Most average computer users either believe that notebooks and laptops are the same devices. Or they don’t even bother thinking about it. That’s partially because stores sell laptop computers next to notebooks. In reality the answer they are very different, designed for various purposes, and they come with different features even though they look very much alike.
Technically and traditionally, the difference between these two is basically in size, weight, and advances in technology have resulted in smaller and lighter, so the line between laptop and notebooks are becoming blurry. The difference between a laptop and a notebook in recent times has basically become what the manufacturers choose to call the product.
What is a notebook computer?
Notebooks are typically very lightweight computers that weigh less than 6 pounds, and they are generally small enough to fit into a briefcase. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques known as flat-panel technologies, which makes it lightweight and non-bulky display screen. In terms of computing power, modern notebooks have come a long way and are powerful as most advanced systems. The disadvantage with notebooks is that it’s quite expensive to pack so much power in that small space.
What is a laptop computer?
Laptops are small personal computers that can comfortably sit on your laps. Nowadays, laptop computers are now frequently referred to as notebook computers though technically, laptops are bigger in size in both thickness and weight.
Differences between Notebook and Laptop computers
Weight and function:
There are two main differences between laptops and notebooks, which are weight and function.
When considering weight, we find that most laptops come in weight between 4 and 8 pounds while most notebooks weigh less than 5 pounds. This is because many components affect the weight of a laptop. The size of the screen and internal components contribute to the weight of the laptop.
Functions are actually more than just different when it comes to laptop and notebook comparison. It may surprise you to know that they aren’t designed for the same functions. Laptops were originally designed to create a way for business tycoons to operate while traveling or in remote locations. Newer laptops have now become so powerful and sophisticated that desktop computers are becoming obsolete. Different laptops are designed for different purposes, like gaming laptops.
On the other hand, notebooks are developed for more personal purposes. They are great to work with, browse, and a little bit of gaming. Basically, they are ideal for those who want to perform light tasks because they aren’t designed for gaming, demanding software or heavy-duty tasks.
There are also differences in screen size, RAM, processing power, and storage. Laptops tend to have bigger screens, better processing power, and bigger RAMs when compared to notebooks. These factors are what make it more powerful than notebooks.
Since notebooks are ideally small, they have to come with a small screen, and they can’t contain as much hardware as a laptop. Laptops can have between 1 to 32 GB of RAM while notebooks come with 4GB to 8GB of memory.
Laptops come with a wide variety of hard disk sizes, but the main difference is in the type of hard disk. Laptops use both the HDD and the SSD type of hard drive but notebooks use only the SSD because it’s smaller in size and uses less electric power.