What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook computer?

Answer 1

The answer depends on who makes it. Some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) call their mobile computers "laptops" and some call them "notebooks". The terms are often used interchangeably. Lately, a new breed of terms have been popping up. Terms like deskbooks and Tablet PC's.

Notebook Computer VS Laptop Computer

Laptop computers are somewhat larger than notebooks and will accommodate a built-in disk drive unit and; optionally, a floppy drive unit. That is, a CD ROM drive is either built into the unit or the unit has a built-in bay that will accommodate a removable CD ROM drive.

Notebook computers will allow you to attach, via cable, a CD ROM drive. Since the drive is not built into the unit, notebooks are smaller and lighter than laptops. Hence, a notebook is an ultra small laptop. Another way to look at it is a notebook is about the size (or a little larger than) of a real [binder] notebook.

Answer 2

They are currently used interchangeably.

Originally we had 'portable' computers. These might have weighed 20 lb, and been the size of a small suitcase, but they were portable - you could pick them up basically in one folded up piece and move them - a huge breakthrough!

Then they got smaller to the point that they could be used on your lap (conceivably) - thus the term 'laptop' computers.

As they got smaller still, they began to be called 'notebook' computers, emphasizing that their dimensions were not much bigger than a standard sized notebook.

Both are used fairly interchangeably, though a really large 17" is less likely to be called a 'notebook' and a 14" ultralight is less likely to be called a 'laptop'

Edit - I really liked Maam's distinction, though I don't think manufacturers use it consistently. A slightly larger unit that has an internal disk (nowadays likely DVD-RW) drive is quite useable on your lap. A notebook is smaller and lighter, but more likely to require peripheral drives etc, which means for some tasks they are simpler, others, more of a pain.

Answer 3

maximum folk use the words computer and laptop laptop interchangably. as quickly as that's no longer sitting on suitable of your table each and every transportable laptop without delay turns right into a computer or laptop in spite of its configuration. There are, even with the shown fact that, some very vast adjustments between computer and laptop computers. a in many situations occurring computer has here useful aspects: a million. Ultralight. much less weight is greater efficient. 2. 4 hours+ battery existence. 3. No inner floppy tension. 4. minimum photographs subsystem. 5. No inner DVD or CD device. 6. 12" - 14" TFT exhibit screen. 7. Low profile (skinny). 8. integrated modem and community connection. 9. Smallest available keyboard that keeps function. 10. Low potential intake Celeron or Centrino form processor. In essence a own laptop is designed to offer cellular computing that may not wreck your decrease back yet nonetheless supply all the potential the cellular purchasers demands for artwork and a few spare time activities. This portability many times comes at a value. the point of minituarization in contact comes at a fee and severe end notebooks can practice to be fairly high priced. a laptop is designed to take a seat down on your lap and you will subsequently assume it to be fairly super and loaded down with useful aspects and potential. the in many situations occurring laptop laptop could have some ,if no longer all, of here useful aspects: a million. 14" - 17" (widescreen) TFT exhibit screen. 2. Nvidia GeForce or ATI Radeon photographs subsystem. 3. inner DVD-ROM or DVD-RW tension 4. super finished featured keyboard. 5. 2 hour+ battery existence. 6. Upgradeable. 7. integrated modem, community and wireless purposes. 8. severe high quality combine audio and speaker device. 9. Low potential intake, severe overall performance Intel Centrino form processor.

Answer 4

hahahaha...its the same computer....earlier it was called a laptop...but some smart chap but his lap while using a laptop..then he sued the company and now they are called notebooks

Answer 5

its the same thing....its like your asking whats the diff between a flatron TV and a ordinary TV...only that a PC takes more physical space..while a laptop saves on physical space and its easy to carry around.

Answer 6

old =laptop new=notebook

Answer 7

They are basically the same. Different manufacturers call them different names.

Answer 8

Same thing, different name.