Laptop: A portable computer small enough to use on one's lap.
Notebook: A light, portable computer that is generally thinner than a laptop.
Even according to Webopedia, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers, though technically laptops are somewhat smaller in size than notebooks.
Source: Notebook Computer | Laptop Computer
Find this article at: http://labnol.blogspot.com/2005/11/difference-between-laptop-and-notebook.html
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Nice informative blog dude....Can you please tell me how can i add one more side bar (right) on my blog.
Written on 28/11/05 9:29 PM
though technically laptops are somewhat smaller in size than notebooks. ---what does this mean>?
Do you want to say it otherway around?
Written on 3/3/07 8:09 PM
Laptop is any portable computer that can be put on your lap, whereas notebook is any portable computer that can be very portable having battery as the source of power.
- George
gvp413@gmail.com
Written on 11/5/07 5:39 AM
You're missing the important stuff. Notebooks are lighter, better battery life, usually smaller screens and keyboard. But laptops have all the cool stuff like much better graphics card. Internal DVD+RW drive, where notebooks usually don't. Laptops have everything that a PC does, where a notebook could be missing some stuff, depends on the notebook.
Written on 15/8/07 2:11 AM
The term "laptop" was first introduced in the 80's, when portable computers were small enough to use atop a person's lap. As technology advanced these portables got smaller, to about the size of a notebook, hence the term "notebook PC". Both "laptops" and "notebook PCs" are variations of "portable PCs". Even a "pocket PC" is a variation of a "portable PC". It is all about marketing them and not strictly about the contents. I have seen notebook PCs with more features than desktops, so the perception of the name associated with amenities is immediately dismissed. It is no different than how we refer to our PCs today: in the early days they were actually called "microcomputer", today, they are called "PCs", short for "personal computer". Give it another decade or so and watch a new terminology emerge.
Written on 5/10/07 1:11 AM
Thank you! The last 'anonymous' blog was quite clear. I wondered if amenities were the defining detemination for the nomenclature. I have been hesitant to purchase when the item is called a 'notebook'. So now I know 'notebook' is not a 'bad' word.
Thanks again.
George
Written on 19/10/07 1:06 AM