portátil

Portátil is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote objects or devices that can be easily carried. In computing, it refers to a portable personal computer, typically designed to be used away from a fixed workspace. The term is commonly applied to what in English is called a laptop or notebook.

Etymology traces the word to Latin portatilis, meaning suitable or able to be carried, from portare, to carry. Its adoption in Romance languages reflects the core idea of mobility and ease of transport.

Usage varies by region. In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, computadora or ordenador portátil are common terms, with portátil often serving as shorthand. In Latin America, computadora portátil or portátil is also standard, while some users favor anglicisms such as laptop. In Portuguese, portable computers are described as computador portátil or similar, with portátil functioning as the portable qualifier.

Typical devices labeled as portátiles include laptops, notebooks, ultrabooks, and convertible or 2-in-1 models that mix laptop and tablet functionality. Common design features are a hinged clamshell with an integrated display, onboard keyboard, touchpad or pointing stick, built-in battery, and a range of processors, memory, and storage. They emphasize mobility, battery life, and wireless connectivity, while balancing performance and price.

Historically, portable computers emerged in the 1980s and evolved from bulky early models to slim, energy-efficient forms in the 2000s. In the 2010s, ultrabooks and 2-in-1 devices popularized thin-and-light, configurable solutions that blur the line between laptops and tablets. Today, portátiles remain essential for work, study, and travel, reflecting ongoing advances in battery technology, processors, and peripheral options.