What’s the Difference Between a Netbook and a Laptop?

Why, that's an excellent question. Thank you for asking. In case you're confused about all this laptop/notebook/netbook talk, let us help you to understand what separates netbooks from the pack and why anyone would want to buy one over the other.

Laptops
In case you've been living under a rock (or in a cave!) for the past 20 years, let's quickly explain what exactly a laptop is. The first laptops were actually around in the 1970s, but laptops as we know them today didn't become popular until the 1990s (and then exploded in popularity in the 2000's).

The primary purpose of a laptop is to provide all the functionality of a desktop computer in a compact, portable machine. Laptops today can handle very complex computing tasks, including running sophisticated applications that use heavy amounts of RAM (memory). Modern laptops also have built-in DVD drives for the reading and burning of DVD discs.

Netbooks
One of the most common uses of laptops today is to connect to and browse the internet. Since it doesn't make a ton of sense to pay for an expensive, powerful piece of equipment just to perform a simple task like web-browsing, the concept of the netbook was created.

Generally, netbooks are much smaller and lighter than laptops. Their primary function is to connect to the internet. Since all netbooks (like all modern laptops) are Wi-Fi enabled, they can connect to the internet anywhere there is a wireless signal. Thus, the most portable and convenient way to connect to the web while traveling or while laying in your bed is via a netbook.

Tasks like checking email, browsing websites, and simple media viewing (such as YouTube) are what the netbook is designed for. The majority of netbooks do not come equipped with CD/DVD drives, although some newer models have started incorporating them (and are starting to blur the lines between netbooks/laptops).

Cost is another big factor that often drives people to purchase a netbook over a new laptop. Because of their simple, streamlined construction, netbooks are usually much cheaper than laptops, with some new netbooks retailing for only $200 (or less, in some cases).

So What the Heck is a Notebook?
Well, now it gets even more complicated. Essentially, a notebook is more like a netbook than it is a laptop, because by definition a notebook doesn't have an internal floppy drive or CD/DVD drive. They are also generally smaller than laptops. However, a netbook is generally smaller than a notebook.

These two terms (netbook and notebook) are often used interchangeably, and as different manufacturers offer different features on different products, it becomes more complicated to attribute a concrete label to any of these machines.

Conclusion
A laptop is a more expensive, more resource intensive, application oriented portable computing device. A netbook is a small, durable, lightweight, cost-effective, ultra-portable way to connect to the internet either at home or on the go. A notebook is simply a term that was invented to confuse all of us and make our lives more difficult than they already are.

Hope this has been helpful!