The Choices In Mobile Computers: Notebook, Laptop And Netbook

There are notebook, there are laptops, and there are netbooks. Many people are aware of this, but most people could not tell you difference between the three. The netbook is the baby of the bunch: younger, smaller and a lot less mature.

A netbook, simply put, is a smaller notebook computer. They are called “net” books because they are designed to access the internet. Although some can function the same as larger counterparts, many have only the features necessary for mobile communication and web browsing.

How is that different than a notebook or laptop? A notebook technically means a computer that runs on a battery that is similar to the size and function of a notebook you write in. It does not further specify how it will be used. The definition of a laptop is even vaguer. It is simply a computer that can sit on your lap. Since items that you can sit on your lap can be bigger than notebooks you might carry in a briefcase, a laptop is generally larger than a notebook.

In addition to size, there are other differences between the tiny net notebooks and other portable computers. One noticeable difference is price. Netbooks are typically the most affordable options and typically are under $500.

Even though it is possible for a notebook and a netbook to be the same size, the functionality of a netbook is a lot different from the notebook computers. Netbook computers typically have less power, and cannot run most powerful operating systems. For many this is not a problem, because only using the internet does not require a lot of power out of a computer.

The problem with this however, is that many consumers do not realize that their affordable tiny computers cannot do all of the things their desktop or even their last notebook could do. Many people begin to miss having a CD or DVD drive, which is not available in all models. They also may not connect to the internet at the fastest possible speed or process general information at a speed that other computers can.

Surprisingly, the main difference about netbooks, might actually be their biggest drawback. These tiny computers come with tiny keyboards and tiny screens. If you spend a lot of time on a computer, typing on a keyboard 80-90% normal size will be noticeable. Viewing web pages on a 9 inch screen also is not optimal.

If you understand the true definition of a “net”book, it is easy to understand why some people love them. You can also understand why they are not notebooks are laptops. These new additions to the computing world are a simple, tiny and affordable way to access the net.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in computer products. If you want more information about varieties of netbook or are searching for a reputable netbook retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com