Laptop Computers
A laptop computer, also known as a notebook computer, is a portable personal computer. Laptops are generally capable of performing the same tasks as a desktop computer, though compromises to decrease power consumption and size often mean that laptops are computationally less powerful than desktop computers. Laptops generally use highly integrated hardware components (such as video cards and sound cards) and contain very few user-serviceable components. Changing out components (for example, upgrading the video card or replacing the keyboard) is typically very difficult or impossible. Laptop computers typically use LCD panels as their video displays. Specialized hardware devices known as "touchpads" or "trackpoints" are used in lieu of a mouse, although an external mouse can typically be connected as well. Most laptops provide either a touchpad or a trackpoint, but some provide both. Because laptop keyboards are smaller than standard desktop keyboards, the keys tend to be smaller, some key locations are changed and some keys are omitted entirely, and multiple functions are combined onto each key. Laptops are powered by an internal battery or an external power source.
Laptops are available in a wide range of sizes to suit the varying needs of users. At the small end of the scale are "ultraportable" laptops, which are designed for travelers. Ultraportables typically have screens that measure 12 inches or less diagonally, and are very thin (1 inch thick or less) and light (typically less than 4 pounds). These machines typically have very small keyboards, and often omit certain hardware devices (optical drives) and connection ports. At the large end of the scale are "desktop replacement" laptops, which are only nominally portable. Desktop replacements typically have large screens (15 inches or larger) and are relatively bulky and heavy (8 pounds or more). These machines typically have full size keyboards and include a full range of hardware devices and ports.
Laptop computers pose a number of accessibility issues. Missing or rearranged keys pose problems for users who are blind and users with cognitive impairments. The smaller keyboard and small, densely populated ports and controls pose problems for users with upper mobility impairments. The small display and small hardware labels pose problems for users with low vision. The lack of standardization of key placement and other design features across laptops causes problems for many users with various impairments.
|
|
|
|
|
| Issues | Standards |
Quick Check |
Detailed Evaluation |
Assistive Technology |
Impacts of Accessibility Issues
Accessibility issues associated with laptop computers impact users with the following disability types: