What Is The Difference Between Netbooks And Laptops?
Titus Hoskins

Lately, one question that keeps constantly popping up with
laptop buyers - what is the difference between netbooks and
laptops? If you're buying the latest mobile computer,
should you go with a netbook or laptop? What are the major
differences and which one should you buy?

First, you have to realize the category of "netbook" is a
fairly new one. Asustek launched the netbook category when
it released its first Eee PC in the fall of 2007. Nebooks
have proven so popular with consumers it is now the fastest
growing laptop segment.

Netbooks are small in size, usually with screens of 10
inches, but some displays can be slightly smaller or
larger. Netbooks will usually run Windows XP or Linux and
sell for well under $500. Most have the smaller Intel Atom
processor and at least one GB of RAM.

Netbooks usually have multiple USB ports, wireless
Internet, Ethernet, webcam, vga port for an external larger
monitor, microphone and headphone jacks, card readers and
most now come with 160 GB hard drive, but older models will
have 30 to 60 GB ones. Expect longer battery life with a
netbook and nine hours is not that uncommon.

Sounds like a regular laptop, doesn't it?

Well, not exactly, because the main difference besides the
smaller size, is the lower processing power you will find
in a netbook. Most have the smaller Intel Atom processor so
expect less performance, especially when you consider most
netbooks have much less RAM than a regular laptop. In
addition, most netbooks don't have an optical drive (cd/dvd
player), although some newer models do have this feature.
The keyboard will usually be smaller so if you have large
hands, look for a model with normal sized keys.

Why have Netbooks become so popular?

The main reason could be our constant quest for a handy
portable device to go along with our hectic fast-paced
well-connected lifestyles. Many people want something
larger than a smart phone or PDA to connect with family and
friends at all times. For students, a netbook is ideal
because of its small size and portability. For travelers,
vacationers, hikers, sailors... a netbook can be a very
convenient device to bring along to stay connected with the
outside world.

The other major reason is Price!

Netbooks are a lot cheaper than laptops, at least for the
moment this statement is true. Since regular laptop prices
are constantly decreasing, this price difference has grown
a lot smaller in recent years. But for the most part,
netbooks will be cheaper to buy then laptops.

Should you buy a netbook or laptop?

This question will largely depend upon what tasks you want
your new device to perform. If you have computer tasks
which require high performance or you want to store large
amounts of data, then go with a laptop or PC. If you have
tasks which require a large viewing area (display) then go
with a laptop; those third quarter company spreadsheets
will be very hard to read on a netbook.

However, if you want a small portable device to stay
connected with friends and family while you're traveling or
just out around town, then go with a netbook. If you're a
student and want a small compact device for the classroom,
then go with a netbook.

Now, to confuse things somewhat, any prudent buyer must be
aware that you can have all of the features of a netbook in
many ultra-portable laptops currently on the market. For
example, you can buy a Sony VAIO 11.1 Inch Laptop with a
1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB
Hard Drive and a Blu-ray Drive. The main difference is
price, expect to pay well over two grand for the Sony.

Again, which device you buy will largely depend upon your
own computer needs and your budget. A cheap, yet sturdy
netbook, may be all you need to get the job done, why waste
money by buying features you don't need and will never use?
However, if you require high performance in a small
package, then a more powerful ultra-portable laptop may fit
the bill in more ways than one. It's your call?


About the Author:

For more information on Buying Student Netbooks at Bargain
Prices Click Here:
http://www.bizwaremagic.com/best_netbooks.htm
To download our Comprehensive Laptop Computer Buying Guide
go here: http://www.laptopcomputerguide.org
2009 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed
if this resource box stays attached.