The Differences in a Notebook and a Netbook
Notebook computers, also called laptops, and netbooks both offer a way to take your work, games and Internet connection with you on the go. While the two share many aspects and often run similar software, some features differentiate the two, such as size, computing power, operating system and expandability. Deciding between a notebook and netbook comes down to both style preference and the desired uses for the system.
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Size
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Laptops exist in a wide variety of sizes, from lightweight compacts to machines with large wide-screen displays for gaming. All netbooks, on the other hand, focus on remaining small and easy to carry above all else. Netbook designs feature thin, lightweight material and screens under 12 inches. The small size makes netbooks a poor choice for playing games or watching video compared to notebooks but improves portability.
Power
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Notebook computers contain mobile-sized versions of regular desktop components, offering both CPUs and video cards nearly as powerful as full-sized machines. While no laptop can match the power of a high-end desktop computer, many laptops have enough power to play modern computer games and HD video. Netbooks use specialized technology designed for power efficiency, such as the ARM processor or Intel's Atom processor. While sufficient to run productivity applications and Web browsers, these CPUs offer far less speed and functionality than those in notebooks.
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Operating System
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Notebooks regularly come with either the newest version of Windows or Mac OS installed on the system. Due to their lower processing power, many netbooks opt for alternate systems. While some include Windows, they often use the "Home Basic" edition with fewer features to accommodate the slower processor. Some netbooks, such as Asus' Eee PC opt to use a Linux-based system instead. Though some programs work across multiple operating systems, most will not, making a netbook with a different OS than a user's home computer more difficult to connect.
Expandability and Function
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In terms of mobile use, netbooks and notebooks offer a similar experience. A major deciding point between the two comes from what use the machine will receive at home. Users can easily hook a laptop up to an external keyboard, mouse and monitor and use their machines in place of a desktop computer. Netbooks, though effective secondary computers, do not have the computing power or application support to entirely replace a desktop computer.
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References
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