A laptop (also known as a notebook) is a portable computer, ordered in size somewhere between a palmtop (handheld computer) and a full home or office pc. Most laptops incorporate a 'fold away' LCD screen (monitor), which allows you to effectively half the size of the equipment making it easier to transport.

A laptop incorporates a keyboard and normally has a small touch pad that acts as a mouse and can be fitted with almost any hardware that a desktop PC can use. For example, CD, DVD, Zip and floppy disk drives can be attached or installed within the laptop to allow you to transfer and store files. You can also attach an external mouse or keyboard. A laptop can also be attached to all your standard home or office computer peripherals such as printers, speakers and scanners. A full size monitor can be connected to your laptop, allowing you to use it at home with a full screen. It can also be connected to your PC to allow you to transfer files easily.

A laptop allows you to access everything you would be able to on your home or office pc whilst on the move. It can connect to the Internet through a standard modem, network cable or wireless card, and some applications will allow you to use your mobile phone as a modem.