What is the Difference Between a Mini Laptop and a Laptop?

Netbooks are less powerful, smaller versions of the laptop.

Although relatively new on the laptop market, mini-laptops are becoming extremely popular with consumers. However, netbooks are not meant for the more than just basic computer tasks.

Identification

A mini-laptop, usually called a netbook, is essentially just a scaled-down version of the typical notebook. Although notebooks are meant for travel, netbooks are even smaller and more lightweight--they typically weigh less than 3 pounds.

Features

The first netbooks use outdated operating systems, but they are so popular that most companies are now releasing the latest OS on "mini-laptops". A typical netbook contains a 1.6 gigahertz Intel Atom processor, which while good for browsing the Internet, does not run most graphic-intensive games and applications.

Significance

In 2008, computer manufacturers sold 10 million netbooks, and 2009 sales should top 20 million, according to PC World.

Features Not Included

Netbooks do not include a CD-ROM drive and usually do not use the fastest Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections. In addition, most lack a dial-up modem.

Considerations

Basic netbooks are cheaper than an average laptop, but higher-end netbooks cost as much as a regular laptop. Netbooks often save money for consumers who just use a computer for simple applications like Web surfing and email and do not want or cannot afford a powerful and fully featured laptop.

References

• NetbookReviews.com: What Is a Netbook?
• CNet: What is a Netbook computer?
• PC World: Netbooks Won't Save PC Market This Year, Surveys Say