Here at PC Express we have customers coming in all the time calling their devices various different names some of which we can’t really put on here!
We believe it’s important to understand the differences in the wide range of names given to these portable devices as it’s key to knowing what to buy when you’re in the market for them.
Laptops & Notebooks
Laptops and Notebooks are the same thing. Some manufacturers like to call their laptops, notebooks. Some people seem to have a personal preference to call them notebooks instead of laptops as well but when it comes down to what they look like, what they do and how they perform they are the same.
Netbooks
Netbooks are the marketing name for basically what is an ‘Internet book’. They are suitable and designed around use of the internet. Many people buy them expecting them to perform like a laptop and soon find they begin to run very slow when too much demand is put onto them. Netbooks should never be bought as a replacement for a laptop. Netbooks are good for those of you who want to sit on the couch checking facebook and sending a couple of emails but that’s as far as it’s goes.
Unfortunately lots of customers come into the shop with their netbooks complaining of how slow they are and asking what can be done to make them run faster. The sorry thing is, not much. The processors they use are very limited and its usually the poor processing power that lets them down, these cannot be changed or upgraded. If you want speed and functionality buy a laptop, don’t be taken by the cheap price and uber small novelty. Things like the diddy keyboard, slow running speed, small screen and lack of DVD drive will soon leave you crying out for a laptop.
Laptop and Netbook Pro’s & Con’s
LAPTOPS
Pros – Good size screens, DVD-RW, many functions or even all functions of that of a desktop. Easier to obtain parts for.
Cons – Can be expensive to buy. Can be heavy and difficult to travel with. Batteries only last 2-3 hours, compared to 5-7 on some netbooks.
NETBOOKS
Pros – Very light weight, great for holidays and travel. Cheap to buy. Good for kids if you’re on a budget.
Cons – Small screens, keyboard can be difficult to type on, can run very slow which some people find frustrating.
VERDICT
If you want an all purpose device, capable of the same things as a desktop PC then go for a laptop. If you’re after a cheap computer for the kids or travel a lot go for a netbook.
