Laptop or notebook? what's the difference???

What's the difference between a notebook and a laptop? I'm not very computer literate, as you can tell! Which one of these devices would be comparable to my home computer in terms of capabilities and performance, internet, videos, etc...

 

Answer


You may be wondering what's the difference between a notebook and a laptop computer? The answer depends on who makes it. Some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) call their mobile computers "laptops" and some call them "notebooks". The terms are often used interchangeably. Lately, a new breed of terms have been popping up. Terms like deskbooks and Tablet PC's.
My personal distinction between a laptop and a notebook is this:
Laptop computers are somewhat larger than notebooks and will accommodate a built-in disk drive unit and; optionally, a floppy drive unit. That is, a CD ROM drive is either built into the unit or the unit has a built-in bay that will accommodate a removable CD ROM drive.
Notebook computers will allow you to attach, via cable, a CD ROM drive. ( Not always as I have one of HCL )Since the drive is not built into the unit, notebooks are smaller and lighter than laptops. Hence, a notebook is an ultra small laptop. Another way to look at it is a notebook is about the size (or a little larger than) of a real [binder] notebook.If you use note books are more harder than laptops as my laptop's system dead twice but note book not.

Deskbook computers often refer to mobile computers that can be considered as desktop replacement units. Deskbooks tend to be larger and heavier than average notebook/laptop computers. Generally the display units are 15 inches or larger. They tend to draw down battery power relatively quickly due to their powerful, but power-hungry, processors. If you are looking for the power of a desktop unit, with the freedom of mobility, then a deskbook may fit the bill. Tablet PCs are mobile computers with a twist. That is, you can literally twist the monitor. Being a Tablet means that the display screen will swivel on its base - usually 360 degrees. They generally allow you to capture handwriting and store it on the computer. Tablets are no more mobile than any other laptop or notebook.

 

Well , thanks for that answer . About the time I thought I had it figured out I looked at newspaper inserts and they are advertising "processors "

 

Dave, for a simpler answer, why not tell us what you are looking for specifically in comparison to your desktop?

 

well, when I had the internet at home, I would access this site and other boards, watch videos, download music to my mp3 player, e-mail, and general web surfing.

 

So nothing real extensive like gaming with major graphics acceleration needed? just general browsing

 

that sounds about right. would I be able to watch tv on a notebook or download my fav shows (Rescue Me, Sons of Anarchy etc...)

 

Dave right now I am running an HP (I hate admitting that) I paid 300 for at a pawnshop (600 new at walmart). it's running everything I do fine, including some of the games that eat up a ton of resources. Most laptops now will allow you to easily do what you enjoy, I would also recommend an intercooler to sit beneath it. It's argueable as to how much they do/don't help, but for an extra $20 or so I think that the increased airflow beneath the computer is a decent investment. download.com and newegg.com are both pretty good sites to get reviews and do price comparisons.

 

You can "stream" television onto your laptop/desktop ONLY if your computer is equipped with at least a Dual Core Processor of 1.66Ghz (or faster) and larger/faster video processor (250Ghz or faster) PROVIDED you have a FAST internet connection (Public WiFi doesn't cut it).
I am assuming you want to watch Hulu.
Hulu has REQUIREMENTS:

MORE HERE

You are only going to get these requirements if you spec a "better" laptop and a "notebook" (mini-laptops) just isn't going to do it.
Also keep in mind that MORE IS BETTER.

 

As I said, most laptops at this point meet these requirements. Even the cheap systems at walmart are doing fine on hulu and other streaming sites.