Notebook Computers

Advances in integrated circuit (IC) technology allowed the size of computer components to be reduced even further, and, in the early to mid-1980s, the notebook computer was born.

Notebooks are roughly 8.75 inches deep × 11 inches wide × 2.25 inches thick, and designers are working to decrease the size and power consumption of these units even further. The reduction in size comes at a cost, however, and notebooks typically have smaller and less capable displays and keyboards than laptops. A wide variety of specialty items have appeared on the market designed to overcome some of the notebook's shortcomings. Docking ports are one such item.