b_book1.gif (162 bytes)Configurations (Microcomputers)
Notebook | Personal Digital Assistant
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Microcomputers (PC) - mobile computing

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 Microcomputers, or more commonly referred to as Personal Computers (PCs), first became available in the 1970's, when it became possible to put the entire circuitry of a computer onto a small silicon chip.

Today it is possible to take a complete multimedia office, with scanning, printing, faxing, copying and electronic mail in a mobile personal computer.

Sep 97: Seiko Epson invented hand cranked PC where a key spring is wound up (like an alarm clock) when the battery is low to provide extra power.

Notebook (Laptop)

[laptop]
  • About the size of an A4 sheet, about 50mm deep and about 3Kg with battery. Has a full-sized keyboard and built in floppy and/or CD-ROM.
    • Batteries: Nickel metal hydride battery (need to be flattened every few weeks) being replaced with Lithium-iron (LiFe)
    • Screen: 12.1in screens now available, competing effectively with 14in PC CRT screens
      * Active matrix, with separate power to each pixel, means only part of a screen needs refreshing virtually eliminating flicker.
      * Flat surface active matrix, means little reflection.
    • Storage: 1997 Jan 1GB
      * May be used as a replacement server!
  • Dooley,B.(Aug 97),[99]Computerworld NZ, Apr 95

Personal Digital Assistants

Subnotebook (with keyboard)

Palmtop (without keyboard)


(c) 1997 From Casio www site

pcpdac98.jpg (6311 bytes)
  • Pocket sized weighing approx 2Kg or less.
  • Battery powered
  • Run an operating system such as Windows CE.
  • May have pen touch sensitive LCD screen
  • Hand-held/pocket sized.
  • Designed to fit in a pocket and lack a full-sized keyboard. Equipped with a stylus.
  • Used as an input device to a PC or PC network.

[Rev 10/04/00]28/8/97 © 1997 V/2-Com (Verhaart), P O Box 8415, Havelock North, New Zealand.