Copyright (c) 2009 Titus Hoskins

Lately, one question that keeps constantly popping up with laptop buyers - what is the difference between netbooks and laptops? If you’re buying the latest mobile computer, should you go with a netbook or laptop? What are the major differences and which one should you buy?

First, you have to realize the category of “netbook” is a fairly new one. Asustek launched the netbook category when it released its first Eee PC in the fall of 2007. Nebooks have proven so popular with consumers it is now the fastest growing laptop segment.

Netbooks are small in size, usually with screens of 10 inches, but some displays can be slightly smaller or larger. Netbooks will usually run Windows XP or Linux and sell for well under $500. Most have the smaller Intel Atom processor and at least one GB of RAM.

Netbooks usually have multiple USB ports, wireless Internet, Ethernet, webcam, vga port for an external larger monitor, microphone and headphone jacks, card readers and most now come with 160 GB hard drive, but older models will have 30 to 60 GB ones. Expect longer battery life with a netbook and nine hours is not that uncommon.

Sounds like a regular laptop, doesn’t it?

Well, not exactly, because the main difference besides the smaller size, is the lower processing power you will find in a netbook. Most have the smaller Intel Atom processor so expect less performance, especially when you consider most netbooks have much less RAM than a regular laptop. In addition, most netbooks don’t have an optical drive (cd/dvd player), although some newer models do have this feature. The keyboard will usually be smaller so if you have large hands, look for a model with normal sized keys.

Why have Netbooks become so popular?

The main reason could be our constant quest for a handy portable device to go along with our hectic fast-paced well-connected lifestyles. Many people want something larger than a smart phone or PDA to connect with family and friends at all times. For students, a netbook is ideal because of its small size and portability. For travelers, vacationers, hikers, sailors… a netbook can be a very convenient device to bring along to stay connected with the outside world.

The other major reason is Price!

Netbooks are a lot cheaper than laptops, at least for the moment this statement is true. Since regular laptop prices are constantly decreasing, this price difference has grown a lot smaller in recent years. But for the most part, netbooks will be cheaper to buy then laptops.

Should you buy a netbook or laptop?

This question will largely depend upon what tasks you want your new device to perform. If you have computer tasks which require high performance or you want to store large amounts of data, then go with a laptop or PC. If you have tasks which require a large viewing area (display) then go with a laptop; those third quarter company spreadsheets will be very hard to read on a netbook.

However, if you want a small portable device to stay connected with friends and family while you’re traveling or just out around town, then go with a netbook. If you’re a student and want a small compact device for the classroom, then go with a netbook.

Now, to confuse things somewhat, any prudent buyer must be aware that you can have all of the features of a netbook in many ultra-portable laptops currently on the market. For example, you can buy a Sony VAIO 11.1 Inch Laptop with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive and a Blu-ray Drive. The main difference is price, expect to pay well over two grand for the Sony.

Again, which device you buy will largely depend upon your own computer needs and your budget. A cheap, yet sturdy netbook, may be all you need to get the job done, why waste money by buying features you don’t need and will never use? However, if you require high performance in a small package, then a more powerful ultra-portable laptop may fit the bill in more ways than one. It’s your call?