While we still call them laptops, they are not actually laptops, they are notebooks. The last laptop I saw had a 80286 for a processor (odds are it was junked before you were even born). Somehow the name laptop stuck, but they are notebook form factors and never intended to be used on laps.
They are ergonomicly wrong on your lap. They can be used there but they are best used on an airplane tray. (Still ergonomicly wrong, but given the constraints the best we can do)
While we still call them laptops, they are not actually laptops, they are notebooks. The last laptop I saw had a 80286 for a processor (odds are it was junked before you were even born). Somehow the name laptop stuck, but they are notebook form factors and never intended to be used on laps.
Ouch, right in the age.
The MacBook Air I just bought would disagree :)
I think these can officially be called laptops again, because they are cooled passively and you can absolutely use them on your lap.
They are ergonomicly wrong on your lap. They can be used there but they are best used on an airplane tray. (Still ergonomicly wrong, but given the constraints the best we can do)
This is the real answer. Laptop is a misnomer. I had to explain this to many people when I worked in repair.