Netbook Vs. Laptop
Netbook and laptop have one very important thing in common - both help you stay connected. However, if you plan to go in for a portable computer, then you will have to assess your needs which will help you make the right choice. In recent times, the market for netbooks has increased manifold and they are often looked upon as the future replacement for regular laptop computers. Therefore, arises the netbook vs. laptop debate. Without any doubt, both netbooks and laptops have their own respective advantages and disadvantages. We will now see some points which will help you decide whether your needs are met by a netbook or if you should go for a standard laptop.
Netbook and Laptop Comparison
Although a netbook offers pretty much the same functionality as a laptop and is a smaller and cheaper package, there are some advantages of using a laptop due to which you may want to continue using the latter. Therefore, it is important, you know what to look for in a laptop as well as in a netbook.
Size
The first most prominent difference between a netbook and laptop is the size. The display of a netbook often ranges from 7 to 10 inches, whereas that of a laptop often starts with 14 inches. Hence, it is but natural that the netbook is smaller as well as lighter as compared to laptops. They are so portable that they can also be carried in a medium-sized purse of even a small backpack.
Operating and Processing
Laptops are inherently so designed that they can handle multi-tasking. Most of the latest models have minimum 2GB RAM and some of them can have a higher RAM as well. However, most of the netbooks come with 1GB RAM. Hence, working on a netbook, at times, can be considerably slow, especially, when you are using multiple programs running at the same time. At the same time, there are limitations on the computer operating system which run on a netbook. They are often limited to either Windows XP or Linux but this is not the case with laptops.
Resolution
The maximum resolution for most of the netbooks is 1024x600. If the resolution is lesser than this, then the user is not able to view the entire width of a lot of web pages at once. Therefore, the user has to scroll back and forth so that he is able to read a full line of text. However, the latest netbooks do come with a resolution of 1024x600 which has made the browsing experience a lot more comfortable.
Multimedia Display
Viewing videos or playing games on the netbooks is not a great idea. Most of the netbooks have only basic graphic capabilities and relatively low RAM. Hence, it is difficult to get a smooth, crisp picture, especially if there are other programs running at the same time. There are also limitations on the netbook's ability to edit pictures or do any sort of graphic designing.
Power
One area where the netbooks score over laptops hands down is in power consumption. The smaller size of the netbook has made them very power efficient. Therefore, a netbook can be used for about 5 to 6 hours without recharging at a stretch. This is 3 times longer than an average laptop battery.
Keyboard
It is the dimension of the keyboard which is a problem with most of the people. In case you have bigger hands, you will find it very difficult to type on a netbook, due to which you will take much more time correcting your typos than actually writing. Since the keys are smaller and are somewhat crammed on a smaller surface, it causes a hindrance for taking quick notes.
Optical Drives and Connectivity
Most of the netbooks do not come with optical disc drives due to which you will not be able to use CD's or DVD's on your machine. However, it scores in connectivity. All the netbooks do come with in-built Wi-Fi capabilities and an increasing number of them also have in-built Bluetooth technology. Due to this, they can be connected to wireless Internet for by tethering/synchronizing with a 3G mobile phone for Internet access while on the move.
Price
Coming to the last point in the debate, price may be the point of least consideration for some. Netbooks range anywhere between $200 to 500 whereas the cheapest laptops start at around $400.
It is the portability and power efficiency of netbooks which have endeared them to frequent long distance travelers. However, since most of the netbooks do not come with optical drives, some people may find that to be inconvenient. However, in the netbook vs. laptop debate, it is the user, who will have to decide what his needs are. A stringent evaluation will help you in making the right choice. I am sure you have started noting down your needs. Here's wishing you luck with your decision.
