The Comparison Begins
Technology evolves faster than a chicken egg hatches. Back in 1995, you would be very cool if you had a bulky personal computer with games like Solitaire and Minesweeper. If you want to buy a computer today, you can choose from hundreds of computers that are built in different sizes and with different specifications. Two common types of computers are the laptop and the notebook. While there is constant debate as to whether laptops and notebooks are different or one and the same, experts agree that laptops and notebooks are completely different.
Portability
The biggest difference between laptop and notebook is the size. Notebook computers are smaller and generally weigh less than the laptop. This is because notebooks have less parts which makes them thinner than laptops. Notebooks also have smaller screen sizes. Notebooks have screens that are about 12 to 14 inches long. Anything with a screen larger than that is a laptop. To measure the screen of a computer, you can use a ruler or a measuring tape. Simply hold it against the screen diagonally and it will tell you how big your screen size is.
Another thing that makes notebooks smaller than laptops is the keyboard. Notebook keyboards are more compact. This is because they do not have numerical keypads. Of course, you can still use all the important keyboard functions on a notebook. Yet another factor that makes a difference between laptop and notebook size is, as mentioned earlier, the parts. This is due to the fact that a laptop can function like a desktop that you use on your lap. It comes with a CD or DVD drive. For older models, floppy disk drives are included as well. Many notebooks, on the other hand, need external combo drives if you want to play your favorite CD’s and DVD’s.
Strength
The next big difference between laptop and notebook is battery life. A laptop’s battery life is shorter than a notebook’s, because a laptop has more features that need battery power than a notebook. Laptops are more powerful and therefore use up more battery charge. Typically, a laptop’s battery can last without charging for two hours on average. A notebook’s battery can last for up to four hours, which is enough for you to play a couple of movies and check your social networking accounts. Even if you run the same programs on a laptop and a notebook at the same, the battery on the laptop will still drain faster than the battery on the notebook.
Entertainment
Moving on, laptops are more ideal for gamers. Notebooks, of course, can still give you a decent entertainment experience. However, laptops have better graphics systems. They come with good-quality video cards while notebooks do not. If you want flawless movements on your screen, a laptop will be better for you than a notebook. This is one difference between laptop and notebook that may not seem significant to a lot of people, but can really help you make a decision if you are serious about multimedia applications.
Yet another deciding factor for the dedicated gamer (and also movie enthusiasts and music lovers) is the difference in audio systems. Laptops generally have better specifications, and audio quality is one thing that really makes a difference between laptop and notebook. Notebooks are made for basic computing needs, making them ideal for students and professionals. However, if mediocre sound quality will bother you, you will be disappointed if you buy a notebook. Laptops have better built-in speakers, because laptops are made with more powerful parts.
Flexibility
Notebooks come with more expensive maintenance costs because they are not as easily upgradeable as laptops. The typical notebook also has a smaller storage capacity than the typical laptop, so you will need to buy different accessories to make sure that you maximize your computer’s capabilities. Laptops are more flexible because you will not need to get a big external hard drive to store your projects and music in. You also will not need to use special installers when you want to put new programs or games in your computer because you can just insert the CD into the combo drive. Parts are also easier to replace in laptops than in notebooks.
Functionality
When it comes to functionality, notebooks and laptops do not have much of a difference. You can use both for all your basic computing needs. However, notebooks usually have faster loading speeds because they run less background applications. So if all you really want is a fast and productive little machine to type your homework in, the notebook is just right for you.
Making the Final Decision
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Figure out what your basic needs are. Do you always need to be on the go with your computer? Portability might be more important to you, so get a notebook. Do you want to use your computer to play games while you are on the bed, on the couch, at the dining table, or at your desk? Get a laptop.
2. Do you want a compact machine that has everything you need in it? Get a laptop. Do you just need the basic computing features most of the time and can just lug around some accessories when you need them? Get a notebook.
3. Are you more tech-savvy than you are trendy? Get a laptop. Are you more trendy than you are tech-savvy? Get a notebook.
Whatever your final decision is, keep in mind that laptops and notebooks both require a lot of care. When purchasing a computer, just think of portability, strength, entertainment, flexibility, and functionality. There is no single most important difference between laptop and notebook. There are a lot of factors to consider, but as long as you know what you want, you will find out what is right for you.