Laptop vs. Netbook — What's the Difference?

A laptop, laptop computer, or notebook computer is a small, portable personal computer (PC) with a screen and alphanumeric keyboard. These typically have a "clamshell" form factor, typically having the screen mounted on the inside of the upper lid and the keyboard on the inside of the lower lid, although 2-in-1 PCs with a detachable keyboard are often marketed as laptops or as having a "laptop mode." Laptops are folded shut for transportation, and thus are suitable for mobile use.

The marketing term netbook once identified small and inexpensive laptops; these were generally low-performance. While the name has fallen out of use, machines matching their description remain an important part of the market for laptops running Microsoft Windows.

A portable computer with a display screen hinged to a keyboard, small enough to use on one's lap.

A portable computer that is smaller than a laptop, with less processing speed and less memory, used primarily for accessing the internet.

(computing) A laptop computer.

(computing) An economical notebook computer.

A portable computer small enough to use in your lap