Known as a 'notebook' or 'laptop', the portable computer draws upon a rechargeable battery when the user is away from a source of mains electricity. Manufacturers make increasingly extravagant claims for the length of time a portable computer's battery will allow the user to continue using the machine without recharging. Most people we have asked about it say that the only time they get more than a couple of hours out of a fully recharged battery in a fairly new machine is when they are not doing a great deal more with it than reading their emails or replying to them! Portable computer parts are more expensive than those used in personal computers, mainly because of the miniaturization that is necessary when creating a machine that is less than half the size of a standard PC. Fixing a broken portable computer is also more complex and, therefore, less likely to be something the average user will be able to tackle. Nonetheless, it can be convenient to have a portable computer if you intend to use it mostly in the vicinity of a power supply. | 
