From lab to lap: Liquid-crystal, electroluminescent, and plasma displays are among the major contenders for use in truly portable computers

Computers are habit-forming; at home and in the office they draft reports, tally figures, query information services, and order airline tickets. But as the habit grows, access to computers in the home and office is no longer enough. Today's computer users want to be able to draft memos while airborne on route to a meeting, to dial into the office computer from a phone booth and collect the latest data, and to access Dow Jones' stock and bond information with a pocket-size radio terminal. In short, they need a computer to take along with them wherever they go.