Laptop: What Is It And Is It Powerful Enough for Video Editing?

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The laptop is a versatile tool that people use for work, school, and play, and it’s also one of the best tools for video editing. A laptop is a powerful mobile computer that you can use for video editing because it can handle the processing requirements of video editing software.

In this article, I’ll explain what that means.

What is a laptop

A Brief History of Portable Computers

The Dynabook Concept

In 1968, Alan Kay of Xerox PARC had the idea of a “personal, portable information manipulator” which he called the Dynabook. He described it in a 1972 paper, and it became the basis for the modern portable computer.

The IBM Special Computer APL Machine Portable (SCAMP)

In 1973, IBM demonstrated the SCAMP, a prototype based on the IBM PALM processor. This eventually led to the IBM 5100, the first commercially available portable computer, which was released in 1975.

The Epson HX-20

In 1980, the Epson HX-20 was invented and released in 1981. It was the first laptop-sized notebook computer and weighed only 3.5 lbs. It had an LCD screen, a rechargeable battery, and a calculator-size printer.

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The R2E Micral CCMC

In 1980, the French company R2E Micral CCMC released the first portable microcomputer. It was based on an Intel 8085 processor, had 64 KB RAM, a keyboard, a 32-character screen, a floppy disk, and a thermal printer. It weighed 12 kg and provided total mobility.

The Osborne 1

In 1981, the Osborne 1 was released. It was a luggable computer that used the Zilog Z80 CPU and weighed 24.5 pounds. It had no battery, a 5 in CRT screen, and dual 5.25 in single-density floppy drives.

Flip Form Factor Laptops

In the early 1980s, the first laptops using the flip form factor appeared. The Dulmont Magnum was released in Australia in 1981-82, and the US$8,150 GRiD Compass 1101 was released in 1982 and used by NASA and the military.

Input Techniques and Displays

In 1983, several new input techniques were developed and included in laptops, including the touch pad, the pointing stick, and handwriting recognition. Displays reached 640×480 resolution by 1988, and color screens became common in 1991. Hard drives started to be used in portables, and in 1989 the Siemens PCD-3Psx laptop was released.

The Origins of Laptops and Notebooks

Laptops

The term ‘laptop’ was first used in the early 1980s to describe a mobile computer that could be used on one’s lap. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, as the only other portable computers available were much heavier and known colloquially as ‘luggables’.

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Notebooks

The term ‘notebook’ came into use later on, when manufacturers started producing even smaller and lighter portable devices. These devices had a display roughly the size of A4 paper, and were marketed as notebooks to distinguish them from the bulkier laptops.

Today

Today, the terms ‘laptop’ and ‘notebook’ are used interchangeably, but it’s interesting to note their different origins.

Types of Laptops

The Classics

  • Compaq Armada: This laptop from the late 1990s was a workhorse that could handle anything you threw at it.
  • Apple MacBook Air: This ultraportable laptop weighed in at under 3.0 lb (1.36 kg), making it a great choice for those on the go.
  • Lenovo IdeaPad: This laptop was designed for everyday use and had a great balance of features and price.
  • Lenovo ThinkPad: This business laptop was originally an IBM product and was designed for reliability and durability.

The Hybrids

  • Asus Transformer Pad: This hybrid tablet was powered by Android OS and was great for those who wanted the best of both worlds.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 3: This 2-in-1 detachable was designed to be a laptop and tablet in one.
  • Alienware Gaming Laptop: This laptop was designed for gaming and had a backlit keyboard and touchpad.
  • Samsung Sens Laptop: This laptop was designed for those who wanted a powerful machine without breaking the bank.
  • Panasonic Toughbook CF-M34: This rugged laptop/subnotebook was designed for those who needed a laptop that could take a beating.

The Convergences

  • 2-in-1 Detachables: These laptops are designed to be used as both a laptop and tablet, and feature a touchscreen display and x86-architecture CPU.
  • 2-in-1 Convertibles: These laptops have the ability to conceal a hardware keyboard and transform from a laptop into a tablet.
  • Hybrid Tablets: These devices combine the features of a laptop and tablet, and are great for those who want the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Laptops have come a long way since their introduction in the late 1970s. Nowadays, there are a variety of different types of laptops available, from the classic Compaq Armada to the modern 2-in-1 detachable. No matter what your needs are, there’s sure to be a laptop that fits your lifestyle.

Comparing Laptop and Desktop Components

Display

When it comes to laptop displays, there are two main types: LCD and OLED. LCDs are the more traditional option, while OLEDs are becoming increasingly popular. Both types of displays use the Low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) or embedded DisplayPort protocol to connect to the laptop.

When it comes to the size of laptop displays, you can find them in sizes ranging from 11″ to 16″. 14″ models are the most popular among business machines, while larger and smaller models are available but less common.

External Displays

Most laptops are capable of connecting to external displays, giving you the option to multitask more easily. The resolution of the display can also make a difference, with higher resolutions allowing more items to fit onscreen at a time.

Since the introduction of the MacBook Pro with Retina display in 2012, there has been an increase in the availability of “HiDPI” (or high Pixel density) displays. These displays are generally considered to be anything higher than 1920 pixels wide, with 4K (3840-pixel-wide) resolutions becoming increasingly popular.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Laptop CPUs are designed to be more power-efficient and generate less heat than desktop CPUs. Most modern laptops feature at least two processor cores, with four cores being the norm. Some laptops even feature more than four cores, allowing for even more power and efficiency.

Advantages of Using a Laptop

Productivity

Using a laptop in places where a desktop PC can’t be used can help employees and students boost their productivity on work or school tasks. For example, an office worker can read their work emails during a long commute, or a student can do their homework at a university coffee shop during a break between lectures.

Up-to-date Information

Having 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

Laptops come with integrated connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and sometimes connection to cellular networks either through native integration or use of a hotspot.

Size

Laptops are smaller than desktop PCs, making them great for 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, using 10-100 W compared to 200-800W for desktops. This is great for large businesses and homes where there is a computer running 24/7.

Quiet

Laptops are typically much quieter than desktops, due to their components (like silent solid-state drives) and less heat production. This has given rise to laptops with 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.

Disadvantages of Using a Laptop

Performance

Though laptops are capable of common tasks like web browsing, video playback, and office applications, their performance often falls short of comparably priced desktops.

Upgradeability

Laptops are limited in terms of upgradeability, due to technical and economic reasons. Hard drives and memory can be upgraded easily, but the motherboard, CPU, and graphics are seldom officially upgradeable.

Form Factor

There is no industry-wide standard form factor for laptops, making it difficult to find parts for repairs and upgrades. Additionally, starting with 2013 models, laptops have become increasingly integrated with the motherboard.

Laptop Brands and Manufacturers

Major Brands

When it comes to laptops, there’s no shortage of options. Here’s a list of the major brands that offer notebooks in various classes:

  • Acer/Gateway/eMachines/Packard Bell: TravelMate, Extensa, Ferrari and Aspire; Easynote; Chromebook
  • Apple: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
  • Asus: TUF, ROG, Pro and ProArt, ZenBook, VivoBook, ExpertBook
  • Dell: Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, Vostro and XPS
  • Dynabook (former Toshiba): Portege, Tecra, Satellite, Qosmio, Libretto
  • Falcon Northwest: DRX, TLX, I/O
  • Fujitsu: Lifebook, Celsius
  • Gigabyte: AORUS
  • HCL (India): ME Laptop, ME Netbook, Leaptop and MiLeap
  • Hewlett-Packard: Pavilion, Envy, ProBook, EliteBook, ZBook
  • Huawei: Matebook
  • Lenovo: ThinkPad, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion and the Essential B and G Series
  • LG: Xnote, Gram
  • Medion: Akoya (OEM version of MSI Wind)
  • MSI: E, C, P, G, V, A, X, U series, Modern, Prestige and Wind Netbook
  • Panasonic: Toughbook, Satellite, Let’s Note (Japan only)
  • Samsung: Sens: N, P, Q, R and X series; Chromebook, ATIV Book
  • TG Sambo (Korea): Averatec, Averatec Buddy
  • Vaio (former Sony)
  • Xiaomi: Mi, Mi Gaming and Mi RedmiBook laptops

The Rise of Laptops

Laptops have become increasingly popular over the years, both for business and personal use. In 2006, 7 major ODMs manufactured 7 of every 10 laptops in the world, with the largest one (Quanta Computer) having 30% of the world market share.

It’s estimated that in 2008, 145.9 million notebooks were sold, and that the number would grow in 2009 to 177.7 million. The third quarter of 2008 was the first time when worldwide notebook PC shipments exceeded desktops.

Thanks to tablets and affordable laptops, many computer users now have laptops due to the convenience offered by the device. Before 2008, laptops were very expensive. In May 2005, the average notebook sold for $1,131 while desktops sold for an average of $696.

But now, you can easily get a new laptop for as low as $199.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laptops are great for video editing as they are portable, powerful, and have a wide range of features. If you’re looking for a laptop for video editing, make sure to get one with a powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. Additionally, look for a laptop with a large display, plenty of RAM, and a good selection of ports. With the right laptop, you’ll be able to edit videos with ease and create stunning visuals.

Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.