Deciding Between Laptop And Notebook

Posted by DifferenceBetween on February 5th, 2013

If you want to buy a portable computer but still trying to make up your mind whether to buy a laptop or a notebook, here are some things you need to consider. A notebook is also a portable computer and a subset of the broad category called laptops, but it is usually lighter, slimmer and smaller. A notebook has a better battery life than a laptop because it uses low power consuming processors. However, the graphics processing unit in notebooks is not dedicated, hence if you want to buy a computer for gaming or watching HD movies then you are better off with a laptop instead of a notebook. Laptops usually have higher performance graphics and faster processors. In notebooks, the screen size ranges from 11 to 14 inches, whereas laptops have a larger screen size which vary from 14 to 17 inches. Another frequent benchmark used to differentiate laptops and notebooks is their weight. A Notebook would have a typical weight in the range of 3 – 6 pounds whereas the laptops would usualy weight more than 6 pounds.

Comparing laptop and notebook with their pros and cons –The main difference between laptop and notebook is discussed below -

One can use the difference in weight, thickness and peripharals between laptops and notebooks as the differentiating characteristics. Notebooks may not have a CD or floppy drive because their thickness is less as compared to laptops. Laptops, on the other hand, have CD and floppy drives both and are slightly bulkier. If you have big hands, it can be uncomfortable to use the keyboard on a notebook because the size is kept smallest while preserving the functionality. Notebooks cannot be upgraded for RAM, graphics and hard drives, whereas these upgrades are possible with laptops. Notebooks do not have the advanced connectivity options that laptops have. A laptop is usually better than a notebook in terms of sound quality and output.

Laptops were originally made to replace desktop computers with the ability to accomplish all tasks that a desktop computer can perform.The priority was on poratability while the mobility element was neglected at the time of initial design. A fine example for early laptops is Compaq SLT/286 which was released in 1980s and weighed around 15 pounds. On the contrary, notebooks were made as opposites to laptops. They were made to be lighter and smaller with lower energy consumption. A classic example of earliest notebooks is NEC UltraLite which was revealed in 1989 and weighed 5 pounds. There may be a considerable difference between the cost of a laptop and a notebook. Notebooks used to cost more than laptops, but with the advancements in technology; that distinction is fading away. The general idea is that if you require only the basic computer functions then it will be a good idea to opt for a notebook, but if you require more complicated functions you need from a workstation;then you should go for a laptop.

Laptops and Notebooks have evolved since their introduction and considering the technology market today, the difference between laptop and notebook comes down to a matter of nomenclature. For instance, manufacturers like HP has completely switched to calling their products Notebooks while Dell still continues to call their products Laptops. In order to buy a notebook or laptop, look for the differences between the two. You can search the internet. You will find many online stores that sell notebooks and laptops of different brands. You can compare the different brands and choose the one that suits you the most.Although we point out the difference, the name laptop has outlived its meaning because of the high performance laptops nowadays; with their high end hardware and weight, it’s questionable whether you can let them sit on your lap without an apparent risk to your health.

About the Author:

Sena has extensive experience in working in the Information Technology field with an emphasis to Information Security and Industrial Research. He has served as a Software Engineer shortly before moving in to Lecturing. He is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering where he graduated with first class honors.He is passionate about teaching and continues to work as a visiting Lecturer in other Higher EducationInstututions, as well. His research interests are in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics while he is also interested in Quantum Information Systems.

Sena has won many competitions on Enterprise Mobility Applications and has received special recognition award for dedication in research. He has also published several research papers and wishes to broaden his research horizons while contributing to the community as a Technical Writer in the IT domain.  Sena is a Consultant and Contributing Editor of Difference Between in Information Technology.