Modern Information Society - Laptop

The term laptop has always had a literal meaning: on top of a lap. Well, maybe not formally this definition but dating back to 1984, The Chicago Tribune described laptops as "portable." The idea of computers in the early 1980s were known as large, extremely heavy machinery that would crush someones lap. This idea of a lighter, smaller and more portable technology sparked the industry. While "portable" was the word of the decade, the actual transportation ease of these early laptops was nearly impossible. It contained two bulky pieces, a keyboard attached to the main display screen which was still about 2 by 3 feet in dimension. Portable, as described, obviously does not accurately depict this still bulky and heavy technology machine.

Today, laptops are only a few pounds. The size of the actual machine has vastly decreased. In addition, the portability described in the early uses has greatly increased. I believe that the accessibility of laptops is greater as well. Because they are smaller, more portable and lighter weight, they are easier to produce. This leads to a decrease in cost to make them and an increase in the consumption of laptops. Most households now a days, at least the majority of ones I have been in, have replaces their desktop computers with household laptops. Many families as well have switched to individual laptops rather than sharing one stationary computer. The transition to an even greater portability feature has been the product of increased technology. As society has grown in technological knowledge, the production of better, lighter and smaller items. This allows laptops to surge as an easy information machine to be taken with you at all times.