How to choose between Laptops, Netbooks and Notebooks

There are many people who do not know the difference between a Netbook and a Notebook. A friend of mine called me last night and asked me whether he should go for a Netbook or a Notebook. I asked him straightforwardly – “Do you know the difference between a Netbook and a Notebook?” and he said that he wasn’t sure of it. So for other people that do not know the difference between a Netbook and a Notebook, here is a post for them.

Let me begin with the story of Laptops, the first portable computing device. First came Laptops, they were large and heavy. Then was the time when Notebooks came. Notebooks were smaller and were more portable as compared to a Laptop. This portability and smaller size was at the cost of some functionality which Laptops carried. However, these are the days when everyone is talking about Netbooks. Netbooks are generally small, fast, light-weight and cheaper. It is also to be mentioned that distinction between Laptops, Notebooks and Netbooks is growing narrower and narrower day by day.

It is the case of most people who call a Laptop a Notebook, a Notebook a Netbook and a Netbook a Laptop. Even major corporations are trying to sell Laptops at a higher price by classifying them as Notebooks.

Netbook were initially costing less than $200 and had a low specification which could only be used for Internet browsing and word processing. Recently, however, HP has released <ini 311. They have classed this as a Netbook but in reality, it is a small and more portable Notebook.

With that all being said, let us now come to the most difficult task of choosing between a Notebook and a Netbook.

Advantages and disadvantages of Notebook

To make it simple in fewer words, Notebooks have a decent speed, they are able to run basic games, they allow you to do word processing jobs and provide a space for almost all office works. They are often a slightly more expensive than Laptops. Further, they are also slightly more unreliable than the Laptops. This may be due to a reason that Notebook manufacturing corporations try to fit the same component (as in a Laptop) into a much smaller space.

Another trouble with these Notebooks is that they get heated very soon as compared to a Laptop. However, this issue can be negated by using a Laptop cooler.

So Notebooks are perfect for those who need a computing machine capable of doing a fairly good number of tasks while on the move. They are not particularly cumbersome, however, they may prove to be a bit cumbersome for those who need extensive travelling.

Advantages and disadvantages of Netbooks

Netbooks have low-cost and offer high portability. They are suitable for those users who use their computers for Internet browsing, e-mailing and word-processing while on the move. However, since Netbooks have a lower specification, they might do hurdles when trying to go beyond Internet browsing, e-mailing and word processing tasks. Netbooks are further not suitable for gaming.

While recent Netbooks have incorporated graphical processors, they are still not suitable for high end gamers. This is due to the fact that Netbooks have a light weight, have less space and are overheated soon. Further, many Netbooks contain WebCams which provides the video chat facility while you are on the go.

Eliminating the dilemma between choosing a Netbook and a Notebook

As far as this is concerned; the decision to by a Netbook or a Notebook depends on your personal opinion. If you feel that you need a computer which can provide you with your graphic rendering needs, allow you to play games and take full control on your media needs; then a Notebook will probably be the best for you.

If you are a kind of person which is generally on some travel or you just need something which can connect you to the Internet, provide you a means of communication or allow you to do some little office works; then a Netbook maybe the best option for you. It is more viable, cheaper and will cater best to your needs.