Por que chamamos laptop de notebook? - Mitos Ep. 26

Summary

In this episode of the Clube do Hardware series, Gabriel Torres delves into the history behind the term 'notebook' for portable computers in Brazil. He compares it with the English term 'laptop' and explains how the terminology evolved over time. Gabriel traces the development of portable computers, from bulky early models to modern laptops with liquid crystal displays. The video explores the adoption of 'notebook' in Brazil, addressing the confusion with 'note' and offering insights into the technical background of computer size reduction and naming conventions. It's a fascinating look at the evolution of computer terminology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'notebook' for portable computers was adopted in Brazil, while the U.S. and English-speaking countries commonly use 'laptop'.
• 😀 In the 1980s, the first portable computers were bulky and used CRT screens, making them less 'portable' despite their name.
• 😀 The development of LCD technology in the late 1980s allowed portable computers to be lighter, smaller, and more practical for use on one's lap, leading to the term 'laptop'.
• 😀 The shift from 'laptop' to 'notebook' occurred in the 1990s due to advancements in screen size and portability, with 'notebook' implying a design resembling a small book.
• 😀 The term 'notebook' was created by computer manufacturers in the U.S., but it did not catch on with the general public, who continued to use 'laptop'.
• 😀 The evolution of the personal computer in the 1970s, particularly the rise of microcomputers, drastically reduced the size of computers from massive mainframes to smaller desktop models.
• 😀 Desktops, or 'desktop computers', became popular in the 1980s as personal computers were made small enough to fit on desks, shifting away from large mainframes and mini computers.
• 😀 The portable computer industry initially focused on making machines smaller and easier to transport, but these early models were still heavy and impractical for everyday use.
• 😀 The transition from 'laptop' to 'notebook' involved computers whose screens covered the full top half of the device, resembling the design of a traditional notebook.
• 😀 In Brazil, the use of 'notebook' caught on more easily than in other countries, and the term 'note' is sometimes used colloquially, which is technically incorrect but widely understood in certain regions.

Q & A

Why is the term 'notebook' used in Brazil instead of 'laptop'?

In Brazil, the term 'notebook' was adopted in the 1990s to refer to portable computers. This was due to the design of these computers resembling the size and functionality of a notebook, where the screen acts as the 'cover' that opens and closes like a notebook.

What was the original term for portable computers in Brazil before 'notebook'?

Before 'notebook' became popular in the 1990s, portable computers in Brazil were commonly referred to as 'laptops,' a term that was also used internationally at the time.

Is the term 'notebook' a Brazilian invention?

No, the term 'notebook' was not invented in Brazil. It was used internationally, particularly in the United States, to describe portable computers with larger screens. However, it did not gain popularity in the U.S. market, where the term 'laptop' was more widely accepted.

What is the difference between a 'laptop' and a 'notebook' in English-speaking countries?

In English-speaking countries, 'laptop' is the common term for portable computers, while 'notebook' is a more technical term used by manufacturers to describe the same device. However, the term 'notebook' is not as widely used by the general public.

Why did the term 'notebook' not catch on in the U.S.?

The term 'notebook' did not catch on in the U.S. because people were already accustomed to the term 'laptop.' Although manufacturers used 'notebook' in technical contexts, the general public preferred the more familiar term 'laptop.'

What technological advancements influenced the change from 'laptop' to 'notebook' in terms of design?

The transition from 'laptop' to 'notebook' occurred as portable computers evolved to have larger LCD screens that covered the entire top half of the device. This design resembled the appearance of a notebook, hence the adoption of the term 'notebook.'

What is the connection between the terms 'laptop' and 'notebook' and the devices' physical design?

The term 'laptop' refers to the ability to place the computer on one's lap, while 'notebook' comes from the design of the device, which is similar to the size and function of a notebook. The device opens like a notebook, with the screen as the cover.

What kind of computers existed before microcomputers were introduced in the late 1970s?

Before microcomputers were introduced, there were three main types of computers: mainframes, which could occupy entire rooms; mini-computers, which were smaller but still large like refrigerators; and workstations, which were smaller but still quite large and powerful.

How did the emergence of microcomputers in the 1970s change the computing landscape?

The emergence of microcomputers allowed for the development of smaller, more affordable computers, which could be used in homes and businesses. This led to the creation of desktop computers, which were small enough to fit on a desk and vastly more accessible than the earlier mainframes and mini-computers.

What role did the development of LCD screens play in the evolution of portable computers?

The development of LCD screens was crucial in making portable computers lighter and more practical. The first portable computers used CRT (cathode ray tube) screens, which were heavy and bulky. As LCD screens were developed, they allowed for more compact designs and eventually led to the rise of the 'laptop' and later the 'notebook' as we know them today.