If you are currently searching for a new computer and can’t decide between buying a Laptop vs Notebook, then this blog post is for you!
In this article, medCPU will be discussing the differences between a Laptop vs Notebook, as well as what features should be on your checklist when looking to buy a new one. If you have any questions about which device is better for you, make sure to check out our FAQs section at the end of the article.
What Is a Notebook Computer?
Both a notebook and a laptop can be used as computing devices. Most people refer to a notebook computer as a notebook computer or notebook computer. However, most users believe that a notebook is merely a notebook. Do many users ask what is a notebook and a laptop?
What is a Notebook?
A notebook, also known as a notebook computer or battery-powered personal computer, is lighter than a laptop and compact enough to be carried in a briefcase. A notebook is usually 3 to 4 pounds in weight and 0.5 to 1 inch thick.
Modern notebooks have a computing power almost equal to that of laptop computers. Although the difference between the two portable computers has decreased to an extent, many users still believe that a notebook is a notebook. However, there are still areas that make notebooks more appropriate for lighter or heavier tasks.
Modern notebook computers can be portable computers because they are small enough to fit easily in a laptop. Notebook computers typically have fewer functionalities than laptops. A notebook cannot be used in place of a desktop computer. The processing power of notebook computers is lower than that of laptops, and there are no options for peripherals or DVD drives.
Pros of Notebook:
A great thing about notebook computers is that they’re portable and easy to carry around with you in your bag or backpack – so even if you’re not near an outlet when using one at home, it’ll still be charged by the time you’re out in the world.
They also have a longer battery life than laptops, so no need to worry about charging it halfway through your work!
Cons of Notebook:
While they are portable computers and easy to carry, there is one major flaw with notebook computers – their smaller screen size.
The resolution is usually much lower too, so if you’re looking for a computer that has a high resolution, this may not be the right choice.
What is a laptop computer?
A laptop is usually larger than a notebook and can’t be carried around as easily because it needs to stay plugged into an outlet at all times in order to work – but they have much higher screen resolutions which mean that movies and games look crisper.
Pros of Laptop:
The biggest pro about laptops is the high resolution, which means you can watch HD videos or play video games in great quality on your bigger screen!
On top of this, they usually have lots of storage space for all your files – so if you’re looking to get a new computer for work purposes, this is the best choice.
Cons of Laptop:
A downside to laptops is that they can’t be used on the go because they need constant power in order to function – so if you’re looking for a portable computer, this may not be the right one! (Plus it’s going to break your heart when you drop it on the ground and a bunch of your files get lost!)
>>> See also our guide about How To Build A Laptop?
What Is the Difference Between a Laptop vs Notebook?
Laptop and Notebook: Portability and weight
Remember, size matters. Although it may not seem like much to a notebook or laptop, it may make a big difference when you balance it on your lap or pack it in a briefcase. Weight is often in inverse proportion to price. The price of heavier models is usually lower, but they are more expensive than smaller ones.
You may also want to compromise weight and portability to have a larger display. Some users may find smaller notebooks more uncomfortable due to their cramped keyboards.
Display size and resolution
You will need a larger resolution screen and a larger size screen if you plan to use your notebook/laptop to watch or edit HD video, play games, or have multiple windows open at once.
The resolution on budget laptops/notebooks is usually 1366×768 pixels. However, a higher resolution is recommended if you plan to watch high-definition (HD) video 1920×1080 (also known as 1080p). The highest resolution laptops are available for those who want to play 4k video and are serious gamers.
Operating Systems
There are many operating systems available for laptop and notebook owners:
Microsoft Windows is the dominant OS with the majority of desktop/laptop customers.
macOS comes with the Apple MacBook line laptop/notebook computers.
Google Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system, is sold with notebooks known as Chromebooks. Chromebooks were initially very affordable, essential net-surfing devices. However, they now come in fully-featured (and much more expensive) versions.
Google Android is a popular tablet/smartphone OS. It is not clear if Google will continue to support Chrome OS and Android or merge them into one OS.
Most buyers will choose between Windows or Mac OS. It comes down to personal preference. You may prefer macOS if you’re an Apple enthusiast and use other Apple products. To share or transfer data, you can sync Apple products easily to one another.
Someone who is used to Windows or works in environments that use Windows a lot will prefer a Windows-based notebook/laptop.
>>> Read also: Smartphone vs Laptop – Which Should You Get?
RAM & processing power
Notebooks with between 2GB to 16GB RAM are more powerful and have higher processing power than laptops.
The laptop can be used in place of the desktop computer. Laptops produce heat so it has fans to cool it.
Notebooks are intended for simple tasks like entertainment but have RAM memory that ranges between 1 and 4GB. (4GB is very rare). The processors in notebooks are slower than the ones found in laptops, and they have a lower processing power.
Laptop vs Notebook: Cooling System
Larger laptops and computer systems have large cooling systems. This is essential to prevent the internal components from overheating. An internal cooling fan is required for both laptops and desktop computers if your processor becomes too busy.
Notebooks do not have a cooling fan or an effective cooling system, as their processors produce less heat than laptops. This has allowed notebooks to reduce their weight and noise.
Connectivity (CD/DVD Drives, and Other Accessories)
A laptop almost always has a CD/DVD drive, but this is not true for notebooks. Although many users don’t use CDs or DVDs anymore, connecting these drives to notebooks is possible.
Notebooks have fewer ports (1-to-2 ports), while laptops have more USB ports (2-4 ports).
Difference between the two on Storage space
There are two types. Each type has different storage capacities. Some HDDs are cheaper and can store more space than SSDs. SSDs are slower, lighter, more durable, and require more energy. Even though laptops are now equipped with SSD drives, these drives have very little storage capacity. However, higher-end models have greater storage capacity using HDD disk drives.
Notebooks almost always come with SSD storage due to their smaller size. Notebooks with SSD storage offer many advantages in speed and weight, durability, and lower energy consumption.
Laptop and Notebook Usage
Laptops are used primarily for mobility and heavy task. Laptops are able to replicate the larger Personal Computers’ usage.
Notebooks are used for mobility, documentation, small presentations, internet access, and web browsing the internet. Notebooks are ideal for people who use the internet and social media on the go and want to perform light tasks.
Notebook vs Laptop Battery Life
Although laptops and notebook computers offer mobility, there are restrictions. You should pay attention to the average battery life if you intend to use your computer unplugged.
Some models have seen an increase in average run times of up to 14 hours due to faster processors and SSD disk drives. There is still a lot of variation. If you plan to use your laptop/notebook on long, overseas flights or other circumstances where it is not possible to charge, ensure that the battery life is sufficient.
Be aware that manufacturers can exaggerate notebook battery life. The amount of use will affect the battery’s life expectancy. HD video consumes more power than regular web surfing.
The battery’s life expectancy also declines with age, so your laptop that has been in use for five years will not run as well on one charge as it did when you bought it. It is possible to have expensive and difficult batteries replaced on sealed devices like tablets.
Laptops and Notebooks: Price
Notebooks are generally more expensive than laptop computers due to their higher processors, greater RAM, and more extensive storage. The average laptop costs around $500.
If you’re looking for a more powerful laptop, its price may be anywhere from $1000 to $2,500. When determining the price of a laptop, there are many factors to consider. The main factors that influence the price of a laptop are screen size and processing speed.
Notebooks are typically priced between $150-$400. High-end models may cost up to $800 for first-rate configurations.
There are discrepancies when the notebook label is broken down into ultrabook and netbook options. Ultrabooks, which are thinner notebooks with more advanced and high-performance computing features, are cheaper than netbooks.
Read more: How To Use A Laptop As A Monitor?
FAQs about Laptop vs Notebook
Which device do I need for work?
If you’re looking to use your computer at home or in an office setting, then laptops are probably better suited. Laptops usually have more storage space and higher resolution, so screen quality will be better.
If you’re looking for a device to take with you on the go, the portable aspect of notebooks is what makes it stand out – and there’s no need to worry about charging your computer halfway through work.
What should I do if I’m not sure?
The best thing to do would be to do your research about both of these devices and find out what features are most important for you – then make a decision based on that. The great thing is because laptops price more than notebooks, there’s no risk in buying one without knowing if it’s the right choice!
What is the major difference between a laptop and a notebook or a desktop?
Desktop computers are what we usually see in the office or at home – they’re mainly for work purposes and don’t really have battery life. Laptops, on the other hand, need to stay plugged into an outlet but can be used while traveling because of their portability.
The most major difference between these two devices is that laptops have a smaller screen size and storage space than desktops, but they’re mobile. Desktops are stationary but have higher resolution screens with more memory.
The things you can do on a laptop and a notebook:
You can work on office documents such as spreadsheets or word processing programs; browse the internet using web browsers like Google Chrome; watch movies or TV shows on streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu.
Conclusion
It’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a device when deciding which one to get – because, as mentioned before, a laptop costs more than a notebook! The biggest factor is screen sizes: if you want a portable computer that can be used on the go, maybe a notebook is the right choice for you.
If you’re looking to use it at home or in an office setting with more storage space and higher resolution so your screen quality will be better – laptops are probably best suited!
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
