Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Tablet computer
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge computer question checks your understanding of different categories of personal computers and how they compare in terms of size, weight, and portability. Modern users often move between devices such as desktops, laptops, ultrabooks, and tablets, so knowing which type is physically lightest and easiest to carry is important for practical day to day decisions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to compare the typical form factor and weight of each category. A desktop computer usually consists of a tower or cabinet, a monitor, and peripherals, so it is clearly not portable. A standard laptop is designed to be portable but still contains a full keyboard, trackpad, and larger battery, so it has more weight. An ultrabook laptop is a slimmer and lighter kind of laptop, but it still retains a clamshell design and keyboard. A tablet computer is usually a thin, flat touchscreen device without a hardware keyboard, which makes it very light and easy to carry.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider the desktop computer. It is designed to stay on a desk and is clearly the heaviest system among the options.
Step 2: Consider the laptop computer. It is portable, but it has a full keyboard, hinge, and larger body, so it has more weight than a small touchscreen only device.
Step 3: Consider the ultrabook laptop. It is thinner and lighter than a traditional laptop, but it still has a keyboard and metallic body, so it usually weighs more than a typical tablet.
Step 4: Consider the tablet computer. It has a slim slate design and usually weighs only a few hundred grams, which makes it the lightest option among these categories.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by thinking about how each device is commonly used. Tablets are often carried in one hand, used while standing, and easily slipped into small bags. Ultrabooks, while light for laptops, still generally require a laptop sleeve or backpack. Desktops are not moved regularly at all. Therefore the typical experience of users confirms that tablets are the lightest and most portable devices among the listed options.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Desktop computer: This is wrong because a desktop is heavy and not designed to be carried around. It requires power cables and a monitor, making it the least portable choice.
Laptop computer: This is wrong because a normal laptop weighs more than a tablet and is bulkier due to its keyboard and thicker body.
Ultrabook laptop: This is wrong because although ultrabooks are light for laptops, they still generally weigh more than a slim tablet of similar screen size.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that ultrabooks are the lightest simply because they are marketed as very thin and light laptops. However, the question is comparing different categories of computers, and tablets usually win in terms of minimum weight and true handheld portability. Another pitfall is to ignore the word typically and focus on rare special models instead of average devices.
Final Answer:
The lightest and most portable type of computer among the given options is the Tablet computer.
Discussion & Comments