A laptop is a portable personal computer that puts a screen, keyboard, touchpad, battery, and internal components into one hinged, clamshell case. Because it runs on a rechargeable battery, a laptop lets you work, study, stream, or game away from a wall outlet. Most laptops weigh 2 to 6 lbs and have screens between 13 and 17 inches.
This laptop glossary is your starting point for every laptop term and topic. Below, we cover what a laptop is, the main laptop types, how a laptop compares to a desktop and a notebook, and which specs matter when you choose one. Each section links to a deeper glossary page when you want more detail.
What Is a Laptop?
A laptop is a self-contained, battery-powered computer built to fold shut and travel. It does the same jobs as a desktop computer, from browsing and email to video editing and gaming, in a single portable unit. The terms "laptop" and "notebook" mean the same thing today.
What's inside a laptop
Every laptop combines the same core parts. The mix and quality of these parts decide how fast, portable, and long-lasting a laptop is.
Laptop component | What it does | Learn more |
Processor (CPU) | Runs programs and the operating system | |
Graphics (GPU) | Draws images, video, and games on screen | |
Memory (RAM) | Holds the apps and files you're using right now | |
Storage (SSD) | Keeps files, apps, and the operating system when the laptop is off | |
Neural processing unit (NPU) | Runs on-device AI features efficiently in AI PCs | |
Display | Shows your work, usually 13 to 17 inches measured diagonally | |
Battery | Powers the laptop away from an outlet | |
Keyboard and trackpad | Built-in typing and pointing controls | |
Ports and wireless | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® connections |
How a laptop works differently from a desktop PC
A laptop packs its parts into a thin case with limited room for cooling. To manage heat and save battery, laptops use mobile processors that draw less power than desktop chips. Thin-and-light laptop processors often run around 15W to 28W, while performance and gaming laptop chips commonly run 45W or more.
Laptops also adjust performance on the fly. When you unplug, power management settings dial back speed to stretch battery life. When you plug in, the laptop can run at full performance. If you want to see what's inside your own laptop, our guide on how to check PC specs and what they mean walks you through it.
Types of Laptops
The main laptop types are standard laptops, 2-in-1 laptops, thin-and-light laptops, gaming laptops, business laptops, Chromebooks, mobile workstations, and AI laptops. Each type balances performance, portability, and features differently. Many laptops fit more than one type, such as a business laptop that is also an AI PC.
Laptop type | Best for | What sets it apart | HP examples |
Everyday tasks, home, and school | Clamshell design, 14- to 17-inch screens, balanced specs | HP Laptop 15, HP OmniBook 3 | |
Note-taking, drawing, and presenting | Touch screen with a 360-degree hinge or detachable keyboard; works as a tablet | ||
Thin-and-light laptop | Travel and on-the-go work | Usually under 3 lbs, long battery life, slim chassis | |
PC games, streaming, and 3D work | Dedicated GPU, high refresh rate display, advanced cooling | ||
Office, hybrid, and enterprise work | Hardware security, IT manageability, durability testing | ||
Web apps, students, and cloud-based work | Runs ChromeOS™, fast startup, built-in security updates | ||
Engineering, CAD, and pro video | Workstation-class GPUs, certified for pro software, high memory capacity | ||
On-device AI features and future-ready computing | Built-in NPU for local AI tasks like live captions and image effects |
Laptops by how you use them
Some laptops are best understood by who uses them, not how they're built. We cover these in their own glossary pages:
Student laptops for classes, research, and campus life
Entertainment laptops for streaming, movies, and casual games
Creative and technical laptops for graphic design, photo and video editing, and 3D work
Budget laptops for essential tasks at an affordable price
Laptop vs. Desktop vs. Notebook
A laptop is portable and battery-powered, while a desktop stays in one place and plugs into the wall. A notebook is simply another name for a laptop. Choose a laptop if you need to move around. Choose a desktop if you want the most performance, upgradeability, and screen space for your money.
Laptop vs. desktop computer
Feature | Laptop | Desktop computer |
Portability | Built to carry, usually 2 to 6 lbs | Stays at one desk |
Power source | Rechargeable battery or AC adapter | Wall power only |
Display, keyboard, and mouse | Built in | Usually separate (all-in-one PCs include the display) |
Performance for the price | Lower, because mobile parts cost more to shrink and cool | Higher, with room for larger, cooler-running parts |
Upgradeability | Limited; RAM and SSD on some models | Broad; most parts can be swapped |
Repairs | Often needs a service center | Often user-serviceable |
Typical lifespan | Often 3 to 5 years | Often 5 to 8 years |
Space needed | A lap, tabletop, or bag | A dedicated desk area |
Lifespan depends on use and care. Our guide to average computer lifespan explains what affects it. To explore desktops in more depth, visit our desktop glossary.
Laptop vs. notebook
There is no technical difference between a laptop and a notebook today. In the 1990s, "notebook" described laptops that were thinner and lighter, roughly the size of a paper notebook. As all laptops got slimmer, the two terms merged. We still use "notebook" in the names of some HP business laptops, such as the HP EliteBook and HP ProBook lines.
Other laptop comparisons
Readers often weigh a laptop against other devices too. Our laptop comparisons page covers laptops vs. Chromebooks, mobile workstations, and touch screen models, plus processor comparisons. For portable devices without a keyboard, see tablets vs. laptops.
How to Choose a Laptop
To choose a laptop, start with what you'll use it for, then match the processor, memory, storage, screen size, and weight to that use. For most people, a laptop with a current mid-range processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD covers everyday work, school, and streaming with room to grow.
Step-by-step laptop buying checklist
Define your main use. Everyday tasks, schoolwork, gaming, and creative work each need different specs.
Pick an operating system. Windows 11 runs the widest range of software. ChromeOS suits web-based work and students.
Choose a processor. Entry-level chips handle browsing and documents. Mid-range chips such as Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 handle multitasking.
Get enough RAM. 8GB is the minimum for basic use. 16GB is the comfortable standard, and AI PCs typically start there.
Choose SSD storage. 256GB works if you store files in the cloud. 512GB or 1TB SSD suits most people.
Decide on graphics. Integrated graphics cover everyday use. A dedicated GPU matters for gaming, 3D, and video editing.
Match screen size to portability. 13- and 14-inch laptops travel best. 15- and 16-inch laptops give more room to work.
Check weight, battery, and ports. Look for the battery life you need away from an outlet and the ports for your monitor, mouse, and drives.
For a deeper walkthrough, see our laptop picking and setup guide and the HP laptop buying guide. If you're unsure about graphics, our comparison of integrated vs. dedicated graphics cards can help.
Recommended laptop specs by use
Use | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics | Screen size |
Web browsing and email | Entry-level | 8GB | 256GB SSD | Integrated | 14 to 15.6 inches |
Students and schoolwork | Entry to mid-range | 8GB to 16GB | 256GB to 512GB SSD | Integrated | 13 to 15.6 inches |
Office and business work | Mid-range | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Integrated | 14 to 16 inches |
AI features and AI PCs | Processor with a built-in NPU | 16GB or more | 512GB SSD | Integrated or dedicated | 14 to 16 inches |
Gaming | Mid- to high-end | 16GB to 32GB | 1TB SSD | Dedicated GPU | 15.6 to 18 inches |
Photo, video, and 3D work | High-end | 32GB or more | 1TB SSD or more | Dedicated or workstation GPU | 16 to 18 inches |
To learn more about each spec, visit our pages on memory and storage, laptop speed and performance, laptop size, and laptop weight. When you're ready to compare models, shop all HP laptops.
Laptop Glossary Topics A to Z
Our laptop glossary is organized into five groups: laptop types, specs and hardware, buying and comparing, connecting and upgrading, and care and security. Each page defines the key terms and answers the most common questions on that topic.
Laptop types and uses
Standard laptops: standard screen sizes, typical RAM, Wi-Fi standards, and webcams
2-in-1 laptops: convertible vs. detachable designs, tablet mode, drawing, and durability
Chromebooks: ChromeOS, web apps, cloud storage, security, and Chromebook vs. laptop
Gaming laptops: what makes a gaming laptop, key features, performance, and lifespan
Professional laptops: business vs. consumer laptops, security, durability, and choosing a work laptop
Student laptops: specs and RAM for students, college and online classes, and traveling with a laptop
Entertainment laptops: laptops for streaming, movies, and games, plus speakers and TV connections
Creative and technical laptops: graphic design laptops, performance modes, cooling pads, and external monitors
AI laptops: the specs needed to run AI and the benefits of AI on a laptop
Tablets and laptops: laptop vs. tablet vs. notebook, and whether a tablet can replace a laptop
Laptop specs and hardware
Memory and storage: RAM vs. storage, how much you need, SSDs, and upgrades
Laptop speed: what affects laptop speed, fixing a slow laptop, fan speed, and FPS
Laptop battery: lithium batteries, battery life and health, replacement, and safe disposal
Laptop size: how screen size is measured, common sizes, 13-inch vs. 15-inch, and resolution
Laptop weight: typical weights, lightweight and ultralight laptops, and carry-on rules
Trackpads: how a trackpad works, gestures, right-click, and turning it on or off
Optical drives: what an optical drive is, drive types, and external drive options
Buying and comparing laptops
Picking and setup: choosing a screen, keyboard, and battery life, plus setting up a new laptop
Price and budget: what a budget laptop is, key features, and common trade-offs
Laptop comparisons: laptop vs. desktop, notebook, Chromebook, and mobile workstation
Laptop accessories: essential accessories for productivity, remote work, and gaming
Connecting and upgrading your laptop
Connecting: connecting monitors, TVs, printers, mice, and game controllers
Installations and upgrades: which parts you can upgrade, and installing drives, batteries, and software
Updates: operating system, driver, BIOS, and software updates, and managing automatic updates
Laptop care, troubleshooting, and security
Cleaning and care: cleaning the laptop and screen, safe cleaners, and a maintenance schedule
Backups, troubleshooting, and resets: backup options, repair warning signs, overheating, and factory resets
Security and safety: built-in security features, theft and virus protection, and secure disposal
Looking for terms that apply to every PC? Our component glossary explains processors, graphics cards, storage types, and ports and interfaces.
Laptop FAQs
What is a laptop used for?
A laptop is used for the same tasks as a desktop computer, including web browsing, email, schoolwork, office work, video calls, streaming, gaming, and creative projects. The difference is that a laptop runs on battery power, so it can be used at home, at work, in class, or while traveling.
What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?
There is no technical difference between a laptop and a notebook today. The word "notebook" once described thinner, lighter laptops about the size of a paper notebook, but both terms now describe the same portable computer.
Is a laptop or a desktop better?
A laptop is better for people who need portability and want to work in different places. A desktop is better for people who want the most performance for the price, easier upgrades, and larger screens at a single desk.
How long does a laptop last?
Most laptops last about 3 to 5 years with regular use. Laptop lifespan depends on build quality, how demanding the software is, and how well the laptop is cleaned, updated, and protected from heat and drops.
How much RAM does a laptop need?
Most laptop users need 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and modern apps. 8GB of RAM is enough for basic browsing and documents, while gaming, video editing, and 3D work run best with 32GB of RAM or more.
What size laptop should I get?
A 13- or 14-inch laptop is best for travel and carrying every day. A 15- or 16-inch laptop gives more screen space for work and entertainment, and a 17- or 18-inch laptop suits gaming and creative work where portability matters less.
How much does a laptop weigh?
Most laptops weigh between 2 and 6 lbs. Thin-and-light laptops usually weigh under 3 lbs, standard 15-inch laptops weigh about 3.5 to 4.5 lbs, and gaming laptops often weigh 5 lbs or more.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop is a laptop that also works as a tablet. Convertible 2-in-1 laptops have a 360-degree hinge that folds the keyboard behind the touch screen, and detachable 2-in-1 laptops have a keyboard that comes off completely.
What is an AI laptop?
An AI laptop is a laptop with a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) that runs artificial intelligence tasks directly on the device. On-device AI can power features such as live captions, background blur on video calls, and image editing tools without sending data to the cloud.
What is the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs Google's ChromeOS and relies mainly on web apps and cloud storage. Most other laptops run Windows, which supports a wider range of desktop software, including many games and professional creative apps.
Can you upgrade a laptop?
Many laptops allow RAM and SSD storage upgrades, but some thin laptops have memory soldered to the motherboard. The processor and graphics in most laptops cannot be upgraded, so it helps to choose those specs carefully when buying.
