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Notebook vs. Netbook — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 30, 2024
A notebook is a portable computer designed for general use, typically larger and more powerful than a netbook, which is smaller, less expensive, and optimized for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing.
Notebook vs. Netbook — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Notebook and Netbook

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Key Differences

Notebooks are designed to be portable yet powerful enough to handle a wide range of computing tasks, from word processing to gaming. They have larger screens, more storage capacity, and faster processors. Netbooks, on the other hand, are smaller, less expensive, and have less powerful hardware, making them suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and simple document editing.
While notebooks often come with a variety of ports and connectivity options, including USB ports, HDMI outputs, and sometimes even DVD drives, netbooks are more likely to sacrifice these features for compactness and portability. This makes notebooks more versatile for different types of work and entertainment.
On the battery life front, netbooks typically offer longer battery life than notebooks due to their less power-intensive components. This makes netbooks a better option for those who need a device primarily for on-the-go use without frequent access to power outlets.
Regarding display, notebooks usually boast larger and higher-quality screens, which provide a better viewing experience for movies, games, and productivity tasks. Netbooks have smaller screens, which, while contributing to their portability, can make extended viewing or multitasking more challenging.
In terms of storage, notebooks are often equipped with larger hard drives or solid-state drives, offering more space for applications, documents, and media. Netbooks, while sometimes offering solid-state drives, generally provide less storage space, which may necessitate additional external storage solutions for some users.
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Comparison Chart

Size

Larger, more versatile for various tasks
Smaller, highly portable

Performance

Higher performance for complex tasks
Optimized for basic tasks

Battery Life

Moderate, depending on usage
Longer, due to less power-intensive hardware

Display

Larger screens, higher quality
Smaller screens, lower resolution

Storage

More storage space
Less storage, may need external solutions

Compare with Definitions

Notebook

Offers a variety of connectivity options.
His notebook connects to both HDMI monitors and legacy USB devices.

Netbook

Optimized for simple tasks like web surfing and word processing.
Her netbook is perfect for writing papers on the go.

Notebook

A portable computer designed for general tasks.
I use my notebook for both work and gaming.

Netbook

Sacrifices power and connectivity for portability.
The netbook has fewer ports, but it's easier to carry.

Notebook

Larger than a netbook with more powerful hardware.
Her notebook handles video editing smoothly.

Netbook

A small, lightweight, and inexpensive laptop.
He bought a netbook for basic web browsing.

Notebook

Typically has a larger and higher-quality display.
The notebook's display is ideal for graphic design.

Netbook

Longer battery life than notebooks.
His netbook lasts all day on a single charge.

Notebook

More storage space for applications and files.
With her notebook, she stores all her project files locally.

Netbook

Less storage space, often requires cloud or external storage.
She uses cloud storage to supplement her netbook's space.

Notebook

A book of blank pages for notes.

Netbook

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.

Notebook

A light, portable computer that is generally thinner than a laptop.

Netbook

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

Notebook

A book in which notes or memoranda are written.

Netbook

(computing) An economical notebook computer.

Notebook

A kind of user interface in literate programming, allowing calculations to be interspersed with human-readable comments, diagrams, etc.

Notebook

Ellipsis of notebook computer

Notebook

A book in which notes or memorandums are written.

Notebook

A book in which notes of hand are registered.

Notebook

A book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda

Notebook

A small compact portable computer

Common Curiosities

What's the main difference between a notebook and a netbook?

The main difference is size and power; notebooks are larger and more powerful, while netbooks are smaller, less expensive, and optimized for basic tasks.

Are notebooks suitable for professional video editing?

Yes, many notebooks are powerful enough to handle professional video editing tasks.

Can I play high-end games on a netbook?

No, netbooks are not designed for high-end gaming due to their less powerful hardware.

Is a netbook a good choice for a student?

Yes, if the student's primary needs are note-taking, internet access, and document editing, a netbook can be a good, budget-friendly choice.

Are netbooks still popular?

While their popularity has waned with the rise of tablets and more powerful yet light laptops, netbooks still have a niche market.

What's the typical screen size for notebooks and netbooks?

Notebooks typically range from 13 to 17 inches, while netbooks are usually 10 to 12 inches.

How does the battery life compare between the two?

Netbooks generally offer longer battery life than notebooks due to their less power-intensive components.

Do notebooks come with optical drives?

Some do, but it's becoming less common as digital downloads become more prevalent.

Can I connect a netbook to an external monitor?

Yes, many netbooks have ports that allow them to connect to external monitors.

Is a notebook or netbook better for travel?

For lightweight travel and basic tasks, a netbook might be better due to its compact size and longer battery life.

Can I upgrade the hardware in a notebook or netbook?

Notebooks are more likely to allow for some upgrades, such as increased RAM or storage, while netbooks are less likely due to their compact design.

Can netbooks run Windows or macOS?

Netbooks can run Windows, but macOS is exclusive to Apple's hardware, which does not include a netbook format.

Can I use a netbook for online classes?

Yes, a netbook can be suitable for online classes, especially if the coursework primarily involves web-based research, document creation, and video conferencing.

Are notebooks more expensive than netbooks?

Generally, yes, due to their larger size and more powerful hardware.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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