What’s the Difference Between a Laptop and a Notebook?

what's the difference between a laptop and a notebook

You might have a question in your mind what’s the difference between a laptop and a notebook while buying any of these fantastic computing devices.

There are several points to consider while purchasing any of these. Both devices have several benefits. They are portable and are thus easy to carry and use.

These small compact devices have many positive points over desktop computers.

They are lightweight and have a beautiful display. You need not connect wires and cable to turn them as they have a rechargeable battery which workes as a power backup source. Also, there is no need to connect monitor cables.

Read on the article to know which one suits best to your needs.

Some of the main points focussed in this fantastic piece of content are:

Laptop vs. Notebook? What’s the Difference Between a Laptop and a Notebook?

the difference between a laptop and a notebook

The technology of the modern world prefers more and more slim and smaller devices with high computing.

Many consumers desire to buy a notebook and end up getting a laptop. The technical difference between these two is weight and size.

This also depends on what the company that manufactures that product prefers calling it, i.e., either a notebook or a laptop. The difference between these two portable devices has been a bit blurred because of the chipsets and new hardware capabilities.

Laptops were introduced for business purposes and were made capable of running big software.

The notebook was marketed for personal uses like file management and email writing.

The main difference between them is the size and battery weight.

Laptops have battery life more significant than a notebook, but they also weigh more than them. They became more potent with the increase in hardware capabilities, and their price also increased as they were used as personal devices.

Notebooks became common among people when they desired to have portable devices with higher resolution screens.

The most popular benefit of laptops is that you an easy configure them for may take. Their configuration includes RAM, a video card, and hardware overclocking. They now have a 1TB solid-state drive which has a fast speed that the hard drives used a couple of years ago.

RAM capacity has also reached about 12 GB, and the screens mostly have HD resolution and retina display. The battery time is around 10 hours, and they also offer 18 inches wide and 8lb weighing keyboard.

Netbooks usually don’t feature a full-sized keyboard. Their hard drive is about 512 GB, and some of them now offer a 1 TB SSD. The RAM is around 4 GB, and the quality of the screen varies a bit from one motel or other.

What is a Notebook Computer?

What is a Notebook Computer

It is a lightweight PC which has a smaller size and case easily be carried from one place to another by using it in a small bag or a briefcase.

Many powerful technologies are used in notebooks to make them more and more amazing.

Top Benefits:

You will be glad to know that the notebooks of the modern time have almost an equal computing power to that of a PC, i.e., same memory size, CPU, and other such components.

  • The advantage is that you can get all the benefits in a small-sized device.
  • They have a battery by which you can use them without plugging, and you need to recharge the battery only.

What is a PC Laptop?

What is a PC Laptop

Laptops are portable devices which can be used easily anywhere.

They have more weight and thickness than those of notebooks.

Is a Notebook a Laptop?

The notebook is known as a mobile device, and for that reason, it is thinner and with less weight than the laptop. This is because it does not have many drivers and other devices like laptops.

A portable computer with a weight of about 3 kg (depending on the hardware) is called a laptop while the notebook is a portable computer that is smaller in size and has less weight than that of the laptop.

The size was similar to standard notebook size, and there was no replaceable hard disk in their first release.

Notebook Standard Size:

The standard size is generally between 11-12 inches, and weight is around 35 pounds.

Notebook vs. Laptop Computer Which is Better?

Notebook vs. Laptop Computer Which is Better

Laptops were manufactured to use the same functionality provided by the desktops in a portable manner.

Then its increasing demand in the market let to the introduction of more smaller devices called tablets. Notebooks were also developed to work like the desktops, but they were used mostly for personal purposes as compared to the business uses.

Is a Laptop a PC?

PC is anything which you use for communicating. As laptops are used for such purposes, so they are pc too.

Top Laptop and Notebook Manufacturers:

Top Laptop and Notebook Manufacturers

The leading manufacturers of the laptop are:

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Toshiba
  • Dell
  • Hp
  • Lenovo
  • Microsoft

Top notebook manufacturers include:

  • HP
  • Apple
  • Sony
  • Samsung

Size:

Laptops come in large and bulky size. They have an average screen size of about 20 inches; in contrast, the notebooks have size same as that of a real notebook.

Usage:

Laptops are mainly used for mobility and are considered to be a replication for the larger sized desktop.

Notebooks also serve for mobility but have a bit more durability.

Cooling System:

Laptops have a fan and an excellent cooling system like the desktop while the notebooks do not have a perfect cooling system.

This is because they have processing power bit lower than the laptops.

You can easily check the laptop temperature from settings.

DVD Drives:

DVD drives and other standard accessories usually found in desktop PCs are included in the laptops while they are not always present in the notebook, and you will need to attach them externally.

Processing Power:

Laptops have a higher processing power with RAM of about 8 GB.

Notebooks also have good processing capability and are more powerful.

Checkout Quad-core Processor vs. Dual-core

Weight:

Laptops usually weight about 12 pounds while the weight of the notebook is generally less than 5 pounds along with the thickness of fewer than 3 inches.

Cost:

Laptops have higher prices and can be bought at around $300-$1000. You annually get a low-end one in under $500 while the gaming one is a bit expensive with a price tag of $1000.

Notebooks have low prices as compared to the one discussed above. You can buy them in $150-$400 quite easily.

Usage Stats:

Both of these drives have a higher sale in the world, especially in the US.

You would have witnessed a slight increase in the usage of the notebook in some countries outside the US from the last couple of years. This is because of its low cost and excellent functionality.

What is the Difference Between a Computer and a Laptop?

 

What is the Difference Between a Computer and a Laptop

The laptop is a PC which you can easily take with you in different locations and is designed to have excellent durability.

Many of them have all the functionality of a desktop computer which means you can perform all the task on the laptop which you do on the big desktops.

They are a bit more expensive than desktop computers because of their built-in components, including a touchpad, speaker, monitor, and a keyboard.

You need not connect to any other peripheral as all the necessary components are already built-in. This machine is a compact version of the desktop computer.

Also, Read What is an IPS Computer Monitor?

Touchpad:

This is a touch-sensitive area in a laptop by which you can do the mouse work.

Battery:

The laptop has a battery that is removable too.

Desktop PC works on a direct power source.

If the power failures occur or the power goes out, then your desktop PC will turn off immediately, but that’s not the case with the laptop. This battery provides power back to the machine. If you are traveling somewhere, then you can take a charged battery with you with which can replace if the charging is finished.

Useful Read How to Fix Laptop Battery Not Charging?

Power Adapter:

This is the power cable.

Ports:

Laptops also have ports like the desktops. There is a charging port too.

Upgrade Cost:

Desktop PC components can be easily added, replace, and removed. That’s why they are cheaper to upgrade. On the other hand, laptops are a bit difficult to update as the components can’t be easily accessed and replaced. Therefore the cost of their upgrade is high.

Do Read Upgrading RAM On Laptop

Handheld Computer Definition:

Handheld computers are also known as the PDAs (personal digital Assistant).

They are mostly used for information management and application scheduling.

This small, lightweight device provides functionality somewhat approaching the laptops.

You can easily hold this portable computer in your hands.

They are much convenient to carry, but the reasons why they have not yet been considered as an alternative for the notebook is their small screen and keyboards.

Similarities Between Laptop and Desktop:

  • Both have some pre-installed software and OS.
  • They both have ports connections.
  • You can connect external components to them like printers and hard drive.

Which is Best to Buy? Laptop or Notebook?

This decision depends on what and how you desire to use.

Laptops are suitable for professional use. You can use them in your college, job, and many other places while the notebook is a perfect choice for personal use.

Favorite Reasons to Buy Laptop:

Some common reasons why you should buy this fantastic PC are:

1. Education:

It is used in schools and other educational institutions for the research work. You can easily create content and get more information online.

2. Productivity:

It is needed in almost all sort of office works. You will need it for sure to increase productivity.

3. Online Transactions:

No doubt, smartphones also allow you to surf and kill your boredom online. But when you desire to buy any epic stuff online; you will first open it in your laptop or any other desktop pc and then buy it.

Favorite Reasons to Buy a Notebook:

1. Teacher and Students:

You can use it for notes taking and lectures.

It also allows you to browse the web and do many other works of this sort.

2. Artists:

You can use it to draw too. Just hold the device carefully and do your desired job.

Notebook vs. Ultrabook:

Notebook vs. Ultrabook

Ultrabook is a new laptop series introduced first by Intel.

It is a thin portable device with a processing power like that of a notebook.

It provides faster disk operations and amazing performance because of the presence of the SSDs. One important thing to consider here is that there is a bit difference between the SSD and flash storage.

The highly slim notebook is also referred to as the ultrabooks.

Notebook vs. Tablet:

Notebook vs. Tablet

Tablets have much better battery life than the laptops.

The screen size is small, and the pixel per density is better too.

They are easy to use, and that’s the reason children love playing their favorite games and watching movies on them.

Notebook vs. Chromebook:

Chromebook is a different type of laptop which runs Chrome OS.

Such devices are mostly used in doing internet related work.

Chromebook is cheap and is pretty much affordable as compared to the laptops and notebooks.

Apps:

Notebook offers various apps, while Chromebooks were mainly optimized for Google apps only.

Now you can use android apps on the Chromebook too, which will result in productivity.

The disadvantage of this device is that you can’t use MS Office and Adobe Photoshop on Chromebook.

Offline Usage:

You can work on a notebook with and without the internet, but that’s not the case with Chromebooks.

This is because they are heavily dependent on the internet and if you go out of the WiFi range, then you won’t be able to use it.

Also Checkout Changing Chromebook Password

Conclusions:

Now that you have known what’s the difference between a laptop and a notebook, you can easily identify which one to buy and which of them can help you complete your tasks efficiently.

The importance of computer cannot be neglected in the modern era.

This incredible device is found in almost every home, office, and institution because of its usefulness.

Many people desire to know which is better among notebook vs. laptops so that they may invest their money in the best thing.

Also, have a look at an impressive guide about building your own PC.

Author

Allen

Allen is a tech expert focused on simplifying complex technology for everyday users. With expertise in computer hardware, networking, and software, he offers practical advice and detailed guides. His clear communication makes him a valuable resource for both tech enthusiasts and novices.

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