What is the difference between a netbook and a laptop. Autonomous operation and purpose. Why is a netbook often called a compact laptop?

Many users laptop computers There is no particular distinction between laptops and netbooks, noting only that the latter are much smaller in size.In order to understand, h It's different from the laptop from a netbook, you need to know that these devices have their own specific functions and purposes.

Main differences: - - - - -

To understand what to choose - laptop or netbook, you need to determine what you need the device for:

Working in an office is better than a laptop;
Home use is better than a laptop;
Frequent trips and business trips - better netbook.

Classic Lenovo laptop with a diagonal of 15.6" ()

Dimensions and weight (portability)

The difference in the size of these devices is obvious. The screen size of a standard laptop is 15.6 inches, and that of a netbook is from 7 to 9 (sometimes 11). This affects the size of the keyboard and the ease of viewing video files, editing texts and other tasks that require high resolution screen. In fact, this is the main difference between a netbook and a laptop, which determines the functionality of the devices. The small screen size allows you to make the device smaller and lighter, which directly affects portability.

An example of a laptop comparable in weight to a netbook

Technical characteristics (power)

This applies not only to the processor and memory size. The second most important difference between a laptop and a netbook is that the latter do not contain powerful processors (either CPU or GPU), so they consume less power, making them more compact. If laptops have hard disks, but netbooks are equipped SSD drives, which have much less memory, but at the same time they consume less power, are quieter and faster.

The laptop can be equipped with high-performance Intel processors CORE i7

Upgrades (changes in characteristics)

Unlike personal computers, the elements of which can even replace ordinary users without technical education, upgrade portable equipment only professionals can (replace processors, install random access memory and replacement hard drives, for example SSD). Another difference between a laptop and a netbook is the ability to expand functionality through the use of additional devices, connected to external ports laptop or netbook (printers, secondary monitors, TVs, mice and keyboards). In terms of these indicators, laptops win because they have a significantly larger number of ports (2-4 USB, HDMI, LAN, D-SUB, dual audio output and card reader).

Laptops are easier to upgrade and expand (for example HDD and RAM)

Software

The next difference between a laptop and netbooks is the operating system. You can install any OS on almost any laptop (for example, Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu). In the case of the second device, only shortened versions of the OS are acceptable - Netbook Edition or Linux. also in Lately MeeGo can be considered a common OS for netbooks.

Netbook DNS with MeeGo OS installed

Cost of devices

Of course, there is a difference in price (a very serious difference). Thus, netbooks are much cheaper than laptops, although recently the price of this technology has been increasingly influenced by such factors as OS, design and versatility, which subsequently changes the places of these devices. But This is not a pattern, but most likely an exception to the rule, and it’s up to you and only you to decide what to choose, a laptop or a netbook.

The cost can reach up to 3000 USD or more (exclusive models)

An example comparison of a netbook and an ASUS laptop (differences)

Characteristics	Laptop	Netbook
Dimensions	40302	30202
Weight	1.5 - 3.5 kg	1 - 2 kg
Screen	13" - 19"	9" - 11"
Processors	Productive	Budget
RAM	2-8 GB	1-2 GB
HDD	250 - 2000 GB	50-500 GB
Hybrid SSDs	Yes	No
Optical disks	Yes	No
Ports	Over and above	Limited
Price	300 - 3000 USD	200 - 1000 USD
Keyboard	Full	Stripped down

conclusions

You need to take into account the differences in order to accurately determine the technology that you really need. If you use the Internet frequently and prefer to have it at hand to read books, look at photos, or work with office applications, then it’s better to buy a compact netbook (fortunately, now you know how it differs). However, for image or video processing, various computer games and other applications are more convenient to use on a laptop. Some users allow themselves to acquire both this and this device, although this also has its drawbacks regarding their transportation. If you use equipment for its intended purpose, you can significantly simplify your work or leisure conditions.

A little more than 40 years have passed since the appearance of the first portable computer. During this time this technique has entered our lives very tightly, and the potential buyer’s eyes are simply dazzled by the numerous modifications and brands of various mobile devices. Laptop, netbook, ultrabook - what to choose? Let's try to answer this question by comparing two types of modern portable computers - a laptop and an ultrabook.

Throughout the entire existence of portable computers, there has been a struggle between two trends among the developers of this technology. On the one hand, there is a desire to bring as close as possible laptop on hardware and capabilities for a desktop PC. It is opposed by the desire to achieve the greatest possible mobility of a portable device, even if its capabilities are not so wide. This confrontation led to the appearance on the market, along with classic laptops, portable devices such as ultrabooks. Let's take a closer look at the differences between them.

Difference 1: Form Factor

When comparing the form factor of a laptop and an ultrabook, you first need to focus on parameters such as size, thickness and weight. The desire to maximize the power and capabilities of laptops has led to the fact that they began to acquire increasingly impressive sizes. Models have appeared with a screen diagonal of 17 inches and larger. Accordingly, placement hard drive, drive for reading optical disks, batteries, as well as interfaces for connecting other devices, requires a lot of space and also affects the size and weight of the laptop. On average, the thickness is most popular models laptops are 4 cm, and the weight of some of them can exceed 5 kg.

When considering the ultrabook form factor, it is necessary to pay a little attention to the background of its origin. It all started in 2008 Apple company released its ultra-thin laptop computer MacBook Air, which caused a lot of noise among specialists and the general public. Their main competitor in the market, Intel, tasked its developers to create a worthy alternative this model. At the same time, standards for such equipment were defined:

Weight - less than 3 kg;
Screen diagonal – no more than 13.5 inches;
Thickness: Less than 1 inch.

Intel also registered trademark for such products - an ultrabook.

Thus, an ultrabook is an ultra-thin laptop from Intel. In its form factor, everything is aimed at achieving maximum compactness, but at the same time remaining a fairly powerful and user-friendly device. Accordingly, its weight and size compared to a laptop are significantly lower. Visually it looks like this:

For currently produced models, the screen diagonal can range from 11 to 14 inches, and the thickness on average does not exceed 2 centimeters. The weight of ultrabooks usually fluctuates around one and a half kilograms.

Difference 2: Hardware

Differences in the concept of devices determine the difference in hardware between a laptop and an ultrabook. To achieve the device parameters specified by the company, the developers had to solve the following problems:

The list of hardware differences doesn't end there. Ultrabooks lack a CD drive, an Ethernet controller, and some other interfaces. The number of USB ports has been reduced. There may be only one or two.

For a laptop this set is much richer.

When buying an ultrabook, you must also keep in mind that in addition to the battery, very often there is no provision for replacing the processor and RAM. So in many ways this is a one-time device.

Difference 3: Price

Due to the differences listed above, laptops and ultrabooks belong to different price categories. Comparing Hardware devices, we can conclude that the Ultrabook should be more accessible to the general user. However, in reality everything is completely different. Laptops cost on average half as much. This is due to the following factors:

The use of SSD drives in ultrabooks, which are much more expensive than regular ones HDD;
The ultrabook case is made of high-strength aluminum, which also affects the price;
Using more expensive cooling technologies.

An important component of the price is the image factor. A more stylish and elegant ultrabook can harmoniously complement the image of a modern business person.

To summarize, we can conclude that modern laptops are increasingly replacing desktop PCs. Even products called desktops have appeared, which are practically not used as portable devices. Ultrabooks are increasingly occupying this niche. These differences do not mean that one type of device is preferable to another. Which one is more suitable for the consumer must be decided by each buyer individually, based on their needs.

Choosing new laptop, we involuntarily pay attention to netbooks, because they are quite similar to each other (both appearance, and according to the main characteristics). However, not everyone knows how they differ, so in this article we decided to look at the main differences between these two devices. We will also try to conclude which is better – a netbook or a laptop.

9 differences between a netbook and a laptop

First priority. The main difference between a netbook and a laptop is its purpose. The netbook was designed primarily for mobile use this type of computer. Yes, the laptop can also be used in transport or in a cafe, but it is quite bulky and cannot be said to be very convenient for these purposes. Also, a laptop is intended to completely replace a personal computer, but a netbook is not, it is, as it were, its addition. Therefore, consider why you are buying this device.

Device size (dimensions, screen, keyboard, weight, etc.). We think that it is obvious to everyone that the main visual difference is, of course, the size. Netbooks are often much smaller in size. Their screen reaches only 10 inches (in rare cases 12), but laptops easily reach 18 inches in size, that is, the screen is actually equal to the diagonal full-fledged monitor. The keyboard on laptops is almost identical to a regular one, so using it is quite familiar and convenient, but a small keyboard on a netbook is a very complex element (the keys are very small and located too close), so typing will be quite unusual and even rather uncomfortable. In terms of weight, the netbook naturally wins, since it is very light and does not take up much space (it easily fits into a small bag).

Hard drive size. As for technical differences, then the first thing to name is the hard drive, namely its size. On a laptop it can reach almost 4 terabytes, while on a netbook it is difficult to find a device even with 700 gigabytes. Big hard The disc is needed mainly by those who watch a lot of movies, TV series, download big number games and holds entire discographies of famous performers. Otherwise (for work or study), a small hard drive (up to 200 gigabytes) will be enough.

Processor power. Netbooks, as a rule, do not have powerful processors installed; with them you will not be able to perform extremely complex tasks quickly and every day, since you will simply be tormented by the fact that, thereby irritating you and slowing down your work. But on laptops you can even find models that have processors that can fight back against many full-fledged PCs.

Video card. If you are purchasing a computer primarily for gaming, then we hasten to inform you that netbooks have a very low quality graphics controller (compared to those installed on modern laptops). The game, of course, can be launched, but the graphics and speed will not please you much. Therefore, if the video card and games play an important role for you in using the device, then you should pay attention to gaming laptops , they are quite expensive, but they can sincerely satisfy the desire of a real gamer.

RAM size. Again, on netbooks RAM (random access memory) can be found mainly with 1-2 gigabytes, the maximum figure reaches 4 gigabytes (in principle, more than enough for work, taking into account other characteristics of the device). However, if you want to get the most out of the system and the device as a whole, then you can’t do without a laptop; it has RAM up to 32 gigabytes!

Working hours. Another difference between a netbook and a laptop is the operating time or battery power in the device. Basically, laptops work up to 2-3 hours autonomously, and netbooks can easily work up to 5-6 hours, and the price tag for such a model will not be too high. Laptops can also last a long time without recharging, but they will cost almost ten times more.

Optical drive. One more a clear difference netbook, which you will probably notice right away - it does not have optical drive, that is, it cannot write or even read CDs and DVDs. For many, this inconvenience seems like a catastrophic factor when choosing, but we would not recommend reacting this way; today everyone has already switched to external ones, where you can store everything necessary information. A ! If you also cannot do without an optical drive, then there is only one option for you -.

Device price. The significant difference between the devices is, of course, the price range. A netbook can be purchased for between $300 and $700. But the cost of a laptop starts from $400 and ends at $7,000! Accordingly, if your goal is to save as much as possible more money, then it is better to buy a netbook, and if it cannot cope with the assigned tasks, then all that remains is to buy a laptop.

Stripped down operating system. Due to the fact that netbooks often have much weaker technical specifications, operating systems are installed not full-fledged, but stripped-down. They are also called Netbook Edition. The most correct way would be to install OS Linux on a netbook ( Ubuntu distribution or Mint), they are more suitable for working with such devices. However, if you wish, you can also install an operating system, but the speed of operation will not be exactly what you would like to see on your computer. In laptops, of course, there are no such problems; you can install almost any desired system, and it will work at the proper level.

What is better: a netbook or a laptop?

Here we come to decisive issue... To be honest, site specialists on the side of full-fledged laptops, because, despite the price, you really get what you want. In the case of a netbook, you can constantly feel discomfort from the lack of one or another opportunity or potential, which over time will significantly strain you emotionally (you will begin to regret the purchase). Laptops also come in fairly small sizes, both in terms of screen size and weight. Therefore, although there is a difference, it can be overcome.

A netbook has only one obvious advantage that can distinguish it favorably from a laptop - enough low price . This attracts tens of thousands of buyers, so there is still a demand for them. After all, even tablet computers(of a normal brand and quality) are noticeably more expensive, but here you can get a computer with big amount opportunities literally “for pennies”.

Also, the laptop may be suitable for those who are on the road (transport or public place) you need to constantly have access to basic capabilities computer, but the owner of such a device must remember that a netbook can easily be forgotten somewhere. It turns out that for such people there is no point in buying an expensive laptop or tablet.

What is better for you, a netbook or a laptop? Leave your answers in the comments below!

For those wishing to purchase a work computer, one of the most serious questions is the following: what is the difference between a laptop and an ultrabook? These devices serve to perform the same tasks and have many similarities. Moreover, there are many more of them than differences. But they are the ones that play a decisive role when choosing a specific device.

Before you make a choice specific computer, it’s worth understanding all the differences and deciding on the tasks that the PC will perform. Only after this can you go to the store to buy. Not understanding the difference can cause you to waste money.

What is the difference between an ultrabook and a laptop: what is the main difference?

The differences between an ultrabook and a laptop are not only external, but also internal. The most significant ones include the following:

size, weight;
hardware “filling”;
accumulator battery;
price.

Size

The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the two side by side standing devices– their size. With the same screen diagonal, an ultrabook is always much thinner. Accordingly, its weight is several times less. At the same time, in terms of its performance characteristics, it does not lag behind its larger brother. Typically, the thickness of an ultrabook does not exceed 1.5 cm, while the weight is less than 1.5 kg.

In turn, a laptop is almost never thinner than 2.5 cm. The minimum weight of the most compact and ergonomic models is more than 2-2.5 kg. Relatively recently, ultrabooks were not supplied large screens. The diagonal rarely exceeded 14 inches. But nowadays there are models equipped with a screen of 17 inches or more.

Hardware "stuffing"

Special attention should be paid to the material of the case. More than 90% of all are made of ordinary plastic. At the same time, the construction of their thin-bodied relatives uses aluminum and other functional materials.

Regarding the internal filling and performance, everything is not so simple. Due to the specific nature of the ultrabook case, it is simply impossible to install a fully functional cooling system in it. Accordingly, the installation of powerful processors is not carried out. Special chips are used that emit a minimal amount of heat. Overlap certain restrictions for performance. The situation is similar with the video card.

Accumulator battery

The battery installed in ultrabooks is usually less capacious than that of a laptop. But at the same time, the power of consumers is several times lower in an ultrabook. Because relatively at this moment a certain parity has been established between the two devices.

Price

Price is the most significant difference between the two devices mentioned above. If you compare it for devices with the same parameters, then it will differ twice. That is why, before choosing an ultrabook, you should make sure that you need to buy it.

Pros, cons and which is better to choose: laptop or ultrabook

We found out what the differences are between a laptop and an ultrabook - as it turned out, it was not difficult. It is much more difficult to make a choice in favor of a certain type of device if you need to purchase a personal computer.

	Ultrabook	Laptop
pros	The advantages of an ultrabook include the following: compactness, ease of transportation; stylish design; structural strength.	Regular laptops have the following advantages: performance; Availability large quantity input/output ports; low cost.
Minuses	There are also quite significant disadvantages: relatively low productivity; high price.	Significant disadvantages: relatively heavy weight; thickness.
Conclusion	Taking into account all the features listed above, it is worth purchasing equipment of this type for those for whom dimensions and weight play an important role. These are travelers, businessmen, students - everyone who constantly needs a PC. It’s quite difficult to constantly carry 3-4 extra kg with you. An ultrabook is practically weightless compared to a laptop. But it is important to remember that all such computers are equipped with discrete video cards. Their performance is limited.	This technique is perfect for those who dimensions PCs do not play any role, but a powerful computing component is important. Even relatively low cost Laptops, for the most part, outperform ultrabooks from the mid-price category. Taking into account all the pros and cons of larger portable PCs, we can conclude that purchasing such equipment will optimal solution for designers, planners and other persons using professional programs. For example, AutoCAD or Photoshop require multi-core processor, and discrete video card. Ultrabooks, for the most part, simply will not allow you to solve problems in these software environments.

The choice in favor of a specific computer format should be made primarily based on your financial opportunities and specifics of work. Laptops and ultrabooks have their advantages, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with them all first. This will allow you to make the best possible purchase.

Conclusion

Choosing a computer for work or other purposes is a responsible matter. Since the cost of such equipment is growing every day. Therefore, it is necessary to approach solving this problem as responsibly as possible. The laptop is larger, but less productive. In turn, the ultrabook has a very compact size. It is easy to transport and comes with a more stylish body. But you should remember about its high cost.

The market is filled with a large number of the most different models techniques of this type. It is worth carefully familiarizing yourself with all possible modifications and features of laptops and ultrabooks. And only after that purchase a specific model.

When the user wants to purchase portable version computer, you have a choice: laptop or netbook. If a person understands, it will not be difficult for him to determine which gadget he needs. It is much worse when the buyer simply does not see the difference between the two devices. Then there is a danger of buying something that is not what you wanted. To prevent this situation from happening to you, we suggest you understand in detail how a netbook differs from a laptop.

Then you will definitely be able to answer the question which of these two devices will be the most optimal for you.

Compact and portable

We will start our comparison with the most standard and obvious – the compactness of the device. This is precisely the category in which the most a big difference. The fact is that a standard laptop has a screen size of 15.6 inches.

It’s no wonder that the size of the laptop depends on the diagonal of the display. At the same time, there are laptops with screens that are much larger diagonally. Some models reach up to 20 inches, but these are devices exclusively for home use.

With such dimensions, a laptop practically loses its advantages in portability over a personal computer.

As for netbooks, they are also different. The standard screen diagonal for them is 7-9 inches. True, models with 11-inch screens are more popular.

This makes them much more compact and portable devices, but also significantly affects the convenience of watching videos, writing texts and a host of other tasks that require a more or less adequate screen size. As you might guess, it has a very negative effect.

This is the main difference between laptops and netbooks. The difference in size makes a laptop a priority in one situation and a netbook in another.

It is also obvious that with such a difference in size, a netbook is much easier to transport from place to place. So, if your main requirement for a device is mobility, we advise you to take a closer look at this category of devices.

Specifications

Of course, size is important. But still, the more priority parameter is the power of the device. Of course, you can just read the description individual models and compare them, but we will try to talk about the difference between the characteristics of laptops and netbooks in general.

Let's start with processor power. To begin with, it’s worth mentioning right away that portable devices are created with an emphasis on autonomous operation, so you should not expect the same performance from a laptop or netbook as from a desktop computer.

But there are also powerful gaming laptops on the market that come with strong processors. Netbooks are focused on compact size, so they are created using the weakest models of central processors.

True, there are some really powerful compact laptops, but they will cost much more than laptops with the same characteristics.

As for the video card, emphasis is never placed on it when creating a netbook. Modern demanding games or programs for working with graphics on such a device will not be possible to run in principle. Even the most expensive copies are not suitable for gaming!

Netbooks also have much less memory. But here the situation is not so critical. Portable devices can be equipped with SSD drives with a memory reserve of up to 700 GB.

Of course, in laptops this figure is much higher, but this volume is enough for full-fledged work. Plus, it's not that hard to find a laptop and a netbook with the same amount of memory that won't be too different in price.

Moreover, a full-fledged laptop will most likely cost even a large amount. RAM, in most cases, is not impressive in both categories. Laptops, as a rule, contain 4-8 GB of memory and netbooks are almost catching up with them in this regard.

An important role is also played by the ability to improve specifications devices. It's not that simple. It seems like the technology for upgrading a laptop should not be much different from improving netbooks, but in reality everything is more complicated.

If we're talking about about inpatient personal computer, then there’s not even advanced user can replace any part in system unit or paste additional bar random access memory. But upgrading portable devices is not so easy.

Therefore, users enhance the capabilities of the laptop by connecting external devices. And while laptops usually have enough ports for connection, netbooks have problems with this.

Small devices do not have many interfaces, which means the ability to connect external equipment or replace memory/RAM is limited.

Keyboard

Earlier we already talked about the display diagonal and the dimensions of the device. But the convenience of watching videos is not the only way a netbook differs from a laptop due to its reduced size.

There is one more very important difference, which is especially worth paying attention to for those who work with texts or simply often face the need to type.

We are talking about the size of the keyboard and its comfort. Standard laptop usually equipped with a large and functional keyboard, which is practically no different from the peripherals for a desktop computer. And gaming laptops with large screens are also equipped with additional keys for games.

Things are much worse with netbook keyboards. There is simply not enough space to accommodate all the keys. Therefore, they usually lack many hotkeys that make working with the device easier.

In addition, the keys on the netbook keyboard are small, and there is practically no distance between them. Because of this, typing convenience and typing speed significantly decrease.

In addition, such a keyboard quickly tires your hands, and it’s easier to make unnecessary mistakes in the text. So, if you are an office worker or just type frequently, a netbook is not your choice.

Software

As we have already figured out, netbooks are significantly less productive than laptops. Because of this, a very large amount of different software is not supported by them.

Manufacturers usually default to similar devices operating room Linux system, not Windows. This is a necessary measure, since Linux weighs much less and, most importantly, is optimized for working with weak devices.

So this solution can improve the performance of the device and ensure its smooth operation.

But this does not mean that you cannot install any other software basis except Linux. Other versions are also used operating systems, but, as a rule, these are stripped-down variations that are adapted to work with weak devices.

Most operating systems for compact laptops suffer from one significant drawback - they are quite difficult to learn. But you can live with this.

Another thing is that very little software has been developed for them, which already significantly reduces the level of capabilities of the device. And if you try to install a program for full version system, it will not work.

There is no such problem with laptops. They work quite well with any software, intended for personal computers.

Of course, laptops are also inferior in power to stationary options, but here everything depends on the model. So, you don’t have to worry about incompatibility with various software.

Price

And now we come to the second reason for buying a netbook after compactness. The fact is that price policy in relation to full-fledged and small laptops is very different.

Even budget versions of large laptops often sell for more than solid mid-range netbooks. So compact versions are often chosen for the sake of economy.

But this makes sense if we are talking about average or budget models. If you want to buy a really powerful netbook, it will cost much more than a full-fledged laptop.

This applies to models with powerful processors, which were discussed a little earlier. But if you need an aggregate to perform simple tasks, why overpay?

Conclusion: which is better?

It is impossible to answer the question unambiguously. For some purposes better laptop, and for others a netbook. It all depends on what requirements you put forward for the device.

If you need to work fully in one place, watch movies comfortably, play games or type a lot and quickly, a laptop is definitely better. This is a device for full-fledged work, and not a compromise option.

Of course it's not desktop computer, but it is enough to satisfy the needs of the average user.

A netbook is more of a stripped-down version of a laptop. It costs much less and has smaller dimensions. This device is great for traveling and for people who prefer mobility.

If you need to always have it at hand computer device For performing the simplest tasks, a netbook is perfect.

To summarize, we can say that a laptop and a netbook are not interchangeable things. Each device has its own purpose, so you shouldn’t buy one instead of the other.