Laptop/Notebook

[sherrardk]

In really simple terms - what are the main differences between a laptop and a notebook (and yes, I mean the ones you plug in and not the ones you write on with a pencil). Thanks

[gen2]

1. Notebooks generally have a smaller screen.
2. Notebooks don't have a CD/DVD Player

[ChuckFickens]

Nothing....

It's a different name for the same thing

(laptops/notebooks are different to netbooks though)

[sherrardk]

Hi Chuck - I mean a net book and a laptop then.

[ChuckFickens]

Gen, that's a netbook, not a notebook.

[ChuckFickens]

see gens answer then :)

[gen2]

Sorry about the confusion.

[sherrardk]

Thanks both - on the netbook thing, is the connection to the Internet the same as a PC or laptop or are there any restrictions?

[ChuckFickens]

OK... A slightly more detailed answer....

netbooks are fully functional computers and generally have both wireless and wired facilities to connect to the internet (exactly the same as a full size laptop)

They do have

downsides......
1) smaller screens
2) smaller keyboards
3) no CD/DVD drive
4) low powered processors (fine for everyday use... don't try and do any really intensive stuff on them!

good things...

1) small and light
2) long battery life (mine says 8 hours... 5-6 hours is realistic)

I love mine..... best £250 I've spent for a long time, but you do have to understand their restrictions..... they are not a replacement for a full size computer.

[sherrardk]

Thanks Chuck - don't know why they don't publish an Idiot's Guide to Very Basic Computer Stuff for people like me!

[VHG]

Note also that although almost every laptop you buy will have Windows 7 on it, some netbooks come with Windows XP, or even Linux.

Note also that the version of Windows 7 often on netbooks is Windows 7 Starter which does have a few restrictions over "normal" Windows on a laptop (usually Windows 7 Home Premium).

[ChuckFickens]

They do (and don't take offence at the name, the dummies range of books is excellent for beginners)

http://www.dummies.com/