Netbook, Notebook or Laptop Computers — What's the Difference?

When you see words like "netbook", "notebook", or "laptop" being used, especially if you're a new computer user, it can be quite confusing. Similarly, the difference between "desktop PC" and "tower PC" can be confusing for some people.

Desktop PC or Tower PC

Originally, a desktop PC was one in which the case laid out horizontally on the desk. Eventually, a vertical tower was introduced so that the PC case didn't have to be on the desktop, freeing up some room on the desktop. All monitors started out as CRT, just like TVs. LCD monitors have only recently gained popularity over CRT monitors, but you can still see CRT monitors being used in some homes.

There are very few "old-fashioned" desktop PCs being made and used but they are still being made. The term "desktop PC" has morphed to mean both styles of cases these days.

Laptop Computers

The first laptop computers weren't laptop computers at all. They were considered portable, but they were way too bulky to be used on anyone's lap. If you're old enough, you may remember one or more of the kind I'm talking about (think Commodore SX-64 and IBM "Green Machine").

Laptop computers eventually progressed to the point where they could actually be held on your lap. By that time, they started calling them "notebook computers", presumably because they opened like notebooks if you turned them sideways. Some people still call them laptop computers and they're not wrong in doing so.

To confuse things even more, "netbook computers" were recently introduced. They're basically the same thing as notebook computers, scaled down and focusing on Internet-based applications over locally-based client applications.

The term "laptop" now encompasses everything from a netbook to a notebook and the latest hybrids that are a little of each.

The Difference between a Netbook and a Notebook Computer

First of all, let's talk price. While a notebook computer now runs about double that of any desktop computer, a netbook computer only runs about half of what a standard desktop computer would. Of course, we're talking about all of them being in the same class (low-end to high-end).

Now, let's talk size. While notebook computers are being beefed up to the point where they're used as much as desktop computer, with wider displays and wider keyboards, netbook computers are smaller. Most are less than half the size of a standard notebook computer. People with fat fingers, like me, have difficulty with regular keyboards. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to work with what I consider mini keyboards on mini laptops?

I Need a Netbook

I mentioned at one time that I'll never buy another notebook computer. The key word is "notebook". The only notebook computer I ever owned was one of the HP notebooks and I can't remember what model it was right now. The fan stopped working and the monitor developed vertical red lines. I could probably fix it myself, if I could find the parts that I need in the Philippines without visiting Manila, but I can't and I'm not going to Manila to look around. When you add the cost of parts along with labor (even if it's my own — time is money), it's just not worth it. I would be better off buying a new one and cannibalizing the dead one.

I use a desktop computer now and it suits me fine. I even bought a Logitech wireless keyboard and optical mouse set to replace the crappy ones that came with it. The keyboard is wide enough and the keys are large enough so that my fat fingers don't keep hitting the wrong keys. Nevertheless I need a netbook computer as both a backup computer and for remote PC access, wireless or otherwise.

I'm going to be doing a lot of research on netbook computers over the next two months. I want to find the best netbook for the price and I plan to have my wife buy it (with my money) before she leaves the US and returns to the Philippines.

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