A small, portable personal computer that runs on either batteries or AC power, designed for use during travel. Laptops have flat LCD or plasma screens and small keyboards. Most can run the same software as their desktop counterparts and can accept similar peripherals, such as sound cards, internal or external modems, floppy disks, and CD-ROM drives. Some laptops are designed to be plugged into a docking station, effectively making them desktop computers. Most have connectors for plugging in external keyboards and full-sized monitors. Older laptops weighed as much as 15 pounds; current laptops can weigh as little as 5 pounds without peripherals. While notebook is the current term for ultralight portable computers, these machines are also commonly referred to as laptops. See also portable computer. Compare subnotebook computer.
A computer small enough to use in one's lap; SYN. laptop computer. lap-top

Of a size and design that makes operation and use on one's lap convenient — compare desktop