Do you know how your laptop came into being? If not, here’s a rather interesting history about its origins. The first portable computer was built during 1981. It was named Osborne. It was a clumsy, heavy contraption, and did not resemble the laptops of today, yet it was a major breakthrough in technology because it proved that computers could be portable.

Next was the Compaq Portable in 1983. Although called ‘portable’, like its predecessor it was just has heavy and cumbersome. But it was the first transportable computer that was IBM compatible. Although it needed electricity to operate, it ran off MS-DOS.

The first laptop that came close to the ones we are familiar with today was the GriD Compass 1101, designed by Bill Moggridge, and released during 1982. This computer was housed in a magnesium case which is similar to the clam shell casings that we see on modern laptops.

Two other attention-grabbers came out in the 1980s, namely the PC-5000 made by Sharp and the Gavilan SC. It was the Gavilan that evoked the most interest because the word ‘laptop’ was used to market it. But the biggest seller was the Kyocera 85 which operated with batteries and therefore it was genuinely portable.

In 1986 and 1987 Toshiba and IBM attracted even more interest. IBM’s PC Convertible, Toshiba’s T1200 and the Toshiba RT1200 were even more sophisticated. These three models paved the way for major progress in laptop technology. By the year 1995, everyone was talking about these revolutionary portable computers called laptops.

Now here in the 21st Century we can hardly imagine life without our laptops! We tend to forget that not too long ago computers were owned by very few people. They were classed as luxury items. Quite the opposite applies today. What would our lives be like without computers, especially laptops?

With the convenience of laptops, we are not bound to our homes or offices. Just walk into any restaurant, hotel or other public place and you will see men, women and children busy on their laptops. They are used for entertainment purposes, business purposes and research purposes.

There is no doubt that the laptop caused a mini revolution. Our laptops enable us to sit in any corner of the globe and pay our bills, book flights, or converse face-to-face with our family and friends, no matter where they live. Accessories for laptops include USB cables, battery packs, webcam and, for those PC gaming addicts, you can get a joystick.

Andrew Johnson is an expert in computer consumables. If you want further information about varieties of laptop computers or are looking for a reputable computer retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com