Why is a laptop called 'laptop'?

[dbryan94]

I understand the 'lap' part of the name, but what does the 'top' part mean?

 

[shivababbli]

its on top of ur lap

 

[HolyCowImAnoOb]

because its on TOP of your LAP?

 

[VedranMik]

Yes, just as a desktop sits on top of your desk. Well, it used to, the old horizontal cases, today cases are put vertically on the desk/next to it/on some stand made for the case/on the floor etc

 

[velo3100]

It is called that as it is designed to be used on top of your lap. This isn't the case for all laptops like drts though.