You might’ve asked yourself this at some point: why laptop? It’s not something you sit on—right? And why didn’t it get named after something else, like “portable computer” or “folding computer”? In this article, we’ll break down the origin of the term laptop, why it’s called that way, and how the design of the device actually relates to the name. Plus, we’ll clear up some of the confusion that makes the term tricky for beginners. So let’s get into it.
What Is the Origin of the Term ‘Laptop’?
The simplest answer? The word laptop comes from the fact that these computers were designed to sit on your lap.
Back in the 1970s, computers were big, bulky machines that often had to stay on desks or in rooms dedicated to computing. The idea of taking one with you, and more specifically, placing it on your lap, was quite novel. Early portable computers weren’t exactly comfortable to put on your lap—they were heavy and awkward.
But as technology improved, devices became smaller and lighter. Suddenly, you could comfortably balance a computer on your legs. The term laptop started capturing this portability and usability. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first known use of the word laptop was in the early 1980s, describing a computer portable enough to sit on your lap [1].
Early Portable Computers and Naming
Before the laptop era, people called these devices “portable computers” or “notebook computers.” The latter term, notebook, came from the size similarity to actual paper notebooks. However, notebook wasn’t strongly associated with the idea of resting it on your lap.
The term laptop caught on because it described an immediate, physical experience: you’re literally holding the computer on your lap. So, the name isn’t just about portability but about how you interact with the device physically.
Why Is the Device Called a ‘Laptop’ Instead of Something Else?
If the name laptop puzzles you—like, why name a computer after part of your body?—you’re not alone.
Think about it: back in the late 20th century, portable computing was brand new. Naming a device after where you use it made perfect sense. People wanted a term that was simple, descriptive, and instantly relatable.
And here’s the interesting bit: this wasn’t just marketing fluff. Early makers and users of these devices actually used them on their laps. Imagine working on a plane, sitting in your living room, or otherwise away from a desk—your lap was the natural spot for balance and comfort.
Comparing With Other Names
Why not “portable computer” or “mobile computer”? Those terms exist, sure. But they’re broader and don’t convey the same image. A laptop evokes a cozy, personal workspace you can carry anywhere.
On the other hand, “notebook” computers are often thinner, lighter, and designed to look like paper notebooks, but not all laptops fit that description. Some are bigger, and the term laptop covers a wider range of devices based on use, not just size.
How Does the Design of a Laptop Relate to Its Name?
This is where things click. The name laptop isn’t random because the design literally revolves around being used on your lap.
The Foldable “Clamshell” Design
Almost all laptops feature a foldable design, often called a “clamshell.” The screen folds down onto the keyboard, making it a compact shape easy to balance on your legs. This design differs from desktops or earlier portable computers, which were bulky and one-piece.
The foldable design helps prevent overheating on your lap, too. Since laptops have fans and vents, closing the device when you’re moving around protects internal parts from damage, while opening it gives you access when you’re ready to work.
Size and Weight
Laptops are sized to be light enough for lap use. Most weigh from 2 to 8 pounds (0.9 to 3.6 kg), depending on the model. That’s small enough to place on your thighs without strain, unlike desktops or even some early portable computers that weighed 20+ pounds.
For example, modern ultrabooks, like the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Air, weigh around 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg), making lap use comfortable for long periods [2].
Portability Meets Usability
Laptops also feature built-in keyboards and screens, which means you don’t need to carry extra peripherals. This all-in-one approach means you can actually work comfortably on your lap anywhere—on a couch, in a café, on a train.
When Did the Term ‘Laptop’ First Come Into Use?
You might wonder, “Was the term laptop around before laptops became common?”
Not exactly. The term appeared as the technology developed enough to actually be used on your lap. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest recorded use of laptop as a computing term was in 1983 [3].
Key Milestones in Laptop History
- 1981: Osborne 1, one of the first portable computers, was released. But it was bulky and couldn’t comfortably sit on a lap—it weighed over 24 pounds!
- 1983: The Gavilan SC, one of the first true “laptop” computers, was introduced. It weighed about 4.5 pounds and had the clamshell design that made lap use possible.
- Mid to late 1980s: The term laptop starts gaining traction as more devices become lighter and foldable.
The first real laptops changed the game, and as the public began seeing these devices used on laps, the name stuck. It wasn’t just a catchy marketing phrase—it described a new way of using computers.
Clearing Up Some Confusion
Why Name a Computer After a Body Part?
You might still think naming a device after a body part is odd. But it’s actually a simple metaphor that makes the concept easy to grasp.
The lap is a flat, stable surface close to you, perfect for balancing something while you work or relax. Using your lap means you can work almost anywhere—with no desk needed.
So, the name laptop instantly tells you how and where the device is intended to be used: portable, personal computing that fits comfortably right on your lap.
Laptops vs. Other Portable Computers
It’s easy to get puzzled between laptops, notebooks, ultrabooks, tablets, and more. Here’s a quick table to help:
| Device Type | Main Feature | Typical Use Case | Relation to Lap Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Foldable clamshell design, keyboard | General computing, anywhere | Designed to rest on your lap |
| Notebook | Smaller, lighter laptop | Portable use, often lighter tasks | Also fits on lap, often thinner |
| Ultrabook | Lightweight, thin, premium build | High portability, longer battery | Ideal for lap use due to size |
| Tablet | Touchscreen, no physical keyboard | Casual use, media consumption | Often held in hands or on lap |
| Desktop | Large, stationary computer | Intensive tasks, stationary | Not designed for lap use |
FAQs About the Term ‘Laptop’
Q: Can you really use every laptop on your lap?
It depends. Most laptops are designed for lap use, but bigger gaming laptops or heavy models might be uncomfortable or hot on your legs.
Q: Is a tablet a laptop?
No, tablets don’t have built-in keyboards by default and aren’t designed with the clamshell form factor. They’re portable but used differently.
Q: Why don’t we call tablets ‘lappads’ or something similar?
Because tablets are tablet-shaped and mostly used handheld or on surfaces, not necessarily on laps.
Q: Are tablets replacing laptops?
Not entirely. Laptops offer more powerful hardware and a physical keyboard, making them better for productivity tasks.
Wrapping It Up
So, why is a laptop called a laptop? It’s really about where and how you can use it. That lap part isn’t just a quirky name—it’s a literal nod to the device’s design and intended use.
The name came into use in the early 1980s, tied closely to technological advances that made computers small and light enough to place comfortably on your thighs. The foldable design, weight, and all-in-one nature of laptops set them apart from other portable computers, making the term easier to stick.
Next time you open your laptop on your couch or a café chair, remember this: the name laptop reflects a comfortable, personal workspace that fits perfectly on your lap—no desk required.
References
[1] Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Laptop.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laptop
[2] Laptop Mag. “Best Ultrabooks 2024.” https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-ultrabooks
[3] Oxford English Dictionary. “Laptop, n.” https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/108510?rskey=xyz&result=1
Danny Inayat