Not quite aware of the difference between notebooks and laptops prompts many people to use these terms interchangeably for any portable computer. Notebook vs laptop comparison given below will help you in understanding the difference between the two, in order to choose the ideal one for you.
As we cruise along the highway of technology, leaving behind one milestone after another, our gadgets are becoming smaller and smaller. Introduction of laptops and notebooks - the improvised versions of the traditional desktop computers, is by far the best example of this phenomenon. Though there is quite a significant difference between notebooks and laptops, many people tend to get confused when it comes to differentiating between the two. In such circumstances, we need to we need to find out more information about each of these, before we move on to notebook vs laptop comparison to find out which is ideal one.
Laptop
The term 'laptop' is used to refer to a small portable computer, which is almost as good as the desktop PC in terms of performance, but runs on battery, and hence has a shorter life. Their small size means you can carry them along with ease. In fact, the name laptop is derived from the fact that it is so small that you can easily place it on your lap when working on it. Being compact in nature, laptop computers are relatively expensive compared to desktop computers. Read more on best laptop deals.
Notebook
The term 'notebook' on the other hand refers to a portable computer, even smaller than the laptop in terms of size, but having a greater battery life compared to it. They are also referred to as notebook PCs owing to the fact that they are as small as actual notebooks. Being small acts as an advantage for notebooks as they can be conveniently carried along anywhere. Notebook computers are relatively cheaper than laptops, as they have lesser features compared to the later. Read more on best notebook computers.
Notebook vs. Laptop
In terms of size, notebooks have an edge over laptops owing to the fact that they are much more smaller than the later, and hence can be easily carried along. Even though you can carry laptops along, when it comes to convenience notebooks do score some extra points over their counterparts. The cooling system in laptops, which is adjusted to fit into the smaller case of the laptop, is similar to the cooling system in desktop computers to a significant extent. In notebook PCs, however, the cooling system is not at par with that of laptops or desktops. Notebooks being small and having relatively less components require less power to operate than what laptops require. The battery life of a laptop ranges between 2-3 hours depending on your usage, while the same in notebook ranges between 4-6 hours.
When it comes to processing, laptops again have an edge over notebooks. Laptops are much more compatible to hardware change than notebooks. Hardware replacement in notebooks is most often bound by manufacturers compatibilities, while laptops are compatible to a range of hardware owing to their bigger size. More importantly, various drives are integrated into a laptop in most of the cases, which is not the case in notebooks, wherein you do have the option of attaching these drives externally, but that is not as convenient as integrated system. Though some notebooks available today do give a range of facilities almost like the laptop, they compromise on size owing to which the notebook loses its 'notebook' feel.
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Laptop
The term 'laptop' is used to refer to a small portable computer, which is almost as good as the desktop PC in terms of performance, but runs on battery, and hence has a shorter life. Their small size means you can carry them along with ease. In fact, the name laptop is derived from the fact that it is so small that you can easily place it on your lap when working on it. Being compact in nature, laptop computers are relatively expensive compared to desktop computers. Read more on best laptop deals.
Notebook
The term 'notebook' on the other hand refers to a portable computer, even smaller than the laptop in terms of size, but having a greater battery life compared to it. They are also referred to as notebook PCs owing to the fact that they are as small as actual notebooks. Being small acts as an advantage for notebooks as they can be conveniently carried along anywhere. Notebook computers are relatively cheaper than laptops, as they have lesser features compared to the later. Read more on best notebook computers.
Notebook vs. Laptop
In terms of size, notebooks have an edge over laptops owing to the fact that they are much more smaller than the later, and hence can be easily carried along. Even though you can carry laptops along, when it comes to convenience notebooks do score some extra points over their counterparts. The cooling system in laptops, which is adjusted to fit into the smaller case of the laptop, is similar to the cooling system in desktop computers to a significant extent. In notebook PCs, however, the cooling system is not at par with that of laptops or desktops. Notebooks being small and having relatively less components require less power to operate than what laptops require. The battery life of a laptop ranges between 2-3 hours depending on your usage, while the same in notebook ranges between 4-6 hours.
When it comes to processing, laptops again have an edge over notebooks. Laptops are much more compatible to hardware change than notebooks. Hardware replacement in notebooks is most often bound by manufacturers compatibilities, while laptops are compatible to a range of hardware owing to their bigger size. More importantly, various drives are integrated into a laptop in most of the cases, which is not the case in notebooks, wherein you do have the option of attaching these drives externally, but that is not as convenient as integrated system. Though some notebooks available today do give a range of facilities almost like the laptop, they compromise on size owing to which the notebook loses its 'notebook' feel.
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Which is Better: Notebook or Laptop
At the end of the day, the compact size of notebooks acts as a boon as well as curse for them. Being small in size means you can easily carry them around, much more conveniently than you can carry laptops, but than the small size also means you have to compromise on several features which laptops and desktop PCs offer. In such a scenario, you should make a list of the features that you need in you computer, and depending on it opt for a laptop or a notebook. If it is size or mobility for you notebooks are fine, but if faster processor and more storage is what you vie for then you should go for laptops. Read more on computer buying.
Over the period of time, notebook vs laptop comparison has lost its value owing to the fact that both of them come with almost similar features today. The laptop may have an edge over the notebook, but that is negligible. It wouldn't be surprising to come across sources which stress on the fact that notebooks and laptops are one and the same thing, and using the terms interchangeably is perfectly normal.
At the end of the day, the compact size of notebooks acts as a boon as well as curse for them. Being small in size means you can easily carry them around, much more conveniently than you can carry laptops, but than the small size also means you have to compromise on several features which laptops and desktop PCs offer. In such a scenario, you should make a list of the features that you need in you computer, and depending on it opt for a laptop or a notebook. If it is size or mobility for you notebooks are fine, but if faster processor and more storage is what you vie for then you should go for laptops. Read more on computer buying.
Over the period of time, notebook vs laptop comparison has lost its value owing to the fact that both of them come with almost similar features today. The laptop may have an edge over the notebook, but that is negligible. It wouldn't be surprising to come across sources which stress on the fact that notebooks and laptops are one and the same thing, and using the terms interchangeably is perfectly normal.
| By Abhijit Naik |
