the university coffee shop during a break between lectures, for example.
* '''Up-to-date information''': Using a single laptop prevents fragmentation of files across multiple PCs as the files exist in a single location and are always up-to-date.
* '''Connectivity''': A key advantage of laptops is that they almost always have integrated connectivity features such as [[Wi-Fi]] and [[Bluetooth]], and sometimes connection to [[cellular networks]] either through native integration or use of a [[Hotspot (Wi-Fi)|hotspot]].  Wi-Fi networks and laptop programs are especially widespread at university campuses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Faster Wi-Fi Predicted for Colleges |newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education |author=Josh Fischman |date=7 August 2008 |url=http://chronicle.com/wiredcampus/article/3226/faster-wifi-predicted-for-colleges |access-date=27 November 2008 }}</ref>

Other advantages of laptops:
* '''Size''': Laptops are smaller than desktop PCs. This is beneficial when space is at a premium, for example in small apartments and student dorms. When not in use, a laptop can be closed and put away in a desk drawer.
* '''Low power consumption''': Laptops are several times more power-efficient than desktops. A typical laptop uses 10–100 W, compared to 200–800W for desktops. This could be particularly beneficial for large businesses, which run hundreds of personal computers thus economies of scale, and homes where there is a computer running 24/7 (such as a home media server, print server, etc.).
* '''Quiet''': Laptops are typically much quieter than desktops, due both to the components (often silent [[solid-state drives]] replacing hard drives) and to less heat production leading to the use of fewer, sometimes no cooling fans. The latter has given rise to laptops that have no moving parts, resulting in complete silence during use.
* '''Battery''': a charged laptop can continue to be used in case of a power outage and is not affected by short power interruptions and blackouts, an issue that is present with desktop PCs.
* '''All-in-One''': designed to be portable, most modern laptops have all components integrated into the chassis. For desktops (excluding all-in-ones) this is usually divided into the desktop "tower" (the unit with the CPU, hard drive, power supply, etc.), keyboard, mouse, display screen, and optional peripherals such as speakers.

===Disadvantages===
Compared to desktop PCs, laptops have disadvantages in the following areas:

;Performance: The performance of laptops is often worse than comparably priced desktops. The upper limits of performance of laptops remain lower than desktops, due to mostly practical reasons, such as decreased battery life, increased size and heat, etc.
;Upgradeability: The upgradeability of laptops is limited compared to tower desktops, due to technical and economic reasons. In general, hard drives and memory can be upgraded easily. Due to the integrated nature of laptops, however, the motherboard, CPU, and graphics, are seldom officially upgradeable. Some efforts towards industry standard parts and layouts have been attempted, such as [[Common Building Block]], but the industry remains largely [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]] and fragmented. There is no industry-wide standard [[Computer form factor|form factor]] for laptops; Moreover, starting with 2013 models, laptops have become increasingly integrated (soldered) with the motherboard for most of its components (CPU, SSD, RAM, etc.) to reduce size and upgradeability prospects.<ref name=btarunr />
;Durability: [[File:Laptop overheating due to dust-clogged internal heatsinks in 2.5 year old laptop.jpg|thumb|A clogged [[heat sink]] on a laptop after 2.5 years of use]] Laptops are less durable than desktops/PCs. However, the durability of the laptop depends on the user if proper maintenance is done then the laptop can work longer.[[File:Laptop keyboard with its keys removed for cleaning.jpg|thumb|Laptop keyboard with its keys (except the space bar) removed, revealing crumbs, pet hair, and other detritus to be cleaned away]]<br>Because of their portability, laptops are subject to more wear and physical damage than desktops, additionally hindered by their integrated nature. A liquid spill onto the keyboard, while a minor issue with a desktop system, can damage the internals of a laptop and destroy the computer, resulting in a costly repair or entire replacement of laptops. One study found that a laptop is three times more likely to break during the first year of use than a desktop.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gartner: Notebook PCs still prone to hardware failure |date=27 June 2006 |publisher=IDG News Service / ITWorld |url=http://www.itworld.com/060627notebookpc |access-date=27 November 2008 |archive-date=10 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210143144/http://www.itworld.com/060627notebookpc |url-status=dead }}</ref> To maintain a laptop, it is recommended to clean it every three months for dirt, debris, dust, and food particles. Most cleaning kits consist of a lint-free or [[microfiber]] cloth for the screen and keyboard, compressed air for getting dust out of the cooling fan, and a cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals such as bleach should not be used to clean a laptop, as they can damage it.<ref>{{cite web|last=Geier|first=Eric|title=Zen and the Art of Laptop Maintenance|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/260438/zen_and_the_art_of_laptop_maintenance.html|work=PC World|date=6 August 2012|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref>
;Heating and cooling: Laptops rely on extremely compact cooling systems involving a [[computer fan|fan]] and [[heat sink]] that can fail from blockage caused by accumulated airborne dust and debris. Most laptops do not have any type of removable dust collection filter over the air intake for these cooling systems, resulting in a system that gradually conducts more heat and noise as the years pass. In some cases, the laptop starts to overheat even at idle load levels. This dust is usually stuck inside where the fan and heat sink meet, where it can not be removed by a casual cleaning and vacuuming. Most of the time, compressed air can dislodge the dust and debris but may not entirely remove it. After the device is turned on, the loose debris is reaccumulated into the cooling system by the fans. Complete disassembly is usually required to clean the laptop entirely. However, preventative maintenance such as regular cleaning of the heat sink via compressed air can prevent dust build-up on the heat sink. Many laptops are difficult to disassemble by the average user and contain components that are sensitive to [[electrostatic discharge]] (ESD).
;Battery life: Battery life is limited because the [[Capacity loss|capacity drops with time]], eventually warranting replacement after as little as 2–3 years. A new battery typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for five to six hours or more, depending on usage and the battery size. The battery is often easily replaceable and a higher capacity model may be obtained for longer charging and discharging time. Some laptops do not have the usual removable battery and have to be brought to the service center of their manufacturer or a third-party laptop service center to have their battery replaced. Replacement batteries can also be expensive, depending on the availability of the parts. Desktop PCs do not face similar problems since they are reliant on long lasting [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supplies]].
;Security and privacy:{{Main|Laptop theft}}Because they are valuable, commonly used, portable, and easy to hide in a backpack or other type of bag, laptops are often [[laptop theft|stolen]]. Every day, over 1,600 laptops go missing from U.S. airports.<ref>[http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/services/dell_lost_laptop_study.pdf PDF], Ponemon Institute, Airport Insecurity: The Case of Lost Laptops, June 2008</ref> The cost of stolen business or personal data, and of the resulting problems ([[identity theft]], [[credit card fraud]], breach of privacy), can be many times the value of the stolen laptop itself. Consequently, the physical protection of laptops and the safeguarding of data contained in them are both of great importance. Some laptops, primarily professional and educational devices, have a [[Kensington security slot]], which can be used to tether them with a security cable and lock. In addition, modern operating systems have features such as [[Activation Lock]] or similar that prevents the use of the device without credentials. {{As of|2015|post=,}} some laptops also have additional security elements added, including [[biometric]] security components such as [[Windows Hello]] or [[Touch ID]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.laptop-security-pro.com/biometric-devices.html|title=Secure File Sharing |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Biometric Devices and Laptop Security |publisher=Laptop Security Pro |access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref><br>Software such as [[GadgetTrak]] and [[Find My| Find My Mac]] have been engineered to help people locate and recover their stolen laptops in the event of theft. Setting one's laptop with a password on its firmware (protection against going to firmware setup or booting), internal HDD/SSD (protection against accessing it and loading an operating system on it afterward), and every user account of the operating system are additional security measures that a user should do.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/186235/how-to-secure-your-computer-with-a-bios-or-uefi-password/|title=How to Secure Your Computer With a BIOS or UEFI Password|first=Chris|last=Hoffman|website=How-To Geek|date=3 April 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/186881/hard-disk-passwords-explained-should-you-set-one-to-secure-your-files/|title=Hard Disk Passwords Explained: Should You Set One to Secure Your Files?|first=Chris|last=Hoffman|website=How-To Geek|date=14 April 2014 }}</ref> Fewer than 5% of lost or stolen laptops are recovered by the companies that own them,<ref>[http://www.intelligenceinsoftware.com/feature/it_software_strategy/lost_laptop/index.html#.UP2bUFSzBJN#ixzz2Ucm2oKSg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606040557/http://intelligenceinsoftware.com/feature/it_software_strategy/lost_laptop/index.html|date=6 June 2013}}, Ponemon Institute, The Billion Dollar Lost Laptop Problem, September 2010</ref> however, that number may decrease due to a variety of companies and software solutions specializing in laptop recovery. In the 2010s, the common availability of [[webcam]]s on laptops raised privacy concerns. In ''[[Robbins v. Lower Merion School District]]'' (Eastern District of Pennsylvania 2010), school-issued laptops loaded with special software enabled staff from two high schools to take secret webcam shots of students at home, via their students' laptops.<ref>{{cite web|last=Holmes |first=Kristin E. |url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20100831_Lower_Merion_School_District_ordered_to_pay_plaintiff_s_lawyer__260_000.html |title=Lower Merion School District ordered to pay plaintiff's lawyer $260,000 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=31 August 2010 |access-date=20 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2010/08/31/main_line_times/news/doc4c7cfdad3e059461146296.txt |title=Judge: Lower Merion must pay attorney in laptop case |publisher=Main Line Media News |date=18 September 2010 |access-date=20 September 2010 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305121116/http://mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2010/08/31/main_line_times/news/doc4c7cfdad3e059461146296.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20100727_A_lawyer_in_the_Lower_Merion_webcam_case_wants_to_be_paid_now.html "A lawyer in the Lower Merion webcam case wants to be paid now"], Philly.com {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901011357/http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20100727_A_lawyer_in_the_Lower_Merion_webcam_case_wants_to_be_paid_now.html |date=1 September 2010 }}</ref>

====Ergonomics and health effects====

;Wrists: Prolonged use of laptops can cause [[repetitive strain injury]] because of their small, flat keyboard and trackpad pointing devices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Toub |first=Allegra |title=Take It Easy on Those Keyboards |publisher=Backlight Resumes |date=23 May 2017 |url=http://blog.backlightresumes.com/take-it-easy-on-those-keyboards |access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> Usage of separate, external [[ergonomic keyboard]]s and pointing devices is recommended to prevent injury when working for long periods of time; they can be connected to a laptop easily by USB, [[Bluetooth]] or via a docking station. Some health standards require ergonomic keyboards at workplaces.
;Neck and spine: A laptop's integrated screen often requires users to lean over for a better view, which can cause neck or spinal injuries. A larger and higher-quality external screen can be connected to almost any laptop to alleviate this and to provide additional screen space for more productive work. Another solution is to use a [[Docking station#Computer stands|computer stand]].
;Possible effect on fertility: A study by [[State University of New York]] researchers found that heat generated from laptops can increase the temperature of the lap of male users when balancing the computer on their lap, potentially putting [[sperm count]] at risk. The study, which included roughly two dozen men between the ages of 21 and 35, found that the sitting position required to balance a laptop can increase scrotum temperature by as much as {{convert|2.1|C-change|0}}. However, further research is needed to determine whether this directly affects male [[infertility|sterility]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=You Asked: Can Using a Laptop Make You Infertile?|url=https://time.com/4938530/can-laptops-cause-infertility/|access-date=9 November 2021|magazine=Time|language=en}}</ref> A later 2010 study of 29 males published in ''Fertility and Sterility'' found that men who kept their laptops on their laps experienced scrotal hyperthermia (overheating) in which their scrotal temperatures increased by up to {{convert|2.0|C-change|0}}. The resulting heat increase, which could not be offset by a laptop cushion, may increase male infertility.<ref name="study1">{{cite journal |author1=Yefim Sheynkin |author2=Robert Welliver |author3=Andrew Winer |author4=Farshid Hajimirzaee |author5=Hongshik Ahn |author6=Kyewon Lee |journal=Fertility and Sterility |date=8 November 2010 |title=Protection from scrotal hyperthermia in laptop computer users |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.10.013 |url=http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(10)02689-0/abstract |volume=95 |issue=2 |pages=647–651 |pmid=21055743|doi-access=free |issn=0015-0282 }}</ref><ref name="Yin">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372317,00.asp|title=Study: Laptop Pads Don't Prevent Male Infertility|last=Yin|first=Sara|date=8 November 2010|work=[[PC Magazine]]|access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-laptop-testicles-idUSTRE6A457320101108|title=Is your laptop cooking your testicles?|date=8 November 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="Caulfield">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/11/07/2010-11-07_study_finds_men_who_place_laptop_computer_on_lap_put_testicles_at_risk_of_overhe.html|title=Study finds men who place laptop computer on lap put testicles at risk of overheating, infertility|last=Caulfield|first=Philip|date=7 November 2010|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|access-date=8 November 2010|archive-date=10 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110061017/http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/11/07/2010-11-07_study_finds_men_who_place_laptop_computer_on_lap_put_testicles_at_risk_of_overhe.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Joelving">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6A457320101108|title=Is your laptop cooking your testicles?|last=Joelving|first=Frederik|date=8 November 2010|access-date=8 November 2010|work=Reuters}}</ref> [[File:laptop-coaster.jpg|thumb|[[Laptop cooler]] (silver) under laptop (white), preventing heating of lap and improving laptop airflow]]<br>A common practical solution to this problem is to place the laptop on a table or desk or to use a book or pillow between the body and the laptop.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} Another solution is to obtain a cooling unit for the laptop. These are usually USB powered and consist of a hard thin plastic case housing one, two, or three cooling fans&nbsp;– with the entire assembly designed to sit under the laptop in question&nbsp;– which results in the laptop remaining cool to the touch, and greatly reduces laptop heat buildup.

;Thighs:Heat generated from using a laptop on the lap can also cause skin discoloration on the thighs known as "[[toasted skin syndrome]]".<ref>{{cite journal |last=Levinbook |first=WS. |author2=Mallet J |author3=Grant-Kels JM |title=Laptop computer—associated erythema ab igne |journal=Cutis |volume=80 |issue=4 |pages=319–20|date=October 2007 |publisher=Quadrant HealthCom |pmid=18038695}}</ref><ref name="Diaz">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5657721/what-is-toasted-skin-syndrome|title=What Is Toasted Skin Syndrome?|last=Diaz|first=Jesus|date=7 October 2010 |website=Gizmodo|access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="Hendrick">{{cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20101004/laptop-risk-toasted-skin-syndrome|title=Laptop Risk: 'Toasted Skin Syndrome'|last=Hendrick|first=Bill|date=4 October 2010|website=WebMD|access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="TANNER">{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39490660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301044434/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39490660|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2013|title=Laptops lead to 'toasted skin syndrome'|last=Tanner|first=Lindsey|date=10 April 2010 |agency=Associated Press|access-date=8 November 2010}}</ref>