When it comes to portable computing, most people decide between a laptop and a notebook. However, some people scratch their heads at the thought of choosing between the two since it is unclear to them why choosing one over the other makes any difference. With newer laptops getting thinner and thinner, it can be difficult to determine what makes a laptop different from a notebook. However, there are certain areas we can look at, such as size and memory, to determine if there are advantages of a laptop over a notebook.
Laptops versus Notebooks
These two portable computers differ in various areas, including size, memory, processor, portability, and the presence, or absence of disk drives. Laptops, for the most part are larger compared to notebooks, and they have a longer battery life. Other differences are described in detail below.
Size
Laptops have a larger size compared to notebooks. Screen sizes range from 13” to 15” diagonally, which is good for almost any kind of computer application such as photo editing or watching movies. Laptops are also thicker than notebooks because of integrated hardware. Most portable desktop replacements also feature a full size keyboard for comfortable computing. Notebooks feature smaller keyboards, although newer models now come with keyboards that extend the entire length of the computer.
Battery life
Most laptops come with 6-cell batteries, which provide your computer with three hours or more of power. These last longer than the power of a typical ultraportable, which tends to sport 3-cell batteries. However, most notebooks now come with options for 6-cell batteries to add more portable computing life, but this also adds to the overall weight of the notebook. Three-cell batteries typically produce 1 to 3 hours of power at an average. Because of their small size, they consume less power compared to their much bigger counterparts. The smaller footprint is one factor that makes small computing devices appealing to people who are environmentally conscious.
Processors
Portable desktop replacements often come packed with a more powerful processor compared to lightweight ultraportable devices. Typical notebooks are loaded with Atom processors, which are not capable of running heavy applications such as video or sophisticated photo editing software. Laptops, on the other hand, can run these applications with ease because of their more-powerful processors.
Internal DVD-ROM or RW Drive
Laptops are large and thick enough to sport a DVD-ROM or RW drive. This allows users to play DVD movies right on their computers. Ultraportables are too small to have this feature, but users can still play DVD movies in their computers using external portable DVD drives which can be attached through USB ports.
Other Differences
Laptops can also be upgraded in terms of battery and memory. This means that you can expand the computer memory by manually adding more. Notebooks do not have this luxury. What comes in the box is often the only amount of integrated memory you get. Most notebook users try to work around this by using external disk drives where they store their larger files.
In a nutshell, laptops have the ability to replace desktop PCs when it comes to processor and the amount of applications one can run. Notebooks tend to have a limited functionality since they have smaller memories, but they are lighter, small enough to fit inside a typical handbag, and they leave smaller footprints. Both laptops and notebooks come with integrated modems, Bluetooth and Wifi capabilities, but that is the extent of their similarities. Laptop computers tend to offer better graphics and sound systems compared to notebooks. Because of this range of difference, one can expect the typical notebook to cost much lower than a laptop with basic features. However, the advantages of a laptop over a notebook often propel consumers to buy laptops if they are looking for portable desktop replacements and not just something which is only capable of performing limited tasks.