What's the difference between a laptop and a notebook?

Question

Which one is better for a first time user and what brand should I purchase?

Answer 1

Both terms mean the same thing: a portable computer. Although many non-IT savvy folks will mistake a notebook for the pen & paper variant, but most people will know what a laptop is. Your buying decision really much depends on your needs as owning a laptop is as unique as the individual. Usually mobile users emphasize on light weight & long battery life while gamers prefer fast performance & a big screen just like a desktop replacement. And there are of couse people who like a balance of weight and decent screen size.

Such lightweight laptops usually cost more & may not feature a built-in optical drive but they last longer hours. Deskop replacements are powerhorses which can be extremely heavy; not recommended for frequent travel. And a balanced laptop is ideal for the casual user doing abit of everything.

Most brands perform admirably with the latest Core Duo/AMD Turion processors so what sets them apart will be their service quality & availability of parts. While many people will give you their individual experience of certain brands, ultimately its boils down to your confidence level which can be addressed by visiting laptop/IT shops & a hands-on feel will give you a more informed decision. Of course I believe the salesperson will be more than willing to answer any of your questions too.

Answer 2

Both are one and the same. It depends on the manufacture to name his article.