laptop v. notebook v. netbook
Thursday, January 14, 2010 Laptop and notebook are terms that can be used interchangeably to describe portable computers. Some consider notebooks to be smaller and lighter than laptops, but this distinction isn’t easily or consistently made.
Desktop replacement computers are large, heavy laptops with big screens and full-size keyboards that offer similar performance to desktop computers, but they often have a high price and limited battery life.
Very small mobile computers that are designed with low weight and enhanced battery life in mind are called subnotebooks. In order to reduce bulk, subnotebooks lack an optical drive and some ports, so an external drive or docking station must be used if one wishes to install software or play media off of CDs or DVDs. Despite their size, these computers still run general purpose desktop operating systems, and have comparable functionality to their larger brethren.
Netbooks are a new class of inexpensive subnotebooks that are optimized for e-mailing, web browsing, and web-based applications. Compared to more costly laptops, netbooks generally have a smaller screen, a slower processor, less RAM, a lower capacity hard drive, no DVD drive, and more rudimentary components. Netbook operating systems are usually customized Linux distros, older (and therefore, more lightweight) desktop OS’s like Windows XP, or operating systems designed for mobile, resource-limited hardware, such as Google’s Android. Many netbooks are available with a mobile broadband package, enabling wireless Internet access in the carrier’s coverage area for a monthly fee.