How to Decide Between a Laptop and a Netbook

Are you on the market for a new computer? Are you considering buying a notebook laptop or a netbook. Netbooks are fairly new on the scene. They are also known as mini notebooks or subnotebooks. They are extremely portable and light. How do you choose between a netbook or a laptop. The answer is that it depends on your needs. This is a guide in layman's terms to help you decide.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Size and Weight: Netbooks are highly portable and light. Most netbooks have a 10 inch screen and smaller keyboards. Most weigh less than 4 pounds. Notebooks vary in weight. Notebooks can weigh as little as 4 pounds and as much as 9 pounds. Screen sizes can also vary in notebooks. There are notebooks with screen sizes as little as 12 inches and as much as 20 inches. So if you need a large screen to view movies and the like, the notebook is a better choice for you. If you need a highly portable computer then the netbook is a better choice for you.

2. Surfing the web. Netbooks are designed to surf the web. They will have WiFi (wireless internet) connection and wired internet connection. Of course laptops do those things as well. So they are about even except that laptops have more memory higher performance for those websites that require a lot of memory. You may want to consider signing up for a mobile broadband connection with you cell phone carrier (AT&T, Verizon Wireless or Sprint) so that you have internet access anywhere.

3. Webcam: Most netbooks will have webcams, microphones and speakers and most laptops will have also have a webcam, microphone and speakers. If you require a webcam for web chatting or skype, both the netbook and notebook will work for you.

4. CD/DVD drive: If you require a CD/DVD drive then the netbook is not for you. Netbooks do not come with a CD/DVD drive. All laptops come with a CD/DVD drive and most have a combination CD/DVD-rom burner. You can purchase an external drive for the laptop if you really need it.

5. Storage Capacity: The largest hard drive for a netbook thus far is 160 GB. Notebooks range around 500 GB or more. If you will be storing a large amount of data, the netbook is not for you.

6. Performance. There is no doubt that the performance on the notebook will be higher than that of the netbook.

7. Price: Most netbooks are priced below $400 and most notebooks start at $400. If you are on a tight budget, then the netbook is the correct choice for you.

8. Software: Most netbooks come with Windows XP or Windows 7 pre-installed. They have basic word processing capabilities. You will be able to type letters, memos and notes. You won't be able to edit video or graphics.

9. Children: If you are thinking of buying a starter laptop for your child, the netbook is the choice for you. Disney makes a very cute netbook. Buying a netbook for a child is a good choice because you don't want to buy an expensive laptop for a small child.

10. Seniors: If you are looking for a way to stay in touch with elderly parents the netbook could be the choice for you. You can skype your parents, email and send them video of the grandchildren.

11. Note: When buying a netbook pay attention to the battery life. The life of a battery can vary widely. I've seen batteries that last up to 10.5 hours.