The aim of this net book Vs notebook Vs laptop comparison is to clear all the doubts regarding the difference between these devices. If you are new to these terminologies, this article will be a helpful read. Keep reading to know what's the difference between net book, notebook and laptop computers. The computing revolution that began in the latter half of the twentieth century, went through a phase of rapid miniaturization in the last few decades, as a result of breakthroughs in solid state physics. The use of semiconductor chips and the development of ultra high scale integration techniques led to a phenomenal increase in the processing speed of computers. The age of desktop computers is pas se. It is the era of laptop computers now, which offer processing power, that outclasses even the supercomputers of yesteryear! People who are new to computing terminology, may get confused between net book, notebook and laptop computers. The aim of the net book Vs notebooks Vs laptop comparison is to enable the layman to know what are the differences between these devices.
Net book Vs Notebook Vs Laptop Comparison
Let me clear some of the basic confusion, right at the start. There is no difference between a laptop and notebook computer. They are two different names for the same thing! At the very beginning, when the first portable computers made an entry, they were known as laptop computers. With time, as popularity of these computers increased, marketing divisions came up with a new name for them, which was 'Notebooks'. However, 'Net books' are different from notebooks or laptop computers. So there is no need for comparison between net book, notebook and laptop. This is essentially a net book Vs notebook computer comparison. Let us compare features of net books Vs notebooks, in the following lines.
Basic Difference
The notebook computers predate net books computers, which are a recent entry in the computing market. A notebook or laptop computer has all the features that you could find in desktop computers. This includes optical DVD drives, a keyboard, touch pad (instead of a mouse), inbuilt speakers and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with ports for USB connectivity and ether net ports. Power supply is provided in the form of a rechargeable battery. It is an exact portable equivalent of a desktop computer, but very compact and light in comparison. They have LCD (or LED) backlit screens with diagonal screen sizes ranging from 14 to 17 inches.
Take away the DVD drive from a laptop computer and miniaturize everything with the aim of achieving economy in power usage and reduction of weight; then what you get is a net book. A net book uses a low power consuming processor and is sans an optical drive, with screen size ranging from 10 to 12 inches only. They were designed for Internet users, who need basic computing resources, without the need for heavy duty features. They are even more compact and lightweight than laptop computers. Let us see further how net books and notebooks differ in terms of features and cost.
Features & Cost
With a low power processor, smaller screen size and no optical drive, the power consumption of a net book is far lesser than that of a laptop computer. This grants the net book almost three times more battery life, compared to notebooks! They are ideal for anybody, who needs to work on a PC while traveling, which is not heavier on the baggage either. They weigh close to 2.3 to 2.4 pounds. Of course, with a low processor speed and a lower grade of video card, some net books don't score high when it comes to graphic performance. The cost of an average net book is almost one third of the price of a fully equipped laptop. So if you are looking for a budget computer, then net books are your choice. Check out this net book Vs I Pad comparison.
Hope this net book Vs notebook Vs laptop computer comparison has finally put your doubts to rest about how they are different. As stated before, laptop computers and notebooks are the same thing, while net books are different in their design. I am a proud owner of a Samsung N 210 net book and would highly recommend buying a net book, if you want all the functions of a notebook at a low cost, with the added benefit of high battery life. However I restate that there are no substitutes for a complete desktop or laptop computer. Depending on what your requirements are, you must choose between a laptop or net book computer. Check out the best laptop computers, as well as the best net books, before you decide to choose one.