Laptop specs explained: A jargon-free guide to what's inside your computer

A laptop's processor, graphics processor, RAM and graphics processor are common specs for today 's Apple MacBook and Windows laptop components in plain language.

Mashable's resident laptop expert explains how to decipher the jargon-laden specs for different types of laptops.

For a deeper dive into specs for Chromebooks , read our dedicated "Chromebooks versus laptops" guide.

A laptop's display (or screen) is the focal point of the device's lid, the main way of interacting with its software.

Laptop screens range in size from 11 to 18 inches , and like TV screens, they're measured diagonally from corner to corner.

LCD screens are the standard among low-end to mid-range laptops, but they look fine and don't suck up a ton of power.

The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture is going to be.

A laptop's webcam is the front-facing camera built into its display.

Laptops have "island-style" keyboards with low-profile, spaced-out keys.

Most modern laptops have backlit keyboards; snazzy gaming laptops' keyboards sport colorful "RGB" backlighting.